Fall 2016 School Psychology

[grad29]

2 hours ago, Love3 said:

Tell me about your experience working with children. Tell me about your previous research experience. Why EdS instead of PhD or vice versa (depending on what program you are applying to)? What qualities do you feel are important for a school psychologist? One school even asked: Tell me about time that I was placed in leadership position and how I handled it.

Good thinking! Great questions I hadn't thought about.

[kingslayer]

On 1/26/2016 at 1:35 PM, Love3 said:

One school even asked: Tell me about time that I was placed in leadership position and how I handled it.

I was asked a variation of this in an interview today, and I completely blanked! For instance, I am a peer mentor/academic leader and I didn't mention it at all. I think it was a combination of misunderstanding the question and freaking out because I was interviewing for this particular school (I have two favorites, and this is one of them). Immediately after the interview was over and the pressure was gone, I came up with the perfect answer. Grrr.

A couple of other questions I was asked was "How do you handle stress?" and "What area of school psychology are you most interested in?"

@westy3789 How did the interview go?

 

 

[grad29]

43 minutes ago, kingslayer said:

 

@westy3789 How did the interview go?

 

 

I have it tomorrow, I will make sure to let you know how it goes! I came up with decent answers to all the questions people posted, so as long as I can get through a lunch with 10 other female undergraduates and 3 female professors with a phd I think I will be okay!

[Love3]

17 hours ago, kingslayer said:

I was asked a variation of this in an interview today, and I completely blanked! For instance, I am a peer mentor/academic leader and I didn't mention it at all. I think it was a combination of misunderstanding the question and freaking out because I was interviewing for this particular school (I have two favorites, and this is one of them). Immediately after the interview was over and the pressure was gone, I came up with the perfect answer. Grrr.

A couple of other questions I was asked was "How do you handle stress?" and "What area of school psychology are you most interested in?"

 

 

I bet that you answered the question better than me. I had to admit that it was a weakness and how I plan to work on it. I was involved in a lot in undergrad but I never took on a leadership position. I know I'm capable of doing such but it just didn't happen. 

I always get nervous talking about weaknesses because the point is to impress. No one knows how people actually feel about someone's weak points but I'll find out if I impressed them enough by next week. ?

I'm hoping for the best and that I'm not overthinking. 

[ohhappyday]

What do you guys think about open houses? Do you think they are beneficial? I just received an email that allows you to listen into a school psychology program course, have lunch with faculty, and talk to current program graduate students. There are no interviews involved and aren't mandatory.  Have you visited an open house to any of the schools you all applied to?

[TN_Bella]

44 minutes ago, ohhappyday said:

What do you guys think about open houses? Do you think they are beneficial? I just received an email that allows you to listen into a school psychology program course, have lunch with faculty, and talk to current program graduate students. There are no interviews involved and aren't mandatory.  Have you visited an open house to any of the schools you all applied to?

When I was applying to undergrad, I already sent in my deposit to one school before I got to visit. When I visited, I hated the atmosphere of the school and town so much that I booked another plane trip to the other school to visit, loved the other school, and paid a second deposit there.. I'm a big believer in atmosphere of a school/department/town contributing to happiness and would definitely want to see it before I decided to move across country to go there. 

[grad29]

Well, I just finished my first interview. It was 5 hours long. They had about 12 of us there and there is another date with another 12 applicants. The cohort this year was going to be around 10 they said, so they have to narrow it down from 24 to 10, so 60% of the interviewers to this program were either going to be wait listed or rejected. That was more selective than I had hoped for. But anyway, they split us off into two groups, the first group had interviews in the morning and the second had theirs in the afternoon. Then campus tours were on the opposite end and lunch in the middle. I was hoping for group 1 placement, so I could get my interview in before lunch and having to socialize for 4 hours, when my mind would be the freshest and my nerves the tamest. That didn't happen. I was actually the very last of the group 2 applicants to interview.

The interview didn't last long, it was about 15 minutes and I was asked about 5 questions. It was individual with 2 separate professors, so 2 separate  interviews basically. I found that a bit interesting. How could they narrow 60% of the field in just a 15 minute interview session? So what I'm thinking is that perhaps they had a  decent idea of who they wanted to accept beforehand and were just looking for red flags. Also I think me being scheduled to go last may have been a good thing - like I would think they would have asked me more than 5 questions and scheduled me earlier if they were unsure - I don't know I'm over analyzing it. But maybe they put all their strongest candidates at the end.  

