SLP Interviews! What are they like?

[JB677]

Did anyone have an interview with Mercy College?? I have one scheduled for 3/5/15

[cccSLP]

I have an interview with Georgia State University in March, and there's an on-site writing sample before the actual interview. Has anyone ever done something like this or have insight into what topics I may be asked to write about? Thanks! 

[ckoz84]

I recently spoke to someone who was asked in an interview what the five parameters of language are. If they ask basic questions like that it would be nice. 

 

Oh no.  I would have no idea how to answer that question. Totally just googled it, and that was no help.  Found some scholarly articles on Universal Grammar and ASL, tho.

[selbstverteidigung]

Here are a few of the questions I got last year from 2 different school interviews.  Hope it helps!:  

 

1- Why does ____ University interest you?

2- What is the relationship between academics and clinicals?

3- What will be different in your studies between undergrad and grad school?

4- How are you planning on making a decision about where to go?

5- What do you do to prepare for class?

6- Why SLP and what is your background?

7- How would you handle the workload and fast paced program, knowing you probably won’t have any time for a job?

8 - Think of a difficult, hard time in your life, explain how you handled/dealt with it?

This is perfect! But what's a good response for #2?

[SLPosteriorCricoarytenoid]

Oh no.  I would have no idea how to answer that question. Totally just googled it, and that was no help.  Found some scholarly articles on Universal Grammar and ASL, tho.

 

Maybe it could be worded different, but I'm referring to what is under the umbrella of language:

 

Form:

Syntax, morphology, phonology

Content:

Semantics

Use:

Pragmatics

 

The wording of interview questions could also be tricky too! 

 

This is a random question not really pertaining to interviews, but was anyone else forced to learn the exact word-by-word ASHA definition of language?

[Holly44]

This is a random question not really pertaining to interviews, but was anyone else forced to learn the exact word-by-word ASHA definition of language?

We had to learn the definition in my post-bacc, but I don't remember having to reproduce it word by word.

Also, I've heard from people that they'll also ask you to name a few language disorders and/or speech disorders so it's worth having a few already memorized.

[ckoz84]

Maybe it could be worded different, but I'm referring to what is under the umbrella of language:

 

Form:

Syntax, morphology, phonology

Content:

Semantics

Use:

Pragmatics

 

The wording of interview questions could also be tricky too! 

 

This is a random question not really pertaining to interviews, but was anyone else forced to learn the exact word-by-word ASHA definition of language?

 

Whew, all of that is stuff I know. I just wasn't thinking about it in the same way.  Thanks for getting back!

[ImHis]

Hey guys, how do you handle the question if they ask "Where else are you applying?"

[neucool]

Hey guys, how do you handle the question if they ask "Where else are you applying?"

 

I would tell them? I mean, personally I wouldn't lie. I doubt they'll ask in an interview though, the schools that wanted to know for me asked about that on the application itself.

[the_bee's_knees]

I found this great website for getting in the zone for interviews.

 

http://www.uwgb.edu/careers/skills/interviewing-graduate-school.asp

 

Hope everyone finds it as helpful as I did!

[lakegirl92]

Has anyone use google handouts? I have an interview on Wednesday and I've never used it before.

[JB677]

I found this great website for getting in the zone for interviews.

 

http://www.uwgb.edu/careers/skills/interviewing-graduate-school.asp

 

Hope everyone finds it as helpful as I did!

 

Thanks so much!! This is super helpful

[Linda_P]

Has anyone interviewed at LIU Post? Any insight on what the interview is like and the type of questions asked?

[slp1993]

Did anyone have an interview with Mercy College?? I have one scheduled for 3/5/15

Hi!I have an interview with mercy college next week, I was wondering if you could share what it was like? I read on the results page from a few years ago people saying it was a group interview, and that there weren't any coursework related questions.. but that was from a few years ago.  Is this still the same set up? Sorry for all of the questions i'm super nervous i've never interviewed for anything before!

[SLPosteriorCricoarytenoid]

Just thought I would revive this thread by posting my interview questions that I was asked. It may sound silly, but I did not post them earlier because I didn't know if faculty ever browse the forums and would see this as problematic (probably just me being paranoid). I figured I would post these since I don't know if I'll be back on GradCafe much since I am done with the "applying to graduate school chapter" and onto the real deal. I also put my $.02 worth in on some questions. Before interviews, I was curious how other people approached questions, so I figured I would share my train of thought on some. I am sharing this since I found it extremely helpful to hear from others who went through the application experience before I did!

 

1. How do you make a decision on what is best for a client if they do not wish to receive therapy that is supported by current research (I may not have worded it exactly how they asked, but it was similar to this.)? 

 

I interpreted this as probing to see if applicants mention (and understand) the process of EBP. Brush up on EBP before interviews, trust me. It will only help you. ASHA has a page that addresses EBP that you can check out. Likewise, refamiliarize yourself with the ASHA Code of Conduct before interviews as well. That is another tool that may come in handy if you get handed a tricky ethical question. You don't need to memorize it, but be familiar with it. 

 

2. Our program focuses on three areas: Academics, clinic, and research. Which area do you think will be the most challenging, and why?

 

This is a tricky question in that it gives you the opportunity to either bomb the question by revealing a weakness that may be problematic, or you can answer it with a strength in disguise. Be prepared to answer questions about potential weaknesses or faults you have. 

