Acing School Interviews

Confident individual in a professional home office setting, engaged in a virtual interview. The background features a bookshelf with personal achievements, including a trophy and a framed jersey, with a Post-It note on the computer screen edge saying 'Just Breathe!' — For Zoom interviews, make sure you’ve set yourself up for success!

Five Tips for a Great Interview

As more schools have made interviews a core part of their admissions processes, it’s becoming even more important to make interview preparation a core part of your admissions process. At Gurufi, we have helped over 10,000 applicants earn admission into their dream schools, and many of these applicants are international students looking to learn in America. For these students, interviews can be especially daunting. Here, we’ll address common questions, talk about cultural nuances particular to America, and thoughts on how you can make a positive impression.

Understanding the Purpose of the Interview

School interviews serve several purposes. Understanding these can help you prepare more effectively:

1. **Assessing Fit:**
– The interview helps the admissions committee determine if you are a good fit for the program and if the program aligns with your academic and career goals. I sometimes tell clients that every admission to a competitive program / school is about two things: (1) are you generally prepared and qualified? And (2) Are you a good fit for this particular school / program? This is especially true of graduate and professional schools, most of which have particular areas of focus and unique cultures. As such, they use interviews to filter out people who, though smart and prepared, would not be ideal fits. Doing your research about what the school values can help you in this process.

2. **Evaluating Communication Skills:**
– Strong communication skills are essential for success in graduate school. The interview assesses your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.

3. **Understanding Motivation:**
– The committee wants to understand your motivation for pursuing the program and how it fits into your long-term plans.

4. **Gauging Interpersonal Skills:**
– The interview provides insight into your interpersonal skills, such as your ability to interact with others, collaborate, and work effectively in a team.

Common Interview Questions

While each interview is unique, certain questions are commonly asked in graduate school interviews. Preparing answers to these can help you feel more confident:

1. **Tell Me About Yourself:**
– Provide a brief overview of your background, focusing on your academic and professional experiences, and how they relate to the program you are applying to. I do NOT recommend trying to memorize answers; you’ll come across as stiff and the pressure to “nail your lines” can make many people tongue-tied. The one exception that I’d make is to have a prepared 3-sentence response to this question. It’s often the first question asked, so knowing exactly what you’ll say can help to take the edge off.

2. **Why Do You Want to Attend This Program?:**
– Discuss your reasons for choosing this specific program, highlighting aspects such as faculty, research opportunities, and program strengths that align with your goals.

3. **What Are Your Research Interests?:**
– If you’re applying to a graduate school, this will certainly be brought up. Be prepared to discuss your research interests in detail, including any previous research experience, and how you plan to pursue these interests in the program.

4. **What Are Your Long-Term Career Goals?:**
– Share your long-term career aspirations and how the program will help you achieve them. Be specific about your goals and how they align with the program’s offerings.

5. **How Do You Handle Challenges or Conflicts?:**
– Provide examples of how you have dealt with challenges or conflicts in the past, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

6. **What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?:**
– Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on how your strengths will contribute to the program and what steps you are taking to address your weaknesses. Avoid the humble-brag “weakness” such as “sometimes I care too much” or “I work too hard.” Those are cringeworthy responses.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY… at the end of the interview, you’ll often be asked, “do you have any question?” Your answer should never be “no.” Have several thoughtful questions prepared.

Cultural Nuances to Consider

Cultural differences can impact how interviews are conducted and perceived. Here are some cultural nuances to keep in mind:

1. **Formality and Titles:**
– In the U.S., interviews can be more informal than in other cultures. It is common to address professors by their first names, unless otherwise specified. I’ve found that a good strategy for ice-breaking is that, if you are referred to by your last name, politely suggest that they call you by your first name. For instance, “Please, my friends call me Brian.” In America, asking somebody to call you by your first name suggests familiarity and openness. By contrast, though, I would use your interviewer’s formal title (“Prof. Jones”) unless they refer to themselves otherwise or ask you to do so.