I must admit I'm a little disappointed at my interview though. I don't think I did my best. I was pretty nervous and it definitely came across in the tone of my voice. The questions were also a little more technical than I had anticipated - things like "describe some life experiences will help you to take on the increasing diversity seen in schools?", so questions the questions were definitely a little challenging. But - despite how nervous I was I made Damn sure they saw my passsion to work with special needs and my focus. The department head said "we will definitely be in contact with you very soon", so if that means anything I don't know. But I'm not going to overanalyze this, I feel like I did my best and that's all I could do! Program was really cool though so I hope I get in! 

[Anxiousapplicant01]

2 hours ago, westy3789 said:

Well, I just finished my first interview. It was 5 hours long. They had about 12 of us there and there is another date with another 12 applicants. The cohort this year was going to be around 10 they said, so they have to narrow it down from 24 to 10, so 60% of the interviewers to this program were either going to be wait listed or rejected. That was more selective than I had hoped for. But anyway, they split us off into two groups, the first group had interviews in the morning and the second had theirs in the afternoon. Then campus tours were on the opposite end and lunch in the middle. I was hoping for group 1 placement, so I could get my interview in before lunch and having to socialize for 4 hours, when my mind would be the freshest and my nerves the tamest. That didn't happen. I was actually the very last of the group 2 applicants to interview.

The interview didn't last long, it was about 15 minutes and I was asked about 5 questions. It was individual with 2 separate professors, so 2 separate  interviews basically. I found that a bit interesting. How could they narrow 60% of the field in just a 15 minute interview session? So what I'm thinking is that perhaps they had a  decent idea of who they wanted to accept beforehand and were just looking for red flags. Also I think me being scheduled to go last may have been a good thing - like I would think they would have asked me more than 5 questions and scheduled me earlier if they were unsure - I don't know I'm over analyzing it. But maybe they put all their strongest candidates at the end.  

I must admit I'm a little disappointed at my interview though. I don't think I did my best. I was pretty nervous and it definitely came across in the tone of my voice. The questions were also a little more technical than I had anticipated - things like "describe some life experiences will help you to take on the increasing diversity seen in schools?", so questions the questions were definitely a little challenging. But - despite how nervous I was I made Damn sure they saw my passsion to work with special needs and my focus. The department head said "we will definitely be in contact with you very soon", so if that means anything I don't know. But I'm not going to overanalyze this, I feel like I did my best and that's all I could do! Program was really cool though so I hope I get in! 

I definitely wouldn't overanalyze how the interview went as it will drive you crazy. I interviewed at a school that did the interviews in multiple groups and the placement really was random. I was in the first group and first to interview with my POI and I thought that meant I had no shot. Another girl I got to know at the interview was in the second group towards the middle. We were both accepted very quickly after interviews. Lots of factors from the interview day matter, not just the formal interview part. And five questions is probably enough to differentiate applicants. These people pick these questions very carefully. Don't overthink it though... If you and the program are a good fit, what is meant to happen will happen ?

[childlover]

I was wondering if you guys knew how much of a heads up schools have to give us on interview dates? Could they potentially email you and notify you the week of about an interview? 

[grad29]

I don't think there's a specific requirement or standard, but both of my interviews I've had so far I was told only the week before. One gave me two dates to choose from though. I've only heard and scheduled interviews from 2 of the 8 programs I've applied to. Another had already accepted me. So 5 to hear back from yet, I'd be very surprised if I don't at least get an interview at a few more, so lots of time yet for places to call back still. 

Edited January 31, 2016 by westy3789

[TN_Bella]

UT's invites for my program will go out this week (according to the graduate coordinator) and the interview day listed on their website is this Friday. So… I'm just staying flexible and not making plans in the hopes that I have to fly to Austin this weekend!

[ajp1680]

Hey guys, I'm a non traditional student finishing up my Bachelors in May (YAY). This has been a long time coming and I have already worked as an ER nurse for the past 5 years. I decided a career change was needed and have always been intrigued with Psychology, especially school psyc and Autism. I've only applied to 3 in state Specialist programs. Haven't heard anything back...although deadlines are technically tomorrow. My cumulative GPA is about a 3.0, psyc GPA is a 3.9, not so hot on my GRE...combined score of 282..I BOMBED Quant. And a 4.5 on AW. Anyway best of luck to all of you!!

[kingslayer]

An hour ago, I finished applying for my final program! It feels great to get it out of the way. I should get another acceptance or rejection today. Hopefully more interviews/rejections come as well. Waiting is the hardest part!

[Limitless]

For those of you who have had interviews already, could you please share some of the questions they asked? I've been rehearsing some generic questions but, I'd really like to see some specific to school psychology. All of the schools I applied to are in Maryland or Florida. 

 

Thanks!

[Limitless]

On January 26, 2016 at 7:41 PM, childlover said:

I applied to 5 masters/specialist programs! I wanted to see if anyone has heard anything?! 

