Grad school interview is coming up and I'm getting real nervous. Update: I'M IN!

Dino · January 09, 2016, 11:06:54 PM

Thursday afternoon I have an interview with the Physician Assistant ( PA) graduate program and my nerves are starting to get tight enough to play a tune on. I applied to four schools but this is the one I truly want to attend. I am prepared, I know what to say and why I am doing this, and the suit is tailored and ready. But it doesn't change the fact that I'm scared out of my mind of not being admitted.

Maybe I should meditate or something to calm down a bit.

myk · January 09, 2016, 11:30:29 PM

I try not to think about what might go wrong. Sure, you don't want to be unprepared, but thinking about negative outcomes tends to psych my own self out; I'd think that might apply to many people. Like you said, you're prepared, studied, groomed, and ready as you'll ever be. Just believe in yourself and worry about what happens after the interview. Even if it doesn't work out, you at least had the interview; a lot of other people didn't!

Dino · January 09, 2016, 11:37:51 PM

Yes that's very true! I'm one of possible 40 candidates out of 1000+ applicants. I can't lose track of that. My mind tells me that all will be well, but they just haven't relayed the message to the nerves yet.

myk · January 09, 2016, 11:45:47 PM

Quote from: Dino on January 09, 2016, 11:37:51 PM
Yes that's very true! I'm one of possible 40 candidates out of 1000+ applicants. I can't lose track of that. My mind tells me that all will be well, but they just haven't relayed the message to the nerves yet.

Understood. Sometimes I ask myself "what would Frank Bullitt do?" I try to emulate his wordless calm, usually fail miserably, but at least it gives me a code of conduct lol...

skip68 · January 10, 2016, 12:45:43 AM

Be confident but not cocky. Keep good eye contact at all times.
Go in with the attitude "when do I start"
They already know who you are on paper and now you have to sell yourself in person. Piece of cake.

Mopar Nut · January 10, 2016, 02:16:29 AM

Be yourself, don't be this guy!

XH29N0G · January 10, 2016, 08:29:02 AM

I am not in that field, but we also interview students and post docs for positions at our university. I don't know if our interviews (which are 1 to 1 and intended to get to know the candidates rather than a 'weeding' type) are relevant, but I will put down what I look for.

I use the interview to gauge whether someone has what it will take to be successful (smarts, organization and work ethic), can communicate effectively, is curious, creative, and thinks (is an interesting person). It matters to me that the conversation is between equals as people. (I will have more formal education, but the students and post docs can be smarter or have the potential to do more than me in the long run. If they show they can communicate as equals, it lets me know how they will present themselves in the program and when they complete the program.) Interviewees who show interest with questions about the program or about the science impress me. Sometimes, little things that come up in conversation after a simple question asked about what I do will set off a whole direction for discussion. I am looking for a conversation with the person that lets me see them think and problem solve, in real time.

If I were you, I would think up some questions about the program like what they would see as the model for a successful student, and what needs to be done to get the best chance at a good placement after the program, or what the community is like among students who are there (maybe if there is a student you could talk to). As an interviewer, if I knew who I might talk to, I would look up some things about them and see if I could ask them about themselves. The interview is also a chance for you to learn from these people about how they got 'here' and what they think is important. Some may really enjoy giving advice. They are also a chance for you to see whether the people there are decent people or egotistical.

As an interviewer, I will have already read their letters, transcripts, statements, etc.... already, but I might ask about them. I generally don't want someone who is a jerk, or puts people down. (It is surprising, but some interviewees do just this.) Since I want to know how they are likely to develop, I usually ask about their strengths. For strengths, I am looking for someone to let me know in an honest way if they are strongest with math, chemistry, physics, reasoning, etc..... They won't be strongest in everything. In my discipline, I also want to know whether the people are joining for an academic or research or industry. The last bit has no right or wrong answer, but lets me see where they might fit and what type of research direction they might take. There are plenty of questions I ask that have no right or wrong answer, but allow me to get a picture of the person. I would expect these questions too.