 

3. Tell us about a time when you worked in a group. It can be a positive or negative experience. 

 

This question was a little tough. There was little direction, but I covered both bases when I answered it. I told a brief synopsis of a positive and negative experience as an officer of a joint club and honor society. I don't know if that was bad or good, but I figured I didn't want to say too little or too much. Similarly, be prepared to answer questions about teamwork and working collaboratively. 

 

4. What does critical thinking mean to you? Also, give an example of when you had to use it. 

 

Yikes! I was so nervous that I forgot some of how I answered this. I think I said something about being able to find a solution to a problem that may not be readily apparent and also having the ability to problem solve. I know I explained it more during the interview, but I can't seem to remember what I said since I was under a heavy fog of adrenaline. 

 

5. Tell us about your multicultural experiences.

 

Be prepared for this one. I was asked this at two interviews. Many graduate programs have it in their mission statement that they actively seek ways to diversify their program with individuals from differing backgrounds, experiences, etc. One of my interviews was a group interview, and the other students all shared experiences traveling abroad. I didn't have the opportunity to travel, so I gave examples of working with a wide variety of individuals with different disorders and backgrounds while at an internship. Likewise, read programs' mission statements and be very familiar with them before interviewing. You can almost be certain they will ask some question(s) related to their mission. 

 

6. What other academic interests outside of SLP do you have? Tell us about a course or courses you have taken that you think will benefit you and why. 

 

It came in handy to have a background in two related but different fields to answer this! I figured they were again asking to see if applicants can bring diverse perspectives and interests to their program. 

 

7. Tell us about a time when you had to modify your own communication to make yourself understood. 

 

This was a unique question. I used an example of working with an individual with special needs who was very receptive to staff's tone of voice as well as complex language. 

 

8. What experiences do you have working with special populations?

 

Self explanatory. As SLPs, we will have clients who fall outside of the "norm" (as in disordered) on a daily basis. 

 

9. Why did you apply to our program?

 

Ah, the one that you can always expect to be asked. I interpreted this as a question that will identify whether you did your homework on their program before applying. This is where knowing their mission statement and program specifics may come in handy. Make sure to have a believable answer. There should be a reason you chose them, after all. It also may help to mention program specifics that drew you to their program, such as med and/or school placements, and/or a faculty member who does research you are interested in. 

 

10. Do you have any specific area of interest in SLP?

 

It may be a good idea to name a faculty member who is in your area of interest...Especially if you are interested in doing a thesis. Otherwise, it may be acceptable to explain which setting you are interested in working in and why. 

 

11. If we asked a professor or boss who knows you well to describe you, what would they say about you?

 

Theoretical questions! I tried not to give real generic answers (ie. hardworking! I do a good job! I give 110%!). I took the route of giving more unique answers to help myself be more memorable. After all, when you are competing against the masses you need to be remembered somehow.

 

12. Do you have any questions for us?

 

Even if you don't think you have any, ask them a few! At one of my interviews, I had thought of three questions I wanted to ask. I was so nervous that I forgot 2/3 questions when I was in the moment. I compensated by thinking of a few other questions based on their responses to my previous question. Also, don't be afraid to interview them with a few questions. It is just as important that they can explain why you should want them as much as they should want you. I asked what set their programs apart from others in the region and I got some interesting responses. 

 

---------------------------------------------------------

 

I am forgetting a few things I was asked, but these were the ones I wrote down shortly after going through interviews. By no means are my answers "correct" or the way you should answer questions. I just figured I would share my perspective on how I interpreted and responded to them. It was also useful to have a very short introductory pitch about yourself ready. At one interview, we had to introduce ourselves to the different interviewers as we progressed from room to room. Most importantly, be yourself (not an interview robot)! There is a reason you got an interview. Try to relax as much as possible. I was a bundle of nerves but I did plenty of interview practice before interviews which helped me feel a little more calm. There is no way to be 100% prepared for interviews. You just do the best you can as you go! 

 

Best wishes as you embark on the scary and also exciting roller coaster of getting into graduate school. 

Edited June 15, 2015 by SLPosteriorCricoarytenoid

[JJP19]

How do we know if the schools we applied to interview or not? I have looked on their websites and haven't seen anything about interviews!

[katelynmarie]

On 2/3/2015 at 8:56 AM, twinguy7 said:

You can find out how many spots there are at each program on edfind on the ASHA website.  As far as how many they interview you can definitely know that if you are interviewed you are among a very few compared to how many applicant there were.  GVSU told us that they interviewed 90 and would accept 30 and waitlist another 30.  This was told to us during out interview.  

Hey! I applied to GVSU this year and am wondering about interviews. Do you remember around when they sent out invites for interviews?

Super nervous, I love their program! 

Thanks

[maurmaur]

On 2/6/2017 at 9:58 PM, JJP19 said:

How do we know if the schools we applied to interview or not? I have looked on their websites and haven't seen anything about interviews!

I don't know if there is a true list, but if you google your school + gradcafe, people say when they receive updates. Here: http://thegradcafe.com/survey/index.php?q=northeastern&t=a&o=p&p=50

There won't be many posts from this year, but you can sort it by date and you can view last year's. People write if they were accepted/declined or when they were invited for an interview.