The Stress Interview?

[citman27]

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I feel this topic warrants it's own thread, since it is very different from any of the typical interview questions or situations.

I recently went to an interview and felt very strongly about my performance. However, during the dinner later that night I think I may have been the victim of a stress interview situation. My POI, who had been very cordial and good natured with me throughout the interview suddenly began mocking me in a peculiar fashion and then completely ignored me. At first I supposed it had something to do with me being too aggressive or confident during my interview, but in retrospect I think it was some sort of a test. I expected it to happen during the interview, but never dreamed it would happen at the dinner party!?! I won't know for sure until later on (which is hell), but maybe hearing some similar experiences could ease my mind or at least help future applicants.

 

[phillydave]

I feel this topic warrants it's own thread, since it is very different from any of the typical interview questions or situations.

I recently went to an interview and felt very strongly about my performance. However, during the dinner later that night I think I may have been the victim of a stress interview situation. My POI, who had been very cordial and good natured with me throughout the interview suddenly began mocking me in a very peculiar fashion and then completely ignored me. At first I supposed it had something to do with me being to aggressive or confident during my interview, but in retrospect I think it was some sort of a test. I expected it to happen during the interview, but never dreamed it would happen at the dinner party!?! I won't know for sure until later on (which is hell), but maybe hearing some similar experiences could ease my mind or at least help future applicants.

Scary.. how did they mock you? And what did they ignore, your attempts to speak to them?

Very bizarre. Was there alcohol at this dinner?

 

[Jezebel09]

I hope it was part of a stress interview.

Sometimes bad behavior is just bad behavior.

Phillydave asked a great question. Was there alcohol? If so, how much did this individual have?

Crazy!!!

 

[citman27]

I made a polite comment which he reflected to a staff member in a mocking tone, he was evasive when I tried to follow up with casual conversation, and then he excluded me completely from the conversation turning sideways and ignoring me while he spoke into the other staff members ear so I couldn't hear them. Very strange behavior. Nobody was drunk and I have many reports that he is a very friendly and open person in general. I really think he was guaging my reaction, but then again he may not have been. Aren't interviews fun?

 

[prettikittibaby]

I have never heard of a stress interview.

I view that as inappropriate behavior and exceedingly childish and rude. I, personally, would not want to work with such an individual, especially for such a long duration of time. (Unless you could get accepted under that mentor and very quickly change to another).

Although not my POI, I interviewed with another faculty member and asked her questions about her mentorship style, just for curiosity sake and to learn about how the other labs operate. If I had been applying to work with her, I would turn down an offer, solely because I HATED her mentorship style and would have been extremely unhappy. I'd opt not to go to school at all for a year, instead of working for/with her. ... Just saying.

P.S. Where was this at?

 

[robinsena]

Wow, that sounds over the top, even for a stress interview. I mean, the dinner could still be an informal opportunity for them to observe how you react, but I have never (until now) heard of a POI conducting a stress interview outside of the ACTUAL interview. If anything it's usually the opposite - for internship I interviewed with faculty who were total jerks, but then became pleasant as soon my time with them was over.

Sometimes a jerk is just a jerk. There are so many potential reasons for the discrepancy in his behavior, but as long as you were polite throughout the day and acted with integrity, I would not read too much into this, and it wouldn't be helpful to think of all the potential reasons. You have done all you can, and I commend you for responding in a mature manner (assuming, of course, you didn't deck the guy one). 😛

Personally, I think stress interviews are uninformative and unfair... as do my current practicum supervisor who think those who are known for 'stress interviews' must have some issues in their personal lives they need to address.

I made a polite comment which he reflected to a staff member in a mocking tone, he was evasive when I tried to follow up with casual conversation, and then he excluded me completely from the conversation turning sideways and ignoring me while he spoke into the other staff members ear so I couldn't hear them. Very strange behavior. Nobody was drunk and I have many reports that he is a very friendly and open person in general. I really think he was guaging my reaction, but then again he may not have been. Aren't interviews fun?

 

[Jezebel09]

Personally, I think stress interviews are uninformative and unfair... as do my current practicum supervisor who think those who are known for 'stress interviews' must have some issues in their personal lives they need to address.

Agreed. Are they closet sadists who get their kicks from doing stress interviews once a year? : )

I think I would learn more about the interviewer than s/he would learn about me in that situation.

But, good luck citman27. If he is your number one choice, I hope it works out for you.

 

[psychstudent613]

I heard that there are some schools that give group interviews where they watch you interact with others while waiting for your interview...and this interaction is really the interview... is this true? Is this what they do? What schools do this type of interview? HELP! This is so unfair and unethical that they should watch how we are when we are nervous. I for one am very different when I am a bunch of nerves (like at an interview) and when I am a student...
😕
thanks!

 

[lamorena]

anyone have more info on these "stress interviews"? this is the first time i'm hearing about this.. do all schools do this? what can i expect? (you're all making me nervous!!)

 

[phillydave]

I heard that there are some schools that give group interviews where they watch you interact with others while waiting for your interview...and this interaction is really the interview... is this true? Is this what they do? What schools do this type of interview? HELP! This is so unfair and unethical that they should watch how we are when we are nervous. I for one am very different when I am a bunch of nerves (like at an interview) and when I am a student...
😕
thanks!

Part of one of my interviews was a group debate. Two groups, (a) Pro-talk therapy and (b) anti-talk therapy.

I was assigned to group (b). Hooray... I said softly to myself.

 

[phillydave]

anyone have more info on these "stress interviews"? this is the first time i'm hearing about this.. do all schools do this? what can i expect? (you're all making me nervous!!)

I have to think that this type of torture.. ahem.. I mean interview method, is quite rare. I don't know anyone personally who has encountered one.

 

[lamorena]

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[lamorena]

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[prettikittibaby]

I heard that there are some schools that give group interviews where they watch you interact with others while waiting for your interview...and this interaction is really the interview... is this true? Is this what they do? What schools do this type of interview? HELP! This is so unfair and unethical that they should watch how we are when we are nervous. I for one am very different when I am a bunch of nerves (like at an interview) and when I am a student...
😕
thanks!

I was nervous for my "group interview." Turned out, it was lunch. ... So yeah... I had 7 other 1-1 interviews and one interview with 2 grad students at the same time.

Because I was nervous, I talked to 2 of my professors about the group interview. One went to Duke. She said that they started doing group interviews after they were in a meeting and one of the grad students launched himself across the table and began strangling one of his peers. They're just looking at group dynamic: are you the annoying person who hogs the conversation and says things that are irrelevant? Can you control yourself in a group setting? Can you really schmooze in a 1-1 interview, but seem very different when with others? Are you rude or respectful of others' comments?

After my interview last week, my POI came up to me and said that I seem to put a lot of thought into what I say. I was worried because she did most of the talking in our 1-1, and since my questions had mostly been answered, I didn't speak much in the group interview. She said that she could tell that my questions had thought behind them, while others just blurted out random things.

So, I guess they're looking at can we segue from one line of thinking to another? If we change the subject, is it at a place in the conversation where it seems that all have sufficiently commented on the current topic?

My group interview was not very formal. I was way worried though.

 

[jetergirl]

I heard that there are some schools that give group interviews where they watch you interact with others while waiting for your interview...and this interaction is really the interview... is this true? Is this what they do? What schools do this type of interview? HELP! This is so unfair and unethical that they should watch how we are when we are nervous. I for one am very different when I am a bunch of nerves (like at an interview) and when I am a student...
😕
thanks!

Derner (Adelphi) does that. 9/10 of the professors (and a 4th year) will either sit there and watch you interact or watch you interacts AND mix in some bizarre questions that usually have nothing to do with psychology and it lasts between 2 and 3 hours. Sometimes you get lucky and get a normal professor..

I've heard, I want to say, Yeshiva does a stress interview where they purposely try to upset you and see how you react.. I could be wrong

One of the professors I interviewed w/ at FDU was very aggressive and argumentative, but I'm not sure if it was a 'stress interview'. I've just heard he's intense. For example, he must have seen that I volunteer at a cat rescue and he started going on and on about how he can't wait until his cat kicks the bucket b/c all he does is throw up and he wants to kick it out to the curb. It was odd...

