Interviewing for Graduate Programs

Interviewing for Health Professional Programs

The interview is one of the most important elements in the healthcare professions application process. When a school invites you to an interview, they are indicating an interest in selecting you. The interview gives both you and the admissions committee the opportunity to exchange information to determine if you are a good "fit" for each other. 

The interview allows the admission committee to learn more about your experiences, assess your problem solving and critical thinking skills, and evaluate your interpersonal skills and your motivation for the profession.

Interview Formats

• Individual - one applicant with one or more interviewers (there may be a panel of interviewers)
• Group - multiple applicants with one or more interviewers
• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) - a series of 6-10 interview stations, each focusing on a different questions or scenarios

Interview Styles

• Open - the interviewer has seen and reviewed your application materials
• Semi-Open - the interviewer has seen a portion of your application materials
• Closed - the interviewer has not seen your application materials

Types of Questions

• General - ask about you, your motivations, and your goals
• Behavioral/Situational - ask you to share a previous experience and how you reacted
• Ethical - ask about ethics, ethical dilemmas, and other situations involving morality (more specific than above)