Group interviews

[Cmvramirez]

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My first interview is for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (PsyD) next week and feel very nervous because I am not certain what to expect! I am namely nervous about the group interview because I have never experienced one before. Can someone walk me through what one is like? Any tips? Thanks, I appreciate it! 🙂

Carmen

 

[ksskateboard]

I had a group interview a little less then two weeks ago, albeit for a PhD program, but I'm sure it would be similar. I was pretty stressed about it as well at the time since I had no information on it and all of my grad advisers had never even heard of it, but when I went in it really wasn't that bad. The interviewer basically asked us all questions, and then tied them in and how each others interests could relate to our own interests. But the whole interview day was pretty laid back, so I'm just speaking about that program I interviewed with and you might have a completely different experience somewhere else. Goodluck!😎

 

[CDub2008]

Well, from what I can tell, they seem to vary from program to program and even from interviewer to interviewer within the same program. I had a group interview which took the form of 'guided discussion' where we talked about our individual reasons for pursuing a clinical doctorate in psych as well as our individual strengths that we could use to help us to excel in this career. It was definitely harder than the individual interview (in my opinion) but not too bad.

 

[psychmama]

Hi. I thought it might be worth knowing that group interviews can take different forms. At my school, the "interview" is more like a group cooperative exercise. I've also been to the kind where it's more like a bunch of questions, but in a group format.

Anyway, if you get an interview that's more like the cooperative exercise, be aware that you'll probably be judged a lot on how well you work with others. You'll want to be involved and contribute without coming across as a lone wolf or show-stealer. This can be tricky, especially when all the applicants are nervous, and eager to make a good impression.

Good luck.

 

[JSNYC]

It is definitely true that group interviews are different at each school. I recently had a group interview for a PsyD program and it was very relaxed. We just introduced ourselves, said what our research interests were, and then were given time to ask our own questions about the program. I'm sure not all are as easy as that but it was a big relief to me!

 

[CheetahGirl]

I went through the application process several years ago, but I'm sure the dynamics of the group interview haven't changed all that much. Basically, there are about 3 or 4 interviewees who are asked the same questions: tell us a little bit about yourself and why you want to be a psychologist, why did you chose University of Hawaii, etc. Then, the interviewers (usually two faculty members) tailor their questions to your responses (ex: you mentioned you're interested in PTSD, can you tell us why?). Most group interviews are similar, except if you're interviewing at a purely psychodynamic school, like Adelphi...then, you'll have to experience that one for yourself - like psychmama said, the interviewers see how well you interact with others.

Several tips: try to enter the room after someone else, so you are not sitting on either end of the group and do not have to be chosen first...gives you more time to think through your response (unless you don't mind), do not be long-winded or too brief, and try your best to reference the other interviewee's points by name when appropriate (i.e. "like Skippy, I also became interested in psychology as undergrad...") b/c it shows that you're listening and relating, which is important as a therapist. Also, make sure you have several good questions, in case one of your fellow interviewees asks one of yours. Your goal is to make the most favorable impression out of your group, but that may not always be possible (i.e. you could be interviewing with someone who wants to be a psychologist b/c he immigrated from a war-torn country and sees the value of supportive therapy or someone who's father was fireman and she saw his job-related stress firsthand), but you can try b/c everyone's situation is unique. Just do the best you can relative to your abilities. Good Luck!

 

[Cmvramirez]

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate all of your suggestions! I guess I just need to prep, smile, & not be a suck up. haha Keep the suggestions coming, I can't be too prepared! 🙂