Finally, someone told me once to remember to breathe, to drop my shoulders, drop my arms so they looked relaxed (they could move), to keep my head up, and make eye contact. That actually helped me relax, and I think it also conveyed comfort and confidence in the interview. As an interviewer, I recognize when people are nervous and do not hold it against them, but if the person is comfortable it makes the interview a lot easier from my side.

If I recall correctly, you did very well in your studies so that is a big thing in your favor, and you are asking for opinions which is also a good practice. I suggest you go in to learn about them and be prepared to answer questions they will have about you.

Dino · January 10, 2016, 09:35:55 AM

Wow thanks XH! That is really helpful information.

I have been reading all I can about the interviewing process and possible questions they may ask. I have also looked into their program a lot but I do still need some good questions to ask them.

And I'll make sure to be myself and not Homie...although the differences can be small at times.

stripedelete · January 10, 2016, 10:00:27 AM

Benadryl

skip68 · January 10, 2016, 10:19:54 AM

Excellent information XH.

Mytur Binsdirti · January 10, 2016, 10:56:37 AM

Quote from: Dino on January 09, 2016, 11:06:54 PM

Maybe I should meditate or something to calm down a bit.

or....

Chad L. Magee · January 10, 2016, 11:48:06 AM

Quote from: skip68 on January 10, 2016, 10:19:54 AM
Excellent information XH.

I agree.

One thing that I can add is to be true to yourself in the interview. If you try to be someone else, it will show. Brush up on the current literature for research questions that may pop up unexpectedly. Good luck and I hope you get in the program....

b5blue · January 10, 2016, 01:14:26 PM

Dude....you got this!

Your awesome and both your head and heart are in the right place. The jitters are totally normal so just be in the moment now, you worked your butt off to get here!

Dino · January 11, 2016, 11:30:27 PM

Thanks guys

I met with one of my old professors today and he too said just be yourself. The only bad news he had was that there will only be 30 students admitted insted of 40 and they're interviewing 90.

I'm just going to be me, be honest, and be real.

Two and a half days to go...

b5blue · January 12, 2016, 06:27:34 AM

Nothing meant for you will ever make it past you.

RallyeMike · January 12, 2016, 11:39:07 PM

I have also done a fair amount of hiring. I agree with XH: Be conversational, motivated, and positive. Work out your plan B and C to convince yourself that you have other exciting prospects and you will end up coming across as confident.

Good luck!

DeltaV · January 13, 2016, 09:23:04 PM

Quote from: RallyeMike on January 12, 2016, 11:39:07 PM
I have also done a fair amount of hiring. I agree with XH: Be conversational, motivated, and positive. Work out your plan B and C to convince yourself that you have other exciting prospects and you will end up coming across as confident.

Good luck!

Amen!

myk · January 14, 2016, 09:12:06 AM

Go get 'em Dirk!

Dino · January 14, 2016, 09:17:13 AM

Thanks guys!

I'm leaving in a few hours. Should be back home by 6 EST so I'll let you know how it went.

garner7555 · January 14, 2016, 10:59:09 AM

I'm sure you'll do great! Let us know how it went

Dino · January 14, 2016, 06:04:40 PM

Alright I'm back home and I survived!

All in all it went really well. I don't think I could've done anything better or differently. I was myself, was honest, and didn't hesitate or stutter. That's the best I can do!

Each candidate was interviewed by 4 different people. There were 13 of us today, there are 67 more to be interviewed this month. In February they decide who are the 30 lucky ones. Everyone will be notified late February or early March.

This can go either way. The candidate in the 31st position who will not make the cut is still a very good candidate, heck the 80th candidate is a good one! So I have to be honest with myself and realize this may not happen. That would mean I either attend a program I really don't like as much or I have to wait a year and try again.

Tomorrow I'm sending thank you notes to the people who interviewed me and then I'm letting it go. There's no point in ruminating so I'll just try to put it out of my mind and start work on the car again.

I need a drink...

XH29N0G · January 14, 2016, 06:20:38 PM

Sounds like a good job.

garner7555 · January 14, 2016, 07:35:38 PM

You did your best. Now you can have peace as you await the results. Good job!

b5blue · January 14, 2016, 07:36:49 PM

We are praying for you!!

myk · January 15, 2016, 03:12:50 AM

How'd it go?

Dino · January 15, 2016, 09:15:21 AM

Quote from: myk on January 15, 2016, 03:12:50 AM
How'd it go?

Scroll 4 posts up.

myk · January 15, 2016, 09:31:53 AM

You handled it like a solid performer; no one could ask for more...

Dino · January 15, 2016, 09:43:54 PM

One of my old professors just emailed me. He was there interviewing other candidates. He interviewed 3 strong candidates but he said they didn't even come close to me. We got along ever since we met so he may be a bit biased.

I received an email this afternoon from the University of Toledo. I was invited for an interview there as well so I'll be going there Monday the 25th. This school is my 2nd choice but I have to pretend it's my 1st in case my real 1st doesn't work out. $:-\$

I admit I would be devastated if I don't get into EMU, but it's a very real possibility.

XH29N0G · January 15, 2016, 10:11:05 PM

This all sounds good. I hope EMU works out, but good luck with U Toledo too.

Dino · January 15, 2016, 10:16:26 PM

Thanks!

I'm sure Toledo has a very good program but you know how it goes, sometimes one clicks more than another.

Dino · January 17, 2016, 10:20:04 PM

This is really gnawing at me. I know I have to interview at schools that are not my primary choice, and I know I have to present myself in such a way that the program I'm interviewing for is the only one that matters. But the truth is that EMU is the only place I truly want to be. If Toledo accepts me and EMU does not then I HAVE to go to Toledo. And if neither does and down the line Detroit accepts me then I HAVE to go there. I can't just get my old job back for another year and a half so I need to go to whom will take me. But I can't say I look forward to starting a program when it's not at EMU. At this time I simply lack the motivation to go elsewhere. I'm trying really hard here to think positive about the other schools but I'm not there yet.

b5blue · January 18, 2016, 08:04:09 AM

You've got to look at it this way, schools A B and C are looking at you. If any 2 don't offer positions then you really do want the third who did. So you want/need all three the same amount! You'd just "prefer" in an order of 1st, 2nd and last. It's about them not you at this point! Interview all three like each is your only option because any one may be just that!

Hundreds tried and have no shot at any, they would be happy to get just one shot....you have three!

XH29N0G · January 18, 2016, 08:33:01 AM

Quote from: b5blue on January 18, 2016, 08:04:09 AM
You've got to look at it this way, schools A B and C are looking at you. If any 2 don't offer positions then you really do want the third who did. So you want/need all three the same amount! You'd just "prefer" in an order of 1st, 2nd and last. It's about them not you at this point! Interview all three like each is your only option because any one may be just that! Hundreds tried and have no shot at any, they would be happy to get just one shot....you have three!

I can see that one would click more than another, but I also agree with b5blue.

If it were me, I would work to get around my hesitation by looking at the situation in a different way. The particular school is not the ultimate end, and the time at that school is finite. The job(s) after the school are the end goal.

Dino · January 18, 2016, 08:36:25 AM

You guys are absolutely right and my brain keeps telling me the same thing. It's my heart that's interfering with logic.

I know what I need to do, so I'll quit complaining and do it. Thanks for lisening.

Troy · January 18, 2016, 12:09:53 PM

When I'm job hunting I go to interviews at jobs I have no intention of taking just to gain confidence and "practice" for the ones that do mean something. You did it backwards!

But sometimes I learn some things in the interview that I either didn't know about or didn't think were important and that changes my opinion of the job. Keep an open mind and realize that all are great opportunities.

Troy

Dino · January 18, 2016, 10:54:18 PM

Yeah I know, I'm backwards most of the time.

I'll keep an open mind, but it's hard sometimes realizing nothing good ever came out of Ohio.

cavemanno1 · January 21, 2016, 02:07:32 PM

Won't wish you good luck because that means bad luck here,so break a leg!Although I'm a bit late for that and i just want to tell you that it may seem that the 2ND 3rd options were the less desirable ones.However,i believe that everything happens for a reason.Might be a great opportunity comes from these places that you have never though about before!

You are a good man,helpfull and kind.So karma pays you back what you gave,don't worry!

