Grad School Admissions: Interviews

While your application materials, such as your personal statement and resume, outline your qualifications and experiences, the interview allows you to directly convey the depth of your Peace Corps service and how it has shaped your academic and professional aspirations. This face-to-face or virtual interaction enables you to articulate your commitment to your chosen field, demonstrate your interpersonal skills, and show how your cross-cultural experiences have prepared you for the challenges of graduate study. For RPCVs, the interview is also a chance to highlight the unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities developed during service, making a compelling case for how these attributes will contribute to the academic community and enrich the program. A successful interview can be a decisive factor in distinguishing you from other candidates.

WorldView asked university admissions leaders for their hot tips on how to nail the interview.

Hot Tip #1

Interviews are one of the best times to show your personality with the university you’re applying to. Not all universities have interviews as part of the application process, so it is always beneficial to look into the specific application process of the various universities you are applying to. Once you establish that you will be interviewing with a school, I recommend treating the opportunity like a job interview. You will want to practice your interviewing skills with family members, friends, or potentially visit your local library and see if they have available study rooms to practice. This will allow you to limit the number of pauses you take between answers. You may want to dress in business casual clothing for your interview, especially if you are interviewing with a faculty member for a PhD candidacy. Once you have your interview time, make sure you have practiced and feel prepared. Don’t forget to bring questions to your interviewer. This will allow you an opportunity to advocate for yourself and your potential spot in the degree program.

—Tereza Lopez, Assistant Director, Graduate Recruitment, Clark University

Hot Tip #2

Not all programs require interviews. Some programs decide to conduct interviews to know more about the applicant and to ensure they are committed, qualified, and ultimately a good fit for the program. 

Prepare for your interview as if you were applying for a job. Research the program, school, and faculty, especially the members you wish to work with. It’s a good idea to look at the website and read some of the faculty research papers. Also, review your statement of purpose, CV and be prepared to explain any topic regarding your application materials, especially low grades, internships and work experiences.  

In person vs. Zoom:
Dress professionally for both interview modalities, normally business casual. Have your camera on if on Zoom and add a professional Zoom background or blur the background. Test your camera and sound in advance to make sure they are working properly. Make sure you have a reliable and stable internet connection. 

Bring copies of your resume if your interview is in person. Also, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to make sure you will be on time. Send a thank you note after the interview. This will attest to your interest and commitment to the program. 

Presentation: 

Practice ahead of time and brainstorm some questions to attempt to answer. Prepare and have some questions for the faculty about the program for the end of the interview. This is an opportunity for you to learn if the program would be a good fit for you too. If you feel comfortable, you could ask for discussion topics in advance.  

Content: 

• Overview of yourself
• Academic journey
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Favorite class/professor impact
• Obstacles
• Work/internship experience
• Current field inspiration 

—Renata Ximenes, Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions and Recruiting, Indiana University

Hot Tip #3

Authenticity is key. Generally admissions offices want you to connect the dots in your academic and career journey and show how this program fits with what you want to do next. How does the program fill in specific academic or skill gaps, and how will you leverage different parts of the program to achieve your goals (alumni network, hard-skills classes, studying with key faculty, writing a dissertation, connections with your cohort etc.)? It’s ok to acknowledge your own skill gaps and why you think this program is a perfect fit for filling them.  Also, do not restate what is on the website! We wrote it and know what it says.

—Jill Stoffers, Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Hot Tip #4

Be focused and authentic in your admissions interview, ready to explain your motivations for graduate school and address any issues in your academic record. Use the opportunity to share something not already covered in your application. It’s another data point to strengthen your candidacy. Treat it like a two-way conversation and don’t make the interviewer reach for things to ask. Remember, not all programs offer interviews, so check if they’re part of the process.

—Stephanie Worden, Assistant Dean for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver