The Interview - closed file

[lgooden]

I noticed in the pharmacy school interview feedback that several schools asked the question "Anything about your academic record you'd like me to know about" if it was a closed file interview. This is probably a dumb question, but are they asking you to tell them good things, bad things, how you overcame bad things or what?

 

[dgroulx]

I would use that as an opportunity to explain why you withdrew from a class or show how your grades improved, etc.

 

[Oneday_9]

I didn't have a question about grades in my closed file interview at the University of Arizona but about any personal exp in the past that might have been difficult or hard to overcome. So I took the opp to talk quite candidly about my run in with the law in 2000 for drinking and driving. I mean, it was a tough thing to disclose, cause you worry about how they perceive you or if it would jeapordize my admission. I ended up getting into the school (although I chose UCSF instead) and I think they appreciated that I really owned up to my past faults and mistakes and discussed how I learned from them. So if you did withdraw or did bad in a class, I would discuss it openly about why it happend, maybe you had some family problems or even alcohol problems, and how did that affect you, how did you grow and learn? This shows real insight into your personal life and actually lets the interviewers take a piece of you with them, probably makes them feel, "hey I know this person better," as opposed to the others who glossed over things and said all the right answers, ya know?

Anyways, the trick is turning every negative into a positive and be sincere about it. If you do find out it is closed, I would look onto this site when people start positing their experiences, so you can prepare for these types of questions.

Good luck!

 

[oldtimememory]

Would it be appropriate to bring a CV to a closed file interview, or would that be looked at as unnecessary or negatively since it, essentially, defeats the purpose of a closed-file interview?

 

[hillwilliam]

Would it be appropriate to bring a CV to a closed file interview, or would that be looked at as unnecessary or negatively since it, essentially, defeats the purpose of a closed-file interview?

I always take one with me. Helpful to pull out if you get one of those open-ended tell me about yourself questions.

The interview is your chance to toot your own horn, don't be shy about doing so.

 

[cycloketocaine]

Would it be appropriate to bring a CV to a closed file interview, or would that be looked at as unnecessary or negatively since it, essentially, defeats the purpose of a closed-file interview?

Holy 2004!!! This thread is older than my 6 year old!

 

[oldtimememory]

I always take one with me. Helpful to pull out if you get one of those open-ended tell me about yourself questions.

The interview is your chance to toot your own horn, don't be shy about doing so.

Thanks for the advice!