How Different is the Psy.D interview from the PhD

[PsychApplicant]

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I'm having my interview on Monday but I have only read about Ph.D interviews. I would like to know if there is a difference. Also I'm applying to the same school I did the last two years of my Bachelors in...Is that bad?

 

[psykate09]

I'm having my interview on Monday but I have only read about Ph.D interviews. I would like to know if there is a difference. Also I'm applying to the same school I did the last two years of my Bachelors in...Is that bad?

I've been on interviews at PsyDs and PhDs so far. Mainly, at the PsyD interview, I was asked alot more therapeutically based questions, like theoretical orientation, previous clinical experiences etc. I was even asked to detail whether I thought drugs or therapy was better (I said a combination). The PsyD I interviewed at was a generalist model. My host the night before told me not to have too narrow of interests which is the exact opposite of what PhD programs want.

 

[PsychApplicant]

Ok.. so I'm very interested in Multicultural Psychology and Cross cultural psychotherapy.. should I let that clear or just mention it as a possibility... Do you get asked many questions about psych knowledge? I know you are not supposed to say things like "I want to help people" and I know like the basic recommendations.. but I'm still pretty nervous.. so I should not just focus on the fact that I like multicultural psychology right? Can you give me an example of not too narrow interests?

 

[psykate09]

Ok.. so I'm very interested in Multicultural Psychology and Cross cultural psychotherapy.. should I let that clear or just mention it as a possibility... Do you get asked many questions about psych knowledge? I know you are not supposed to say things like "I want to help people" and I know like the basic recommendations.. but I'm still pretty nervous.. so I should not just focus on the fact that I like multicultural psychology right? Can you give me an example of not too narrow interests?

Well, it depends on the program. The one I interviewed at wanted general things like "mood disorders" or "geriatrics". But this program was really focused on producing generalists. I would talk with your student host alot the night before to get a better feel for the program and expectations for the interview. I think mentioning multicultural psychology would be fine though.

 

[psykate09]

Well I just reread your OP and I guess you won't have a student host since it is where you did your bachelors! I guess talk to someone you know in the program already!

 

[psychmama]

I'm in a psyd program, and I'd agree with psykate09 -- don't be too narrow in your focus, and relate whatever interests you have to clinical practice. So -- at least at my program, stating strong interests in multiculturalism would be great. Even better would be talking about you'd like to apply this knowledge to working with diverse populations as a consultant or clinician.

good luck.

 

[PsychApplicant]

I'm in a psyd program, and I'd agree with psykate09 -- don't be too narrow in your focus, and relate whatever interests you have to clinical practice. So -- at least at my program, stating strong interests in multiculturalism would be great. Even better would be talking about you'd like to apply this knowledge to working with diverse populations as a consultant or clinician.

good luck.

Thank you so much!

Actually I was born in Guatemala and I had to go through all the acculturation process when I came to the U.S... I will base my interest in multiculturalism on my own experience.. is that ok?

If you don't mind....What program are you in?

 

[psychmama]

Hi. I'm at Rutgers. I think talking about your own experience of acculturation and how this fits with your clinical and research interests would be terrific. Be sure to mention any relevant coursework in psychology, and how this fits with your understanding of multicultural issues. In other words, speaking from your own experience is good, but try to relate it to professional and academic interests so that the program knows your interests in psychology go beyond your own situation. This probably goes without saying, but I thought I'd mention it anyhow.🙂

 

[PsychApplicant]

Hi. I'm at Rutgers. I think talking about your own experience of acculturation and how this fits with your clinical and research interests would be terrific. Be sure to mention any relevant coursework in psychology, and how this fits with your understanding of multicultural issues. In other words, speaking from your own experience is good, but try to relate it to professional and academic interests so that the program knows your interests in psychology go beyond your own situation. This probably goes without saying, but I thought I'd mention it anyhow.🙂

Yes, exactly I'll try to mention my own experiences and the relevant clinical experiences I've had; for example I'm currently doing an internship at a homeless shelter for adolescents and I have had the opportunity to work with people from ethnic minorities, so I'll mention that too... I have a question..Do you think that the fact that this is the school where I completed my bachelors will affect me? ... I read something similar and I'm worried... and a last question..🙂.. Did you have a group interview also during your interview day? I have one and I have never been into one.. do you know something?

Thanks!!! I really appreciate it..

 

[psychmama]

1. It sounds like you are on the right track with how to present yourself.

2. I can't say if being an undergrad at the school works against you. My hunch is that it would be more of a factor is the program admits only a few applicants, since they'd want to go with a diverse class. In a larger program, I bet this would be less of a problem. This is just a guess on my part, though.

3. Group interviews can be tricky. Some are like cooperative exercises; others are more like question & answer sessions. Some may be like going around and taking turns answering interview questions in the presence of others. i've had experiences with all of these. I think the main thing to keep in mind is to find a way to stand out without being overbearing or a monopolizer. You definitely want to speak up and ask a thoughtful question or two. You want to come off as someone who is confident yet able to work well with others. If you're more the shy type, try to step out of your comfort zone a bit. If you sometimes talk too much when you're nervous, try to be aware of this and think how you'll come across before speaking.

I know the above probably sounds intimidating and hard. Actually, most group interviews are not that bad. Try to be yourself and not worry too much. Everyone is nervous, and the faculty likely expects this. I'm sure you'll do fine.

PS - on the off chance that it's one of those "go around the room and answer" things, try not to sit in the chairs at the beginning/end of the row. That way you're less likely to have to go first if asked a question. This worked out well for me in a recent interview situation.

 

[PsychApplicant]

Thank you so much!! You have been really helpful 🙂