It is interview season! All over the United States (and world) prospective students are traveling to graduate schools with the goal of admission to their dream program. Here at ICO, interviews began early in October and will run up until Spring. For most people, interviews cause a bit of stress. Have no fear! I have a way to help.
When I was in undergrad, I went to a club meeting where a doctor came to speak about how she was admitted to her professional program. This was probably one of the most helpful meetings for me during my search for an optometry program. She told us that, although you will be traveling to schools to be interviewed remember one thing: you are also doing the interviewing.
Even though you are striving to impress the interviewer, they also need to impress you. They want bright students (like you!) to attend their program. You are the one paying them money to attend and, when it comes down to it, the final decision is yours.
She gave us an example of a program that asked her a question: “If you had to choose between family and your career, which would you choose?” She said she told them, straight up, if this was the kind of program that made her make that choice, this is not the kind of program she would like to attend. A week later she received her admission letter.
Now, I’m not saying to go too over the top and not try to impress the interviewer. What I am saying is to take a deep breath and think about the fact that you are in control of your final choice. You want to determine the school that fits you best. This was something that was always in the back of my mind during all of my interviews, and it always calmed me before I walked in. I hope it helps boost your confidence, too!