tough questions

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I've heard that it is good to have a few questions to ask the interviewer about their program....what would be an example of this to show that you're really interested in attending their school.



another question I'm struggling with is the question "why do you want to attend this program over any other program?"... I don't feel that I have a very original response.

any thoughts?

 

[blazersfan22]

comparing my answers with those that others in interviews, for the "why do you want to go to the school" question, i suggest you do a little background research about what the school specializes in, or what the faculty have specialities in, and than make your answer accordingly. also be sure to include a little bit about how it would be a good place for you to grow as a person, and not just a student. interviewers love that kind of stuff.

my answer to this question typically follows this format...
"i want to attend this program because the areas i am most interested in are apparent strengths of this program. working with james doe and other faculty is very appealing. also, the demographic makeup of this school is very different than my hometown, and so i think attending school here would both prepare me as a student and give me the kind of opportunities for personal growth that would allow me to be the best future physical therapist possible"

just don't ramble with your answer, don't make it sound like there's only certain things about the program you like, and most importantly, make sure they know that you've done your homework and want to attend school there.

Just my two cents. Good luck.

 

[thorn22]

These were the questions I asked (not word for word):

"Is there anything you wish someone would have told you when you were entering your PT program that would have helped you in your studies?"

"I know what I think is the strongest and most appealing aspect of this program, but I am curious as to what you think the best aspect is. Why would you want to go here as a student?"

For your second question about why you picked their program, try to say something unique that only that school offers.

 

[callmecrazy]

I've heard that it is good to have a few questions to ask the interviewer about their program....what would be an example of this to show that you're really interested in attending their school.

another question I'm struggling with is the question "why do you want to attend this program over any other program?"... I don't feel that I have a very original response.

any thoughts?

I would suggest thinking less about what is "good" or "original" and just be honest. The interviewer will know if the questions you ask have been repeatedly rehearsed or if they are questions you are genuinely wondering about. And if you're reason for wanting to attend any given school is "unoriginal", it is still the truth, and it is still your reason; go with it.

During one of my interviews, my faculty interviewer was also the clinical coordinator. The first question I asked was about their out-of-state placements. We ended up having a 15 minute conversation about OOS clinicals and the benefits of a small school (which this was) before we finally had to stop only because we were out of time. IMO, using this time for legitimate conversation is worlds better than having a Q&A with predetermined questions. If you're relaxed, it will just come naturally. Good luck!

 

[truthseeker]

I would suggest thinking less about what is "good" or "original" and just be honest. The interviewer will know if the questions you ask have been repeatedly rehearsed or if they are questions you are genuinely wondering about. And if you're reason for wanting to attend any given school is "unoriginal", it is still the truth, and it is still your reason; go with it.

During one of my interviews, my faculty interviewer was also the clinical coordinator. The first question I asked was about their out-of-state placements. We ended up having a 15 minute conversation about OOS clinicals and the benefits of a small school (which this was) before we finally had to stop only because we were out of time. IMO, using this time for legitimate conversation is worlds better than having a Q&A with predetermined questions. If you're relaxed, it will just come naturally. Good luck!

I agree wholeheartedly with Callmecrazy on this one. Interviewers can smell Bull$hit a mile away. be honest. If it is location, say location, if it is cost or that you will go wherever you are accepted say that. They might be more impressed that you are so devoted to being a PT that you will go anywhere that it might just be the thing that tips the scales.