Dino · January 21, 2016, 11:07:30 PM

Thanks Peter!

b5blue · January 22, 2016, 06:13:44 AM

Quote from: Dino on January 18, 2016, 10:54:18 PM
Yeah I know, I'm backwards most of the time.

I'll keep an open mind, but it's hard sometimes realizing nothing good ever came out of Ohio.

Not so! One of my best girlfriends came from Ohio. My daughter moved to there to get away from bad influences down here and start over. She's lots of good solid friends and really turned things around nicely.

(I know your just kidding but I kinda owe it to Ohio!)

Dino · January 25, 2016, 09:14:32 AM

Lol, nothing wrong with Ohio...although they drive too slow.

I'm off to Toledo!

funknut · January 25, 2016, 10:53:12 AM

Quote from: Dino on January 25, 2016, 09:14:32 AM
Lol, nothing wrong with Ohio...although they drive too slow.

Not all of us.

Good luck with the process, hope things work out the way you're hoping.

stripedelete · January 25, 2016, 12:43:02 PM

Quote from: Dino on January 25, 2016, 09:14:32 AM
Lol, nothing wrong with Ohio...although they drive too slow.

You have to. It'll get you the death penalty.

myk · January 25, 2016, 08:15:22 PM

Quote from: Dino on January 25, 2016, 09:14:32 AM
Lol, nothing wrong with Ohio...although they drive too slow.

I'm off to Toledo!

It can't be as bad as California....

Dino · January 25, 2016, 08:19:48 PM

I had to lay off the gas when I was halfway there and realized I left my wallet at home!

That would've been a bad time to get pulled over.

The interview itself went fine but the program didn't grab my interest. It just didn't click with me. If EMU doesn't take me and Toledo does then that's how it is but I'm not giving up hope just yet.

Mopar Nut · January 26, 2016, 03:31:53 AM

Good luck!

b5blue · January 26, 2016, 05:15:43 AM

Hey even if you end up accepted and take a spot at your 2nd or 3rd spot could you not re apply at your first choice later?

I've gotten jobs at places I wanted to work at by just continuing to apply every time they had openings. My persistence was noticed over time.

Dino · January 26, 2016, 08:34:18 AM

For a job sure, but not for a grad program. Once in you stay in and see it through. Starting another program a year later would mean losing almost $40K and you add another year in school.

Dino · January 26, 2016, 08:34:18 AM

For a job sure, but not for a grad program. Once in you stay in and see it through. Starting another program a year later would mean losing almost $40K and you add another year in school.

b5blue · January 26, 2016, 04:40:57 PM

I see!

Dino · January 28, 2016, 05:29:44 PM

Yeah that would be too much to give up. Wherever I sign up, I need to stay on the ride until it stops.

I just heard EMUs admission committee is meeting on Tuesday. I don't know when they wil start calling people but I know that the ones that are accepted get the first call, which makes sense. So keep your fingers crossed for me and hope I get a call real soon! I need to de-stress already!

b5blue · January 28, 2016, 06:46:03 PM

Praying for you!

Dino · January 28, 2016, 09:17:45 PM

Thanks Neil!

Dino · February 05, 2016, 01:30:23 PM

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY I'M IN!!!!!!

EMU called me a little while ago and offered me a seat in their program!

All that hard work has paid off, I'll be attending the school of my choice and as long as I keep my head straight and work my tail off for another two years I will graduate as a PA in the spring of 2018.

I'd say I'm very happy but that would be an understatement. I'm still pinching myself.

Thanks for all the support my friends.

stripedelete · February 05, 2016, 01:43:25 PM

garner7555 · February 05, 2016, 01:54:29 PM

Awesome! Congratulations

hemi68charger · February 05, 2016, 02:17:19 PM

Awesome... ALWAYS nice to start a new chapter in one's life of their choosing...

funknut · February 05, 2016, 02:31:02 PM

Congrats man, super exciting!

dyslexic teddybear · February 05, 2016, 02:57:16 PM

Always good to see hard work rewarded

b5blue · February 05, 2016, 04:26:53 PM

YES!!! 3 CHEERS FOR YOU!!