 

[Sunshine3710]

She said that they started doing group interviews after they were in a meeting and one of the grad students launched himself across the table and began strangling one of his peers.

​

WHOA!! 😱 Sounds like a tense meeting!

 

[prettikittibaby]

Derner (Adelphi) does that. 9/10 of the professors (and a 4th year) will either sit there and watch you interact or watch you interacts AND mix in some bizarre questions that usually have nothing to do with psychology and it lasts between 2 and 3 hours. Sometimes you get lucky and get a normal professor..

I've heard, I want to say, Yeshiva does a stress interview where they purposely try to upset you and see how you react.. I could be wrong

One of the professors I interviewed w/ at FDU was very aggressive and argumentative, but I'm not sure if it was a 'stress interview'. I've just heard he's intense. For example, he must have seen that I volunteer at a cat rescue and he started going on and on about how he can't wait until his cat kicks the bucket b/c all he does is throw up and he wants to kick it out to the curb. It was odd...

The program I just interviewed at has a very very strong emphasis on clinical training. As I was leaving, my POI told me about something in her personal life that may interfere with notification of applicants to her lab. It hadn't occured to me, but was she on some level testing for my reaction? empathy? ability to not make it about me? Hmmm

 

[PrisonPsych]

Part of my Oklahoma State interview was clearly designed as a stress interview. I was interviewed by 3 professors (not with a group of other students, just me) and some of the questions were clearly geared at trying to either upset or ruffle me to see how I responded. I think I handled it pretty well.

 

[prettikittibaby]

Part of my Oklahoma State interview was clearly designed as a stress interview. I was interviewed by 3 professors (not with a group of other students, just me) and some of the questions were clearly geared at trying to either upset or ruffle me to see how I responded. I think I handled it pretty well.

I have a friend in the grad program at OSU... she told me that a POI saw her applicant carrying her heels up the stairs and said that she wouldn't be offered admission, just for that...

What were the questions?

 

[PsyDWannabe]

I have a friend in the grad program at OSU... she told me that a POI saw her applicant carrying her heels up the stairs and said that she wouldn't be offered admission, just for that.

What the h-e-double hockey sticks kind of sense does that make? Seriously, give people a semblance of power and they think their the Queen of Sheba. I would not want to work with her anyways; sounds like the kind of person who would leap across the table and start strangling someone at the slightest provocation

 

[PrisonPsych]

I have a friend in the grad program at OSU... she told me that a POI saw her applicant carrying her heels up the stairs and said that she wouldn't be offered admission, just for that...

What were the questions?

This was the counseling program, BTW.

The questions were things about my personal statement and CV experiences that were specific to me, so I'd rather not repeat them here for privacy reasons.

 

[prettikittibaby]

This was the counseling program, BTW.

The questions were things about my personal statement and CV experiences that were specific to me, so I'd rather not repeat them here for privacy reasons.

Ah. Understood.

The program that she's in is the Social Psych program at OSU...

What the h-e-double hockey sticks kind of sense does that make? Seriously, give people a semblance of power and they think their the Queen of Sheba. I would not want to work with her anyways; sounds like the kind of person who would leap across the table and start strangling someone at the slightest provocation

The only thing I could think of was that by carrying your shoes, it indicates that you care more about social pressure to be stylish than the practicality of doing a lot of walking. Or maybe something about laziness? I have NO idea.

 

[PsychPhDone]

Wow -- I'd be super embarrassed if my program were in any way rude or intentionally stressful to an applicant. I did have a stress interview somewhere and I would have sooner gone nowhere than there. It's insulting, and completely non-collegial.

 

[CounselingGirl]

This was the counseling program, BTW.

The questions were things about my personal statement and CV experiences that were specific to me, so I'd rather not repeat them here for privacy reasons.

I was invited to that interview. Now I'm kind of glad I didn't go 🙂

I'm only attending two schools for in-person interviews, I hope neither have stress interviews...

 

[prettikittibaby]

I was invited to that interview. Now I'm kind of glad I didn't go 🙂

I'm only attending two schools for in-person interviews, I hope neither have stress interviews...

