Writing prompt during interview?!

[hmiller]

I was invited to interview for a PhD Counseling program and just received the agenda for the two day interview. On that agenda is a time slot that says "timed writing response". I have never heard of such a thing at an interview! Has anyone ever had to do a writing prompt for their interview and if so, any insight on what the topic may be so I can practice/brainstorm? I appreciate it! 

[ticktick]

I bet you had your visit already, but I just came across this and thought I would offer support. The university I am currently at does have an essay as part of the interview day. It is nothing to stress about. For us, it is a 30 minute session where you are given a prompt and asked to write a short essay. The purpose is to test some writing and critical thinking skills in a way that takes focus off GRE writing scores or other flawed methods of evaluating incoming students. They do not expect perfection; they know it is a short time and not something you prepared for. In my experience, they just want to give you an assessment that is closer to your actual research area and will use it as part of their holistic evaluation.