Interview Tips

[georgia2009]

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I have an interview at Georgia State on February 15th. I've never had a serious interview and I have no idea what to expect. Can anyone give me insight? Has anyone interviewed (or know someone who has) interviewed at GSU? Help please!! 🙂

 

[TTU14]

I have an interview at Georgia State on February 15th. I've never had a serious interview and I have no idea what to expect. Can anyone give me insight? Has anyone interviewed (or know someone who has) interviewed at GSU? Help please!! 🙂

Most PT interviews in my experience are fairly laid back and arent very long, like maybe 15 or 20 minutes.

You'll be asked a lot of general questions, like wby PT, why this university, how do you handle stress, what are your strengths and weaknesses, did any observation experiences stand out to you, etc. Be sure to know a bit about the differences between physical therapy and occupational therapy and PT assistants, as well as current issues in the PT field, because you may be asked about something along those lines.

Oh and wear a nice suit. That is ddefinitely the norm at PT interviews whether you are male or female.

 

[christirolin]

Do you mind telling me what your stats are? My number one choice is georgia state.

 

[georgia2009]

Do you mind telling me what your stats are? My number one choice is georgia state.

I don't mind at all. My stats aren't great and I was somewhat surprised I was offered an interview. Are you interviewing there as well? What are your stats?

GPA: 3.27 (reported by PTCAS)
PreReq GPA: 3.11 (reported by PTCAS)
GRE: 150-V, 150-Q, 3.5-AW
Hours: 600+ outpatient, nursing home, hospital

I've retaken several classes and the grade trend for the last few semesters has improved immensely. Hope this is informative!!

 

[christirolin]

No I start my application process this august! Good luck🙂 thank you for sharing with me and hopefully you can rock that interview!!

 

[situational]

I just had an interview at Samuel Merritt and I think the interview didn't go as well as I could have hoped. I was worried and panicked and forgot what to say for several of the questions. In the end, I did answer all the questions and followed up with my reasoning as to why I responded that way, though I really could have communicated it more clearly. This was my second interview of the cycle. Usually I practiced alone or in front of the mirror and it sounded great then, but when it came to the actual interview it was panic mode. I think a good tip for interviews is just to get as many people as possible to grill you, so you become accustomed to speaking under pressure.

 

[hawk777]

By wear a nice suit, I'm assuming you mean jacket and tie for the men, correct?

 

[nittanyPT]

Does anyone have any ideas for good questions to ask the faculty regarding the program?

 

[ladykinch]

Does anyone have any ideas for good questions to ask the faculty regarding the program?

I have had two interviews and have asked about where the program is heading in the future, what some of the clinical opportunities are, research opportunities, etc. If staff is introduced before your interview it's great to pay close attention to their specialties so that you can use that information to form a thoughtful and impressive question directly related to your interviewer. Good luck!

 

[NewTestament]

Show interest in the program. Ask about advocacy, international opportunities, residencies, community service, etc. Ask the interviewer what he does at the school. You've been talking about yourself for 10-15 minutes so now it's time to deflect attention onto the school. Don't leave the interview without asking a question.

 

[Big Stuff]

I would definitely say take at least a week or so to study up on your application. Know your essays, be prepared to talk about your clinical observation experiences, and prepare some some responses to general questions to make sure you can explain yourself. For example, I found it helpful to write out some sort of open-ended reflections in a notebook, things like 'why PT?' , 'What did I take away from my clinicals?' 'What am I looking for in a program?'

 

[alrenee30]

There was one question that I was asked in one way or another in all my interviews that I wasn't really prepared for in the first interview. The question was essentially asking about group projects and what you would do if someone didn't want to do their part. The interviewers are trying to see how you would handle a difficult patient who doesn't want to do their exercises/therapy for the day. Just something to think about!

Good luck!

 

[SouthernSlingin'PT]

Hey,

I have an interview to GA State this Saturday as well. Have you heard what the written essay topic is about?

 

[georgia2009]

Hey,

I have an interview to GA State this Saturday as well. Have you heard what the written essay topic is about?

No... I have no idea. Do you know of any possible questions? Are interviews individual or group? How are you preparing? Nervous or excited?

 

[SouthernSlingin'PT]

I do not know of any questions. I would imagine Why PT? Why GA State? Strengths, Weaknesses. I am just practicing by myself, then in front of anyone who is willing to listen. Excited.