What informed your decision to only attend two in-person interviews?

 

[Aura5]

Everyone on this thread is analyzing every little thing their interviewer does as a potential test! That's kind of...I mean I would be too, I know, I do that kind of thing anyway lol. I guess one should just act how they act and try not to drive themselves too crazy about every little right or wrong action. And like some are implying, maybe if a POI is going to be that anal about some little reaction, that might not be a good fit anyway. Be respectful and sound as competent as possible but...yeah I dunno. I haven't even applied yet, so I'm just throwin' thoughts out there.

And to the OP... 😕 kind of odd. Maybe it was just a personality thing. For whatever reason he was compelled in that moment to joke/mock what you said. Then, maybe, felt embarrassed that he did that.... thus the eye contact avoidance of you for the rest of the time, etc. Just a guess...

 

[KillerDiller]

Wow -- I'd be super embarrassed if my program were in any way rude or intentionally stressful to an applicant. I did have a stress interview somewhere and I would have sooner gone nowhere than there. It's insulting, and completely non-collegial.

I completely agree. Just because psychology is our chosen profession does not mean we should have to suffer or stress unduly. After all, we are humans first and psychologists second.

 

[Aura5]

I completely agree. Just because psychology is our chosen profession does not mean we should have to suffer or stress unduly. After all, we are humans first and psychologists second.

I agree too...that's what I was feeling when I responded with confusion to some of the weird/intrusive questions I saw in the interview question thread.

 

[PrisonPsych]

I was invited to that interview. Now I'm kind of glad I didn't go 🙂

I'm only attending two schools for in-person interviews, I hope neither have stress interviews...

Actually, I think this kind of stress interview is actually a good thing - in this profession there will be plenty of times that you have to interact with confrontational people so it's a good assessment of being collected under duress. The interviewers weren't *rude,* they just weren't sugarcoating.

 

[hamsterpants]

Wow -- I'd be super embarrassed if my program were in any way rude or intentionally stressful to an applicant. I did have a stress interview somewhere and I would have sooner gone nowhere than there. It's insulting, and completely non-collegial.

I agree. If a program treated me (or another applicant) like that, I would withdraw my application.
For those who had stress interviews, if they make you an offer - will you accept?
I know it's a personal decision but it seems like it would be starting off your first year on an awkward basis. It would also be hard to know if it is a true fit for you if the interviewers are manipulating their personalities/ responses.

 

[hamsterpants]

Actually, I think this kind of stress interview is actually a good thing - in this profession there will be plenty of times that you have to interact with confrontational people so it's a good assessment of being collected under duress. The interviewers weren't *rude,* they just weren't sugarcoating.

I think there is a difference between the weird/ rude responses some have described and not sugercoating. I personally don't mind an interviewer asking tough questions and I had a few who were a bit intense. But what the OP describes doesn't seem like it would be a good assessment of his abilities to work under stress.

 

[PrisonPsych]

I agree. If a program treated me (or another applicant) like that, I would withdraw my application.
For those who had stress interviews, if they make you an offer - will you accept?
I know it's a personal decision but it seems like it would be starting off your first year on an awkward basis. It would also be hard to know if it is a true fit for you if the interviewers are manipulating their personalities/ responses.

The school that did this is one of my top choices, yes. I should also point out, however, that I just felt that the questions were designed to elicit stress - there was nothing done inappropriately. Also, I had four interviews at the school, and only one of the four was a stress interview (and the stress interview professors were not potential POIs for me).

 

[psychstudent613]

Derner (Adelphi) does that. 9/10 of the professors (and a 4th year) will either sit there and watch you interact or watch you interacts AND mix in some bizarre questions that usually have nothing to do with psychology and it lasts between 2 and 3 hours. Sometimes you get lucky and get a normal professor..

I've heard, I want to say, Yeshiva does a stress interview where they purposely try to upset you and see how you react.. I could be wrong

One of the professors I interviewed w/ at FDU was very aggressive and argumentative, but I'm not sure if it was a 'stress interview'. I've just heard he's intense. For example, he must have seen that I volunteer at a cat rescue and he started going on and on about how he can't wait until his cat kicks the bucket b/c all he does is throw up and he wants to kick it out to the curb. It was odd...

