Counseling/Clinical Psych Interviews

[kcbaz]

I have my first interview later this month for a counseling psych masters program and I'm very nervous!  It's in-person and it's my first choice school.  The interview is only 15 minutes long.  Any advice on how to prepare/what questions to be ready for?  When I scheduled the interview via phone call they told me that they only interview applicants they are "very seriously considering" but that they also will be weeding people out after the interviews.  How can I make sure that those 15 minutes will secure me a spot?

[iphi]

I have my first interview later this month for a counseling psych masters program and I'm very nervous!  It's in-person and it's my first choice school.  The interview is only 15 minutes long.  Any advice on how to prepare/what questions to be ready for?  When I scheduled the interview via phone call they told me that they only interview applicants they are "very seriously considering" but that they also will be weeding people out after the interviews.  How can I make sure that those 15 minutes will secure me a spot?

 

Be prepared to answer questions concisely! Be prepared with a 2 minute spiel of what your research interests are, and be prepared to describe past research. Make sure you know what your career goals are and why you are pursuing a PhD. Also, "Why this school/program" is something you are guaranteed to be asked. If it's your top choice, make sure you are appropriately enthusiastic! Good luck!

[kcbaz]

Thank you for that advice!  I live in Michigan and am only applying to schools in Michigan, and here I can become a psychologist (limited license) with just a masters so at least for now I'm not planning on getting a Ph.D.  Can't say I'd never consider it, but I just have no interest in doing research and just want to do therapy.  Of course, if the field changes drastically (i.e. prescription privileges) I would seriously consider going back sooner rather than later.  But for now I want to at least work as a master's level psychologist for a while to hopefully get a jump on paying back all of my loans.  Now when you say "appropriately enthusiastic", what exactly is the limit there?  I know I can't exactly cartwheel into the interview room, but is it appropriate to let them know just how much I want to go there?  For example, can I say something along the lines of "I've been interested in attending this program for the past 4 years" or is that even too much?  I'm probably way overthinking this.

 

Thanks for your help!  Congrats on being accepted to UNC Chapel Hill