What types of questions are asked during grad school interviews?
There are many different kinds of grad school admissions interviews, and the interview format will influence the kind of questions a candidate faces. Assessment interviews focus on particular qualifications and may include questions to specifically address weaknesses in an application. Informational interviews are more relaxed and the prospective grad student will ask most of the questions. Marketing interviews are characterized by less scrutiny on the candidate and more emphasis on positioning the school as the best choice for the candidate. The questions here will be lighter and the strongest candidates will experience this kind of interview more than weaker candidates. Lastly, a relationship interview will be important in situations where the academic qualifications are already screened and highly acceptable and where there is a small group or high amount of teamwork in a program (such as PhD programs in the sciences). In all situations, treating an admissions interview like you would a job interview is advised.
“So, what do you consider your greatest weakness?” If you’re applying to graduate school, you should spend some time thinking about that question. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but make sure you can turn your weakness into a strong personal characteristic. For example, if your friends say you can’t see the forest for the trees, you might explain: “Sometimes I’m too detail-oriented, but I’m usually able to identify mistakes or opportunities that others overlook.” That’s an excellent quality if you’re applying to an accounting program or forensic science. Or, you can offer an explanation about how you are trying to overcome your weakness. If you dread public speaking, you might explain how you’re trying to conquer this fear by seeking out opportunities to make presentations to others. Whether you’re applying to law school, medical school or a graduate pro
