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Interviewing

How can I prepare for the professional school interview?

Check tips and recommendations from the professional associations. Examples include:

Practice answers to commonly asked questions:

  • Why are you interested in this profession?
  • Tell me about a personal clinical experience that has made a difference.
  • Why are you interested in this school?
  • What would you contribute as a student at this school?
  • Tell me about your experience working in a team.
  • Tell me about how you handled a problem that arose working in a team setting.
  • Tell me about a time you had to overcome adversity.
  • Why did you choose to major in…?
  • What characteristics do you possess that will help you to become a successful student?  A successful professional?
  • What extracurricular activity has been rewarding for you.
  • How do you handle stress?
  • How do you take care of yourself?
  • Tell me about a current issue in health care.
  • Tell me about a time you faced an ethical situation and how did you handle it.

A few tips

  • Practice answers to questions out loud or with a friend,
  • Be prepared to show positive results to behavioral questions (tell me about a time when…)
  • Arrive early to an interview
  • Review the school’s website in advance
  • Be polite to all
  • Dress professionally
  • Let them know who you really are – what you care about – what has made a difference in your life
  • Be prepared to ask questions to the interviewers (usually pertaining to the education and experiences provided and the culture of the school)
  • Ask questions that are genuinely of interest

How to schedule a mock interview:

Students can request a mock interview when they have been offered an interview from a health professions school. Use this form to request a mock interview with Health Professions Advising. Health Professions Advising will offer one mock interview per student per application cycle.