1. Florida State University

2. Northeastern

3. Columbia

4. St. John's University

5. UMass Boston

The coordinator for FSU sent me the interview invitation via email on Jan 22. Did you get an invite?

[childlover]

8 minutes ago, Limitless said:

The coordinator for FSU sent me the interview invitation via email on Jan 22. Did you get an invite?

Hi! Yes I did!

[Limitless]

28 minutes ago, childlover said:

Hi! Yes I did!

Awesome! I have no idea what to expect for the interview questions. I still can't believe it's 3 days from now. 

[Love3]

4 hours ago, Limitless said:

For those of you who have had interviews already, could you please share some of the questions they asked? I've been rehearsing some generic questions but, I'd really like to see some specific to school psychology. All of the schools I applied to are in Maryland or Florida. 

 

Thanks!

There are a list of questions on this thread on page 3&4. It pretty much covered all of the questions that most programs ask. 

Good Luck! 

[mebm218]

Has anyone heard from University of Delaware yet? 

[kingslayer]

20 minutes ago, mebm218 said:

Has anyone heard from University of Delaware yet? 

I haven't heard anything yet!

#prayercircle for funding and interviews/acceptances

[ohhappyday]

Hey guys, has anyone heard anything back from masters/specialist programs for interviews or acceptances?

If so, where? Thanks a bunch!

[grad29]

On 1/29/2016 at 2:01 PM, ohhappyday said:

What do you guys think about open houses? Do you think they are beneficial? I just received an email that allows you to listen into a school psychology program course, have lunch with faculty, and talk to current program graduate students. There are no int you visited an open house to any of the schools you all applied to?

 

[grad29]

I just finished an interview for a program, they said they accept 12 out of 65 applicants, so competitive. It was 2.5 hours long. I was formally interviewed by a clinical psychologist and the department head and informally interviewed by two current students. There was also a writing sample. No unexpected interview questions, but they definitely wanted specifics and not general answers. Weird writing sample questions, figured it would be something like explain the role of a school psychologist and why are you interested in becoming one, but they asked philosophical hypotheticals, like if I had to take a plane ride across the country would I rather be on a flight with obama, Hilary Clinton, the dali lama, Oprah, or Chris rock ha. Then a few others. It was kind of fun though and creative writing is a strength of mine so I didn't mind it. Super intense program though. I am a down to earth, laid back kind of a dude and appreciate a more less intense feeling program, but I'd be happy being accepted anywhere and would gladly go to this place.

[grad29]

3 hours ago, ohhappyday said:

Hey guys, has anyone heard anything back from masters/specialist programs for interviews or acceptances?

If so, where? Thanks a bunch!

Interviews last week at 2 programs, accepted to another, 5 to hear back from yet. The program I was accepted into is my very last choice and they didn't have interviews, so I'm really hoping I get in one of the others. The way it seems to work is programs will send out a group of acceptances to their top applicants within a few weeks of the interviews - so if they have a cohort of 10 they will send out 10 acceptances. Then if people decide to not go they will send out more acceptances. So if you are on a waitlist you won't hear about it for a month after the interview because they have to wait to hear back from their core group first. That's how you can tell if things are looking up or down, if you don't hear back from a program a week after they finish all their interviews you'll know you aren't in their top choices. But schools that have interviews and haven't gotten a hold of you, you can't really tell if they are or aren't interested bc you don't know when they send out invites. I've thought it through! Sorry I overthink things ha.

[ohhappyday]

14 hours ago, westy3789 said:

Interviews last week at 2 programs, accepted to another, 5 to hear back from yet. The program I was accepted into is my very last choice and they didn't have interviews, so I'm really hoping I get in one of the others. The way it seems to work is programs will send out a group of acceptances to their top applicants within a few weeks of the interviews - so if they have a cohort of 10 they will send out 10 acceptances. Then if people decide to not go they will send out more acceptances. So if you are on a waitlist you won't hear about it for a month after the interview because they have to wait to hear back from their core group first. That's how you can tell if things are looking up or down, if you don't hear back from a program a week after they finish all their interviews you'll know you aren't in their top choices. But schools that have interviews and haven't gotten a hold of you, you can't really tell if they are or aren't interested bc you don't know when they send out invites. I've thought it through! Sorry I overthink things ha.

glad you were accepted atleast to the one school, better than nothing! and I hope the best for you for the other schools as well. I am not a psych major and know that me being accepted will be an extreme challenge, and I honestly will be VERY happy with an interview. Everyone else let us know if you hear back from any universities regarding interviews/acceptances for the specialist degree! I will post here as soon as I hear anything from the six schools I applied to.