Re-Interview Advice

[sooners12]

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I was wait-listed at a program last spring and never got off the list. I'm interviewing at the same school next month and was wondering if anyone has advice on what the interview may be like this time. I know they'll probably ask me what I've been doing with my life over the past year/what makes me a stronger applicant but that's all I can think of.

Has anyone been in this same situation or have any advice to offer?

Thanks!

 

[DesertPT]

Might be helpful to say what school you are talking about. Somebody might have experience with that school specifically.

And yes, you are definitely going to want to have a well thought out story about what you have done to improve yourself and your application. Own the weak parts of you application, but don't focus on them and definitely don't try to make excuses for them. Focus on highlighting what you have learned from your experience as a re-applicant I'm assuming this topic will come up in the interview) and why you are the ideal candidate for their program.

 

[sooners12]

Thank you! And I'm interviewing at Langston University in Oklahoma

 

[starrsgirl]

Yes, be prepared for them to examine everything over the last year. They dug into my class retakes, work hours, shadowing. I also got hit with "what would I do if I got rejected again ". And "why did I think I was rejected last year"

 

[Teresina2005]

They could ask you similar questions but the main thing is that you may or may not interview with the same person this year. Don't assume they know you are a reapplication or were on the waitlist in the last admission cycle . Even if you got most of your questions answered last year, always have a question to ask in the interview to show your thoughtful, continued interest in the program.
Best of luck,
From someone who understands what it's like to be the reapplicant

 

[sooners12]

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[mv85dpthopeful]

Avoid prefacing your answers with things like "as I said before", or "like I mentioned during my last interview". I got this advice from my university's career center and I hadn't thought of it. Don't be afraid to repeat answers from the last time out of fear of repeating yourself; they won't have remembered all the things you said in the last interview! Good luck! I'm about to interview at a program for the third time. Hopefully the third time's a charm!

 

[mv85dpthopeful]

I have a question for you guys! Has anyone interviewed somewhere and not been allowed to have a pad of paper and pen during the interview? Based on my recent interview and mock interviews I've learned that I do MUCH better if I have a few notes written down that I can quickly reference if I feel stuck, and questions I don't want to forget to ask. It also helps me to have something in my hands, as I am a nervous hand-wringer (does not project confidence!). I have another interview tomorrow and I'm nervous that I won't be allowed to bring anything into the room with me. Any insights? Thanks!

 

[Watson27]

@mv85dpthopeful All 4 of the interviews I attended this year did not allow any materials (pen, resume, etc) during the personal interview session.

 

[Watson27]

I agree that you should not assume that your interviewer knows you are a re-applicant, or that they have even seen your application. I always asked my interviews if they had a chance to review my application. Mainly because I didn't want to bore them with things they already knew. 3 out of 4 interviewers had not seen my application or essay prior to the interview. Only one had, and she asked questions pertaining to my application.

 

[DesertPT]

I haven't had any interviews specifically state that no materials were allowed during the interview, but I think in any case if you were referencing a list of answers/questions during the interview that would be obvious and you really would not be doing yourself any favors.

 

[BayAreaGiant]

I interviewed at the same school for the second time this year and was treated like I was never there before which was nice and made the whole experience more relaxing. I was also interviewed by a different faculty member that was new to the school so I don't know if that is part of it but I would at least be prepared for a question like how have you improved your application. Good luck and stay positive.

 

[mv85dpthopeful]

Thanks, @BayAreaGiant !