The Interview
Message to current and future applicants
Welcome current and future applicants! Below we have general interview preparation advice. We highly recommend Aggies and Aggie Alumni join us at our annual Interview Week workshop series, schedule appointments, and attend Drop-Ins for practice.
Every fall we host Mock Interviews to prepare applicants from any health field. We always encourage current applicants to stay updated on our events and follow us on Facebook for updates!
- Purpose
- You may be wondering why schools interview; afterall, they have already read so much about you through your application. The simple answer: to meet you and get to know the person behind all the writing.
While the interview process may differ between schools, they are seeking to better understand your personal qualities and competencies, why you are interested in your chosen field and your readiness, as well as what makes you a good “fit” for their school.
The interview is one aspect of your entire application. It’s important for you to be authentic and professional in your communications with the school and during your interview. - Preparation
- Waiting for an interview for professional schools can be nerve-wracking. It is important you stay busy and active. You also want to practice to consider what you might share and build your confidence in your responses. We encourage applicants to begin preparing after secondaries; sometimes interview opportunities come with little notice. Remember there is a fine line between confidence and over-rehearsed!
The school will plan your interview(s) and share details ahead of time, though sometimes only a few days before your actual interview. With some research, you can find out more about what format your interview might be and what to expect. Review your application and any supplemental applications you submitted to that school - it’s likely been weeks or months since you last looked them over. Research the school, again, to understand what makes them unique and what you are interested in them. Brush up on current events and ethical issues in healthcare and your future health profession. You can also find common questions with a little bit of internet research.
During an interview, it can be challenging to come up with examples on the spot. Think about what of your experiences you can use to support your responses to a variety of questions. Practice telling your stories out loud. Recruit friends, family, mentors, and advisors to practice with you. Record yourself and watch yourself to evaluate how you present. - Interview Day
- Whether your interview is in person or virtual, know the logistics of your day and what to do if you have any challenges. Communicate with Admissions immediately.
Preparation and planning will vary if the interview is in person versus virtual. For In person, you will need to consider travel, lodging, and transportation to and from the interview; all with costs associated. For virtual, you will need to find a location where you will have reliable internet access and free from interruptions.
Even if the interview is virtual, dress professionally; it will help you stay in the professional mindset. Remember to silence all electronics to avoid any interruptions.
The day is here! Your attitude is everything and first impressions matter. It is important to manage any anxiety and practice positive self-talk.
Be professional and kind with everyone you interact with; any rudeness will likely be noted. Speak clearly, calmly, and confidently. Listen carefully and answer the question you are asked. For traditional interviews, there will likely be time for you to ask your interviewers questions toward the end. Have some questions prepared ahead of time, but make sure they are “interesting”; questions whose responses you cannot easily find online. - Post interview
- The interview is done! You may be experiencing a mixed bag of emotions; that is perfectly normal. If possible, take a moment to ask Admissions if updates are permitted.
Within 1-3 days after your interview, take a moment to send out thank you notes. If you know your interviewer's contact, you can send it to them. If not, you can send a note to Admissions to forward on your behalf. It is up to you if you want to email or send something via snail mail.