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A member of our Educaedu team recently had a round of interviews for graduate school in the U.S. and we decided to share the experience with our readers as well as give some advice for graduate school admissions.

So here it is: an interview about an interview.

Q: How do you get an interview at a graduate school in the U.S.?

A: The grad school application varies by program but the series of events is virtually the same.  First you must put together all your application documents, like an official transcript, letters of recommendation, and essays.  Then send in your completed application as early as possible as many programs have “rolling admissions”, which means that they fill seats in the class as they find acceptable students. Then you wait.  Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear anything right away as the application review process can take time.

After your application is reviewed you will either get a rejection letter or a request for an interview.  If you get rejected you should contact the program for advice on improving your application so that you can apply the following year.  If you got an interview, congratulations!

Q: There are a lot of websites with tips about grad school interviews. What are your personal suggestions?

A: Dress to impress.  That means a collared shirt and a suit. A tie if you are a guy.  Close-toed shoes and a kept appearance. Easy on the make-up and perfumes.

Be yourself.  But be your best self.  Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and eye contact.  Always appear engaged and thank your interviewer when you are finished.

Rehearse but don’t sound scripted.  You should prepare with a friend answering some practice questions but be sure to not sound like a robot.  Part of the reason they request the interview is to see if you are personable, likeable, HUMAN.

Bring some breath mints and chap stick.  Often the programs have breakfast items and coffee and they force you to eat and mingle with other students and faculty.  Coffee breath and a dry mouth is not the best impression to leave.

Q: What did they ask you in the interview and how long was it?

A:  One of my interviews lasted a little over an hour and the other was only 30 mins.  Here are some example questions I was asked:

- How did you decide to apply to the ________ program.
- What other schools did you apply to and why?
- What was the hardest subject/course in undergrad and why?
- How do you cope with stress?
- What does honor mean to you?
- What are you most proud of and why?
- What is your ideal job?
- Describe a moment in your life when you were faced with a hardship and explain how you overcame it.
- What are you looking for in a graduate program/school?

Q:  Did you mess any of them up?

A:  Totally. I was feeling rather buoyant towards the end of the first interview as I thought it was going rather well.  I was then asked about my ideal job and I blurted out “I would love to design shoes”, which has nothing to do with the program to which I was applying.   Fortunately, they thought it was funny and assumed I was kidding.  I wasn´t.  I would love to design shoes.

Q: That’s awesome.  Do you have any other advice for our reader who may also be getting ready to interview or possibly apply?

A: Yeah, make sure to ask questions. You should always do some research about the school, program, and faculty, and prepare some intelligent questions for the interviewer.  Schools like to see that you have done your homework.

You can check out some graduate programs in the United States here.  Good luck!