I actually will be having an interview at Adelphi...
Um, what kind of questions will they ask? Anyone have any knowledge about what to expect except a lot of talking and people watching you... what kind of bizarre questions??? I am starting to get a little weirded out...

 

[psychstudent613]

Part of one of my interviews was a group debate. Two groups, (a) Pro-talk therapy and (b) anti-talk therapy.

I was assigned to group (b). Hooray... I said softly to myself.

Um, what sort of things were you able to say??? A debate during an interview??? Yikes!

 

[prettikittibaby]

The school that did this is one of my top choices, yes. I should also point out, however, that I just felt that the questions were designed to elicit stress - there was nothing done inappropriately. Also, I had four interviews at the school, and only one of the four was a stress interview (and the stress interview professors were not potential POIs for me).

So it was an interview with 2 profs? In my interview with the DCT she asked me why I am interested in abuse research... Was that a stress provoking question? My personal statement briefly touched on the reason... Or were they more rude/pushy about it?

 

[PrisonPsych]

So it was an interview with 2 profs? In my interview with the DCT she asked me why I am interested in abuse research... Was that a stress provoking question? My personal statement briefly touched on the reason... Or were they more rude/pushy about it?

Actually it was three professors. They weren't rude but there was some quick firing of questions and some questions about specific interpersonal difficulties (again, details are personal).

 

[Aura5]

Actually it was three professors. They weren't rude but there was some quick firing of questions and some questions about specific interpersonal difficulties (again, details are personal).

And you were okay with that? *scratches chin* Again the only thing I can see coming in handy is, perhaps if you have a manipulative/antisocial or just plain angry patient/client who is trying to turn stuff back around on you, poke holes in your own self-image to get his/her way. And you are doing prison psych, right? lol.

But still...there's something about burrowing holes in your interpersonal conflicts as a program interview tactic that...rubs me a little wrong. Dunno. If they want to do those kinds of stress-practices, they should do a mock-patient-interaction, or something. You know? *shrug* I know that you wouldn't be as 'off guard' there, but in real life you'll know when you're dealing with a patient, too.

 

[Blue86]

And you were okay with that? *scratches chin* Again the only thing I can see coming in handy is, perhaps if you have a manipulative/antisocial or just plain angry patient/client who is trying to turn stuff back around on you, poke holes in your own self-image to get his/her way. And you are doing prison psych, right? lol.

But still...there's something about borrowing holes in your interpersonal conflicts as a program interview tactic that...rubs me a little wrong. Dunno. If they want to do those kinds of stress-practices, they should do a mock-patient-interaction, or something. You know? *shrug* I know that you wouldn't be as 'off guard' there, but in real life you'll know when you're dealing with a patient, too.

I kind of agree. I mean, I am not against more tough questions as long as they are not really rude or intrusive... I know that I might have to deal with that with patients or just in the real world. But going through some military-style aggressive stress interview is kind of too much for me. I mean, I am also 'interviewing' them. If I don't like the atmosphere, I don't care if on paper it's a great match for me, or ranked as a top program. If I feel really bad after it I will not go there. It's of course a personal choice.

 

[Psych Dork]

I have never heard of a stress interview.

I view that as inappropriate behavior and exceedingly childish and rude. I, personally, would not want to work with such an individual, especially for such a long duration of time. (Unless you could get accepted under that mentor and very quickly change to another).

Although not my POI, I interviewed with another faculty member and asked her questions about her mentorship style, just for curiosity sake and to learn about how the other labs operate. If I had been applying to work with her, I would turn down an offer, solely because I HATED her mentorship style and would have been extremely unhappy. I'd opt not to go to school at all for a year, instead of working for/with her. ... Just saying.

P.S. Where was this at?

They talk a lot about possible stress interviews in the Insider's Guide. There is stuff about possible personal questions about relationships, your own mental health history, or other personal questions. They are allowed to ask them, but you are not required to answer them. I don't think it is rude or childish, just part of the game. A PhD program is full of stress and pressure and if a person can't handle a little uncomfortable situation then maybe they can't handle completing a PhD.

