Sacred Heart University Interview

[Skayem]

Hi everyone!

I have a question.

I have an interview with SHU on 2-19.

Since I am in LA, CA I requested for a phone interview, and SHU responded that they cannot evaluate me by phone interview because SHU's PT program is problem based learning curriculum, and the candidates will be interviewed accordingly....

Did anyone has an interview with SHU?

Most of the interviews are about evaluating the candinate's personal characteristics to see if the person fits with the program. But I am wondering if SHU's interview is little different....

Please give me any advices. I would highly appreciate any tips!!!

Thank you guys in advance.

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[KSdpt11]

Hii! I had an interview there at the end of january and it is a very different interview compared to others I've been to. There is an info session and there was roughly 14 other people there, you then have a "one on one" interview which is really one interviewer with two to three other interviewees (which are in your "group"). You then either go on a tour with current students or go on the "group" interview with 4 others, and you are given a scenario where you must apply the problem based learning. The scenario isn't pt related and ends up being fun to do so don't worry. I really enjoyed sacred heart, and am strongly considering attending there this fall so if you have any questions about the interview let me know 🙂

 

[Skayem]

Thank you so much for your response KSdpt11!!!

If you don't mind me asking, can you share some of the questions you were asked?

Also, can you explain more about problem based learning part?

Any tips on how to prepare for it??

Thank you again

 

[G00se]

Hi Skayem-

I had a similar situation. I live in LA and was invited to an interview but they conflicted w interviews I had in Boston so I asked for a phone interview -denied. So I came in on a Wednesday and met with a faculty. My experience wasn't what a typical interviewee would go through but I asked a little about their process.

Their problem-based learning approach is sort of like learning via independent research. They want you to be a prof clinician that can evolve, adapt with changes in the profession, take it upon yourself to investigate the answers. This probably has something to do with their essay question on PTCAS.

So what I was told is that, had I come in on the regular info session/interview day, they put us into small groups and propose a random problem (not medical or pt related), and given the scenario they want us to work together to assign responsibilities and spell out the things that need to be looked into before solving the problem. The example I was given was 'a leaky roof'...Yeh I don't know, it's kind of strange but I guess it's to build communication and leadership qualities. Hope this helps 😉

 

[Skayem]

Thank you so much G00se-

I have couple more questions if you don't mind me asking.

Is there a writing section during the interview?

As of now, I believe there is no writing portion, but I just want to make sure.

Also, can you share some of the questions that were asked during the interview?

SHU is one of my 1st choice so I am super nervous.....

I would highly appreciate it if you can give me any advise.

Thank you again!!!

 

[KSdpt11]

No writing portion, just verbal interviewing but for the group portion you will be required to show organization when determining how to attack the problem they give you. Be prepared to show what the problem is, what needs to be done to fix it, any problems or obstacles that may arise, and a plan A and a plan B. Make sure to involve your entire group, show you are either a leader or willing to work under a leader, practice good communication and have fun with it!!

As for the interview questions, they will only be asked during the "individual" interview which is really with 2 to 3 others. They ask questions from 3 categories which I don't 100 percent remember but are based around problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills. The interviewer has a packet with three sections each containing somewhere around 12 questions and he picks one from each section for each person ( each person gets 3 questions that are similar in information provided but different in wording). A few I remember are "think of a class you took or an advisor you had and think of what made that professor successful in helping you learn your material, what was key" and "in the classes you have been most successful, think of what habits you exhibited helped you gain the most knowledge and perform so well" and then from another section there was "think of a time where you had a problem with another person (you don't have to name the exact situation), how did you deal with it, get to the basis of the problem, and solve it"..ill let you know if I remember any more!

 

[G00se]

Thank you so much G00se-

I have couple more questions if you don't mind me asking.

Is there a writing section during the interview?

As of now, I believe there is no writing portion, but I just want to make sure.

Also, can you share some of the questions that were asked during the interview?

SHU is one of my 1st choice so I am super nervous.....

I would highly appreciate it if you can give me any advise.

Thank you again!!!

There wasn't a writing section when I went. It was just me and a professor talking about the program and my experiences...

It was more of a discussion than an interview, don't remember any of the questions asked but I'm sure they were about working in teams and the collaboration of information...and of course you should always expect typical PT ?s (Why PT? Why here? Career goals?)

Just be yourself and you'll be fine. It was very casual. Besides their teaching philosophy, one thing that stood out about SHU was their faculties credentials. Lots of OCS, NCS, GCS, and CCS almost all are clinical specialists. That could be something to bring up if you're curious about going one of those paths. Good luck😀

 

[Skayem]

Thank you for the info guys. I really appreciate your helps.
I was preparing for interview Qs that I saw in other threads... such as what I can contribute to PT field?...
I was hoping the interview Qs to be more general/typical. Also, was there a chance that you could ask questions to interviewer during the "individual interview"?
I am really worried about the interview and group PBL portion.


Anyway, how long was the entire interview process?
Mine is scheduled between 9AM to 1PM...Will it take all 4 hours?

Also, what is the percentage of acceptance is like? (I mean # of Seats/ # of applicants).

 

[KSdpt11]

Yes you can ask questions after they interview you during the individual portion, me and the girl I interviewed with both did. Its very comfortable so don't be nervous, everyone is so nice including the students. It takes like 3 hours probably, but plan for 4 just in case: once you have completed the information powerpoint, your individual interview, group interview and the tour by students you are free to leave. My interview was scheduled from 1 to 5 and I was definitely done by 4, I think a little earlier.
There are roughly 60 seats, but 30 of those seats go to the students in the 3+3 program from sacred heart so figure about 30 seats for something like 300 applications..I don't remember the exact number they received but it must be somewhere around there. But I am sure that they do not interview everyone so the number competing for those is less than that.

 

[Skayem]

Thank you KSdpt11 and G00se.

How long did it take for you guys to hear back after the interview?

I am getting nervous!!!!!!

 

[KSdpt11]

Exactly one week

 

[VA2CT]

Has anyone decided to attend Sacred Heart?

 

[KSdpt11]

Me! Anyone else?

 

[CTPT11]

Me too!

 

[VA2CT]

I did too..Guess ill be seeing you in the fall

 

[Skayem]

Wow!!

First, congratz on all your acceptances.

I had my interview on Feb. 19th, I really enjoyed the whole process, and I am just waiting for the final decision.

I was once informed by Kathy that it would take about a week, but still haven't received any updates on final decision.

I contacted Kathy last week and the faculty members haven't made the final decision yet.

I am getting nervous.....

Anyway, SHU is my top choice so if I get the acceptance letter, I will be attending and I will be rejecting all other interviews.

I hope I get in.....

 

[Skayem]

Hey guys,

I just got an email from Kathy that I am waitlisted....

It's very disappointing since Sacred Heart was by top choice.

Anyway, did you guys already sent the deposits?

If so when was the deadline for the deposit?

I am #10 on the waitlist.....