Penn GSE Counseling and Mental Health Services (M.S.Ed.): Seeking Group Interview Advice

[Mindfulyogi]

Hi all! I received an invitation for a group interview for Penn's Counseling and Mental Health Services master's program, and was wondering if anyone who has gone through this interview in the past has any advice or insight they'd be willing to share! Thank you very much in advance! ?

*Cross-posted in "Interviews and Visits" FYI

Edited January 18, 2021 by Mindfulyogi

[psychbridge]

Hello! I actually was interviewed and accepted back in 2018, and graduated in Spring 2020. I remember the questions being fairly standard (expanding on academic/work experiences, stating why you want to pursue the degree and why at Penn, strengths/weaknesses, where do you see yourself in X amount of years and what populations you want to work with, etc.) I remember being specifically asked about the nuances between clinical and counseling psychology, but that was likely because I let them know of my plans to pursue a doctoral degree in the future. They also asked us all about self care practices. There wasn't anything too surprising or unexpected. I think they might have had one or two scenario questions (can't remember the specifics, sorry!) but they were more intuitive and didn't require any clinical knowledge or anything like that. 

I was pretty nervous about doing a group interview, but it ended up being fine. Try to answer first if you can so you don't come across as repetitive if others have similar answers. Prepare concise responses to those standard questions, and pay attention to body language so you come across as professional and confident! Remember that you've already been deemed qualified on paper, and they're trying to assess personality and fit. The program really emphasizes diversity, cultural competency, and the social justice framework. If you can emphasize that, all the better. Good luck!!

 

 

 

[Mindfulyogi]

@psychbridge Wow thank you so much for taking the time to respond with such a comprehensive response! This was very helpful and I appreciate it very much! ? 

[yzzzyyy]

Hello! What questions you were asked? I have interview tomorrow! 

[yzzzyyy]

On 1/19/2021 at 11:58 PM, Mindfulyogi said:

@psychbridge Wow thank you so much for taking the time to respond with such a comprehensive response! This was very helpful and I appreciate it very much! ? 

Hello! What questions you were asked? I have interview tomorrow! 

[Mindfulyogi]

@yzzzyyyHey! I'm sorry I didn't see your post until now. The interview was not too bad - the faculty member was so welcoming and made the atmosphere very comfortable (for me at least!) The standard questions were asked (as mentioned also by the member above). How did you feel about it?

[ktrunner9922]

On 2/8/2021 at 12:22 AM, yzzzyyy said:

Hello! What questions you were asked? I have interview tomorrow! 

This is so late, but I had my interview February 9th! How did yours go?