Can anyone who already went through interview with PT schools give me any tips about the interview process? What kind of question do they ask? Maybe share your experience?? Thanks 😀
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Interview tips
- Thread starter lovePT
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Can anyone who already went through interview with PT schools give me any tips about the interview process? What kind of question do they ask? Maybe share your experience?? Thanks 😀
The first thing they would tell you is to be more resourceful and take the initiative to find information yourself. Check out the search function.
It would be more constructive if you provide us with an idea of what you already know about the interview process and a specific question about it that wasn't previously answered. It would create less clutter on the forum and prevents the same topics from being started over and over again.
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look through last years threads there were some good q's there. it would be around this time 2008.
I used them for all interview studying/practice and it was very fruitful.
I used them for all interview studying/practice and it was very fruitful.
If you don't find what you're looking for on here, check out one of the many books written on college interviews in general, then tailor the suggestions to your situation. Even a good book on job interviewing will be helpful, as you'll likely see much of the same material in your DPT interview (strengths/weaknesses, questions where they want you to 'sell yourself' to them, why do you want to attend our school in particular, etc.) Best of luck. 🙂
Hey, I just did my first interview today so i'll share my experience while its still fresh. It was intimidating at first but the program i went to did a good job at making you feel at ease. Key thing to remember is they will always be gauging your behavior. If you seem bored to hang in the corner, then it will come off as not interested. I was nervous walking into mine but I found that after you meet other candidates it gets easier and you feel more comfortable.
Most interview days i've seen are divided up into different sections like large group talks (<50 candidates), small group (3-4) and one on one. This way if you are itimidated by large group settings and mess up, you can make it up a little later on. The best things to do are do research, practice beforehand, and stay professional. Since you won't know what they will ask, know how to respond to questions on ethical decisions, autonomy, direction PT is going, important characteristics in PTs, and more. The more personal and more you can tie it into your experiences, the better. A mock interview beforehand is essential. Be prepared for at least 1-2 odd questions too. Also make sure always address them as Dr. professor, or whichever title they use and avoid fidgeting. Check dress code before too.
With your one on one interview (if applicable) you will be grilled on your specific reasons on getting into PT as well as given a review of your personal file. I was given a chance to explain low grades or other weaknesses while a chance to ask the program director questions (again, another opportunity to see if you would like the program). Here just make sure to keep eye contact, keep up with the conversation and express interest. I found this easier then the larger group. Thank each faculty member you met too.
There was a Q/A with current students which I felt was the most informative section of the interview and a great chance to learn if you would like the program or not. Here's the chance to see if the current students are people you would want to see and work with everyday. Most importantly, though you've probably heard this, DO try to have fun! Everyone there will be a little nervous and the best way is to try to enjoy it.
Hope this is helpful to anyone preparing. I'll be interviewing at Duke (Jan 11) and Columbia (Jan 17) so hit me up if your interviewing then too. Best of luck to everyone!
Most interview days i've seen are divided up into different sections like large group talks (<50 candidates), small group (3-4) and one on one. This way if you are itimidated by large group settings and mess up, you can make it up a little later on. The best things to do are do research, practice beforehand, and stay professional. Since you won't know what they will ask, know how to respond to questions on ethical decisions, autonomy, direction PT is going, important characteristics in PTs, and more. The more personal and more you can tie it into your experiences, the better. A mock interview beforehand is essential. Be prepared for at least 1-2 odd questions too. Also make sure always address them as Dr. professor, or whichever title they use and avoid fidgeting. Check dress code before too.
With your one on one interview (if applicable) you will be grilled on your specific reasons on getting into PT as well as given a review of your personal file. I was given a chance to explain low grades or other weaknesses while a chance to ask the program director questions (again, another opportunity to see if you would like the program). Here just make sure to keep eye contact, keep up with the conversation and express interest. I found this easier then the larger group. Thank each faculty member you met too.
There was a Q/A with current students which I felt was the most informative section of the interview and a great chance to learn if you would like the program or not. Here's the chance to see if the current students are people you would want to see and work with everyday. Most importantly, though you've probably heard this, DO try to have fun! Everyone there will be a little nervous and the best way is to try to enjoy it.
