How nervewracking is interviewing?

[EEL08]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I know that a lot of people say the interviews are non-stress which is great. However it seems to me that interviewing is nervewracking enough without having to fly somewhere you've never been, get a rental car and hopefully find your way to the interview. I'm just wondering how everyone found the whole process. I'm applying this summer and I think the interviewing is what I'm the most nervous about.

 

[Dr JPH]

No doubt, its a stressful process. The traveling and money take their toll, as does the uncertainty of the interview itself.

Research the schools BEFORE you apply. Knowing the schools well will help you weed out those places that you are "iffy" about and save you the time and money in a wasted application.

 

[phluidradiation]

It really isn't bad at all. Try to think of it more as a chance for you to evaluate the school than for the school to evaluate you. At the same time, you should still take time to research the school beforehand, like Hazelton said. Be sure to check out the interview evaluation section on SDN for the schools you are going to and post afterwards. I gleaned a number of insights on the schools just by reading those.

I had fun traveling since I got to visit parts of the country that I had never been to before.

I definitely would have to say the hardest part of interviewing is watching your bank account shrink that fast! But as long as you do your research, you won't waste that much money.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

It really isn't bad at all. Try to think of it more as a chance for you to evaluate the school than for the school to evaluate you. At the same time, you should still take time to research the school beforehand, like Hazelton said. Be sure to check out the interview evaluation section on SDN for the schools you are going to and post afterwards. I gleaned a number of insights on the schools just by reading those.

I had fun traveling since I got to visit parts of the country that I had never been to before.

I definitely would have to say the hardest part of interviewing is watching your bank account shrink that fast! But as long as you do your research, you won't waste that much money.

2 interviews. cost: <$100.

 

[KeyLime]

Don't let anybody fool you. Some interviewers are just plain mean and ask very inappropriate questions. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. I was shocked at the level of snarkyness I encountered during my interview season.

 

[iwilldlvr]

Always hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Be confident but realistic. Practice those questions that we all have trouble answering at any form of interview. I bought a small book that has the 50 most common interview questions and how to answer them. I plan to practice for awhile. That should make some of the nervousness subside. That's all you can do. The rest is up to that group of people that will more than likely never meet you- better known as the adcoms. 😀