What didn't you like about her mentorship style that was so terrible?

 

[PsychApps2009]

It's interesting reading everyone's reactions to this topic. First, I sort of agree with Aura5, I think some people are over analyzing their interactions with interviewers. Although, stress interviews do exist, I don't think they're that common (and might be clearer - like when you get grilled in a one-on-one with stats questions or questions that put you on the defensive). Sadly, a lot of the weird interactions people are picking apart - may just be that - weird quirks of the individual POI. Intentional or not, these are things to consider if the program offers you admission.

Personally, I think stress interviews are a bit unnecessary (as most people can learn skills to handle stress, and will need to learn skills to interact with future patients anyway). And, when they do occur, are either at places that are known for doing them (or with individual POIs), or places with theoretical backgrounds that would encourage such testing. I applied to research heavy programs (clinical PhD) and have had multiple interviews - and not one single stress interview. [Though they have varied in depth and intensity of questions - but all expected].

I have had some of these group interactions that others have mentioned, like group lunch, but I didn't see them as interviews - just situations in which you eat and get to know one another. At the end of the day, I just behave as I normally would - as that's what they're going to get for the next 5-7 years 😀.

So... prepare as best you can, sure. And always be "on". But keep in mind that there will be things you can't prepare for in this process - and that's not worth losing too much sleep on.

Also - about the girl with the shoes that someone mentioned earlier... I might imagine that if the girl was carrying her heels - she might have been walking barefoot up the stairs. That could look a little bit unprofessional to the professor. Of course, that's just a guess. And every professor has different things that they are looking for in a student. Personally, I'm a bit critical on clothing and outward presentation - which is totally superficial I know - but because I am I understand how and why others might be. Granted, if someone is a strong applicant, I wouldn't let little mistakes like that take them from a 'yes' to a 'no'.

 

[KillerDiller]

I don't think it is rude or childish, just part of the game. A PhD program is full of stress and pressure and if a person can't handle a little uncomfortable situation then maybe they can't handle completing a PhD.

You're right, completing a Ph.D. is stressful, but it's not the same kind of stress. You will not (or should not, complain if you do) have professors who try to bring up your clearly personal history to break you down in class. You will not have research mentors who don't show up for lab meetings, but instead turn up the heat in the room and watch how everyone reacts. I don't think one context of stress (deadlines, projects to complete, etc.) relates very well to the other. Anyway, what is a good way to react in these sitations?

Others have brought up that patients will often be stressful. As Aura 5 pointed out, though, when interactions are in the context of a patient/therapist relationship, this is very different than when they are in the context of a mentor/potential mentee relationship. In the former case you will also have support you can seek out in dealing with the situation. In the latter case...well I bet that girl crying on the stairs felt pretty alone and unsupported.

 

[jetergirl]

I actually will be having an interview at Adelphi...
Um, what kind of questions will they ask? Anyone have any knowledge about what to expect except a lot of talking and people watching you... what kind of bizarre questions??? I am starting to get a little weirded out...

It really depends on the professor--do you know who is running your group? You can call and ask I believe.

I've had friends that after 1 1/2 hours the professor say "well, we're half way through ad haven't heard anything of substance yet" just to see what happens.. Really, you just need to go in and be yourself (as long as you are socially normal 🙂 ) You can't prepare for it like you would another interview. No "what are your strengths and weaknesses" "what are your research interests" --just regular conversations generally

It also depends on the group- I've known groups that have done yoga sessions, talk about sex, etc.....

I feel like I'm giving away all my secrets lol

 

[citman27]

I made a polite comment which he reflected to a staff member in a mocking tone, he was evasive when I tried to follow up with casual conversation, and then he excluded me completely from the conversation turning sideways and ignoring me while he spoke into the other staff members ear so I couldn't hear them. Very strange behavior. Nobody was drunk and I have many reports that he is a very friendly and open person in general. I really think he was guaging my reaction, but then again he may not have been. Aren't interviews fun?