Hope this is helpful to anyone preparing. I'll be interviewing at Duke (Jan 11) and Columbia (Jan 17) so hit me up if your interviewing then too. Best of luck to everyone!
Thanks Docpayne for sharing your experience. This is the kind of information that i'm looking for. it is nice to know what to expect when at interview. I have been getting a lot of info on interview questions but this is something new to know. I won't have my first interview until next month with UNMC. Based on the schedule that the school gave me, it has 3 interview sessions with 15 minutes on each session. Good luck with all your PT interviews.
Thanks everyone else for replying to this thread.
Thanks everyone else for replying to this thread.
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Hey, I just did my first interview today so i'll share my experience while its still fresh. It was intimidating at first but the program i went to did a good job at making you feel at ease. Key thing to remember is they will always be gauging your behavior. If you seem bored to hang in the corner, then it will come off as not interested. I was nervous walking into mine but I found that after you meet other candidates it gets easier and you feel more comfortable.
Most interview days i've seen are divided up into different sections like large group talks (<50 candidates), small group (3-4) and one on one. This way if you are itimidated by large group settings and mess up, you can make it up a little later on. The best things to do are do research, practice beforehand, and stay professional. Since you won't know what they will ask, know how to respond to questions on ethical decisions, autonomy, direction PT is going, important characteristics in PTs, and more. The more personal and more you can tie it into your experiences, the better. A mock interview beforehand is essential. Be prepared for at least 1-2 odd questions too. Also make sure always address them as Dr. professor, or whichever title they use and avoid fidgeting. Check dress code before too.
With your one on one interview (if applicable) you will be grilled on your specific reasons on getting into PT as well as given a review of your personal file. I was given a chance to explain low grades or other weaknesses while a chance to ask the program director questions (again, another opportunity to see if you would like the program). Here just make sure to keep eye contact, keep up with the conversation and express interest. I found this easier then the larger group. Thank each faculty member you met too.
There was a Q/A with current students which I felt was the most informative section of the interview and a great chance to learn if you would like the program or not. Here's the chance to see if the current students are people you would want to see and work with everyday. Most importantly, though you've probably heard this, DO try to have fun! Everyone there will be a little nervous and the best way is to try to enjoy it.
Hope this is helpful to anyone preparing. I'll be interviewing at Duke (Jan 11) and Columbia (Jan 17) so hit me up if your interviewing then too. Best of luck to everyone!
I'll be interviewing at Duke Jan 25, let me know how yours goes! 🙂
Hello -
I thought I'd share this. A friend and former PT sent me this in helping me prepare for the interview. I wrote out my responses to nearly each of these questions and practiced my :30 elevator response, making sure that I was clear, focused and confident with each reply.
For me, I found that preparing for the interview in this way significantly calmed my nerves and put me in a winning mental state. And the questions asked of me were way easier than the ones given in these links!
Think of standard interview questions. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know why you want to be a PT. How was your clinical experience. What situation in your life are you most proud of? What situation would you like to change?
Be prepared, get a good night's rest and walk in rocking the room. Your confidence will help you soar.
Best of luck! molly
http://www4.samford.edu/groups/cardev/medquestions.html
http://healthprofessions.calpoly.edu/interview_questions/physical_therapy.html
I thought I'd share this. A friend and former PT sent me this in helping me prepare for the interview. I wrote out my responses to nearly each of these questions and practiced my :30 elevator response, making sure that I was clear, focused and confident with each reply.
For me, I found that preparing for the interview in this way significantly calmed my nerves and put me in a winning mental state. And the questions asked of me were way easier than the ones given in these links!
Think of standard interview questions. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know why you want to be a PT. How was your clinical experience. What situation in your life are you most proud of? What situation would you like to change?
Be prepared, get a good night's rest and walk in rocking the room. Your confidence will help you soar.
Best of luck! molly
http://www4.samford.edu/groups/cardev/medquestions.html
http://healthprofessions.calpoly.edu/interview_questions/physical_therapy.html