Just 6T9 CHGR · February 05, 2016, 08:29:51 PM

Congrats brother!

Dino · February 05, 2016, 09:24:29 PM

Thanks guys, I'm super stoked!

It will be bad news on the Charger front though. The program starts the first week of May and there's no way I'll have any time to work on the car. Alas it will most likely not be back on the road by then. But I'll get it as close as possible. Time wise I think I could pull it off, but the funds to complete it are just not there anymore. I still have some stuff up for sale localy so it's not impossible but its getting improbable.

I'm not letting it put a damper on it though, I made it to where I wanted to be so I'm way happy!

Besides, you can't always have your cake and eat it. Hey! Maybe I should start a gofundme page as well!

Dans 68 · February 05, 2016, 11:43:26 PM

Quote from: dyslexic teddybear on February 05, 2016, 02:57:16 PM
Always good to see hard work rewarded

Nicely done!

Dan

XH29N0G · February 06, 2016, 08:04:20 AM

Excellent!

Q5XX29 · February 06, 2016, 08:50:05 AM

Quote from: Dino on February 05, 2016, 09:24:29 PM
Thanks guys, I'm super stoked!

It will be bad news on the Charger front though. The program starts the first week of May and there's no way I'll have any time to work on the car. Alas it will most likely not be back on the road by then. But I'll get it as close as possible. Time wise I think I could pull it off, but the funds to complete it are just not there anymore. I still have some stuff up for sale localy

Don't worry about that! It sounds like you have your priorities straight. Congratulations! I remember well not too long ago, the long, hard years of going through medical school and residency, not having any money for the fun stuff in life, taking on massive debt without any real guarantee of being able to pay it back. All of my friends were buying fun toys, taking trips, while I was living in my mobile home with my wife and kids and no toys.

Before you know it, you will be looking back and thank God you were willing to take the risk, and put in the hard work, because major dividends will be paid. You will have much more funding for your hobbies, and more importantly, you will be happy because you are doing something that you love!

Just keep your eye on the prize. Good luck!

firefighter3931 · February 06, 2016, 09:00:22 AM

Congrats Dirk !

You've come a long way and the effort will be worth it. You stayed the course and it's going to pay off

Ron

myk · February 06, 2016, 09:25:06 AM

I had a strong feeling you'd get it Dirk. Way to go...

charge69 · February 06, 2016, 05:09:08 PM

I know this meant the world to you and it is awesome that your college of choice selected you. It is funny how good luck seems to follow you when you work the hardest for your dreams. Good luck with this new chapter in your life! No doubt you are willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears to get this done and will have a bright future ahead. Again, Congrats.

Chad L. Magee · February 06, 2016, 07:15:02 PM

Congradulations!

RallyeMike · February 08, 2016, 11:41:14 AM

Pretty exciting milestone. Congrats.

cavemanno1 · February 08, 2016, 06:02:09 PM

Well done!

See i told you Karma will pay you back.I'm happy for you!

Lennard · February 08, 2016, 06:55:08 PM

Congratulations Dirk! Hard work pays off.

Dino · February 10, 2016, 08:58:11 AM

Thanks fellas! It's an awesome feeling and I'm very excited to start this new chapter.

And some more good news: I sold one of my vintage saxophones so that means I'll be able to finish a lot of things on the car. If I can sell these last two then I'll have enough to finish the entire car.

It's not a priority compared to school, but it sure would be nice to have the car ready so I can take it out from time to time after a long day studying.

Mopar Nut · February 10, 2016, 10:26:17 AM

Congratulations!!

Troy · February 10, 2016, 12:19:53 PM

Excellent!

Troy

XH29N0G · February 10, 2016, 06:32:41 PM

Quote from: Dino on February 10, 2016, 08:58:11 AM
it sure would be nice to have the car ready so I can take it out from time to time after a long day studying.

I agree. Good luck getting there.

Finn · February 10, 2016, 09:14:47 PM

Nice work! My GF is trying to get into medical school and it is a highly stressful process. Congratulations man

News:

Grad school interview is coming up and I'm getting real nervous. Update: I'M IN!