Now that the dust has settled and I've spoken with a few other people about the interview as a whole, I've changed my mind. Yes, like Aura5 said, I saw the interaction as a potential test because the behavior seemed so outrageous as to defy any other explanation. Then anxiety set in and I questioned myself (i.e. did I cause this by something I said or did). Ultimately, I think I made the mistake of assuming that the faculty and grad students of these programs reside in some other realm than the rest of us. One where getting drunk and acting stupid at a party or being arrogant and abrasive isn't possible. During the interview process, we applicants put these people on a pedestal because, for the moment, they are in a position of power over us. Books and message boards say we are judging them as well, but it’s us that have put our blood, sweat, and tears into being accepted. It’s us that have to wait a year and a half to reapply if things don't work out. Not to say that this is a bad thing, it is what it is. In conclusion, for anyone else preparing to go through the process, remember these things: Be proud of and stand by all the work that you have done to get to this point, be yourself, and if anything questionable happens during any part of the interview process, don't assume it’s something you did. Handle it as best you can and don't fail to believe in yourself, even if your POI insults you to your face or if you get thrown into an unusual interview situation.

 

[Jezebel09]

Now that the dust has settled and I've spoken with a few other people about the interview as a whole, I've changed my mind. Yes, like Aura5 said, I saw the interaction as a potential test because the behavior seemed so outrageous as to defy any other explanation. Then anxiety set in and I questioned myself (i.e. did I cause this by something I said or did). Ultimately, I think I made the mistake of assuming that the faculty and grad students of these programs reside in some other realm than the rest of us. One where getting drunk and acting stupid at a party or being arrogant and abrasive isn't possible. During the interview process, we applicants put these people on a pedestal because, for the moment, they are in a position of power over us. Books and message boards say we are judging them as well, but it’s us that have put our blood, sweat, and tears into being accepted. It’s us that have to wait a year and a half to reapply if things don't work out. Not to say that this is a bad thing, it is what it is. In conclusion, for anyone else preparing to go through the process, remember these things: Be proud of and stand by all the work that you have done to get to this point, be yourself, and if anything questionable happens during any part of the interview process, don't assume it’s something you did. Handle it as best you can and don't fail to believe in yourself, even if your POI insults you to your face or if you get thrown into an unusual interview situation.

So are you now thinking that your POI had been drinking? If so, while this is a sad situation, you have learned a lot about him.

 

[prettikittibaby]

They talk a lot about possible stress interviews in the Insider's Guide. There is stuff about possible personal questions about relationships, your own mental health history, or other personal questions. They are allowed to ask them, but you are not required to answer them. I don't think it is rude or childish, just part of the game. A PhD program is full of stress and pressure and if a person can't handle a little uncomfortable situation then maybe they can't handle completing a PhD.

What didn't you like about her mentorship style that was so terrible?

She was the DCT, so she's crazy busy... so her mentorship style is basically a do-it-all-yourself model, and if her students need help, she expects them to come to her... but it doesn't seem very supportive at all... it's basically entirely hands-off... There were somethings that I did like about her though. Everyone in her lab does an equal share of each part of the work (data entry, analysis, write-up, etc.) It was just a bit of a culture shock to compare her style to the one of the POI with whom I applied to work.

 

[hamsterpants]

So are you now thinking that your POI had been drinking? If so, while this is a sad situation, you have learned a lot about him.

That is sad. and citman, you are right, it had nothing to do with you. and it may be good info for you to have when weighing offers. good luck!

 

[psich]

I saw this term around a lot, but what does DCT stand for?

 

[hamsterpants]

I saw this term around a lot, but what does DCT stand for?

director of clinical training

 

[psich]

Thank you.

 

[FadedC]

I was on the corporate job market for many years before going back to school, and while stress interviews were not common there, they certainly did happen. However what you describe sounds nothing like one. Stress interviews involve difficult questions and challenges during the interview itself. They do not involve publically embarassing somebody at a dinner party.

Like you said though, it's important to remember that these people you are interviewing with may be brilliant scientists, but that doesn't mean they are good at anything else, or even good people. It's not at all uncommon for scientific ability and poor social skills to go hand in hand, and many may not even realize how they are coming across.