2. **Body Language:**
– Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and offering a firm handshake, is important. It conveys confidence and engagement. I know that a lot of people believe in things like “mirroring” where you mimic the other person’s motions and body positions, but unless you’ve practiced it, I would avoid it because it can come across as creepy. Just keep it simple and remember the rules your mom taught you: sit up straight, smile, maintain eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.

3. **Punctuality:**
– Being on time for your interview is crucial. Arriving early shows respect for the interviewer’s time and demonstrates your commitment. If you show up to an office, be polite to the secretaries, staff, and other applicants! I can tell you that it can make a HUGE difference. Support staff are integral parts of offices and programs, and if they drop a negative comment about you because you were rude or condescending, that might be the end of your application.

4. **Direct Communication:**
– Americans value direct and concise communication. Be clear and to the point in your responses, avoiding overly elaborate explanations. For instance, if you’re asked a yes / no question that you feel needs a fuller explanation, begin with a simple yes or no, and then provide a fuller explanation. For instance, you might say, “Yes, but if I might add some context…”

5. **Expressing Enthusiasm:**
– Showing enthusiasm for the program and your field of study is important. Expressing genuine interest and passion can make a positive impression. Remember, people like positive, optimistic people. So keep this mindset.

Strategies to Make a Positive Impression

To make a lasting positive impression during your interview, consider the following strategies:

1. **Prepare Thoroughly:**
– Research the program, faculty, and current research projects. Being well-informed allows you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your interest.

2. **Practice Your Responses:**
– Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or mentor. This helps you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Again, as noted above, I would not try to MEMORIZE your answers. Instead, practice so that you feel comfortable with the basic beats of what you’ll say.

3. **Dress Appropriately:**
– Choose professional attire that is appropriate for the interview setting. Dressing well shows that you take the interview seriously.

4. **Be Yourself:**
– Authenticity is key. Be honest and genuine in your responses, and let your personality shine through.

5. **Follow Up:**
– Send a thank-you email after the interview, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the program. This can leave a positive final impression.

Zoom Interview Tips

As more interviews are conducted online, use these strategies to ensure that your virtual presentation is compelling.

In addition to dressing appropriately, think about the space behind you and how you might curate it to reflect your interests. Nothing over the top. The background should first and foremost be clean, simple, and attractive. But, if you have an interest that you wouldn’t mind talking about, you can feature that. For instance, a framed jersey from a team you were on, a trophy, or some memento from a meaningful trip. I personally don’t love the virtual backgrounds. Obviously, make your own decisions about privacy, but if you can, use a more inviting natural background.
I like to place Post-It notes on outside of the screen that offer words of encouragement (“just breathe and relax! You got this!”) or reminders (I often forget names, so I’ll write them down along with their titles). Having Post-Its of things that you want to remember to talk about is also useful.
Do a test beforehand to ensure that what you think will be in the screen is what’s actually framed. I once did a Zoom call with a prospective student who was dressed in a suit… and basketball shorts. Not a problem except that he didn’t frame his shot properly, so we all actually saw his unusual outfit.

Preparing for a U.S. graduate program interview involves understanding the purpose of the interview, anticipating common questions, being mindful of cultural nuances, and employing strategies to make a positive impression. By thoroughly preparing and approaching the interview with confidence and authenticity, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the program. Remember, the interview is not only a chance for the admissions committee to evaluate you, but also an opportunity for you to learn more about the program and determine if it is the right fit for you.

For help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Ten Tips for Your Grad School Writing Sample

Colorful cartoon of students working on their graduate school writing samples in a cozy study space with the help of an experienced editor from Gurufi. The students are smiling and focused, surrounded by books, laptops, and coffee cups, while the friendly editor offers guidance. Text overlay: 'Refine Your Writing Sample with Gurufi – Your Path to Graduate School Success! — Your writing sample is a central part of your application… so you better get it right!

Many graduate programs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, request that applicants submit a writing sample. At Gurufi, our experienced editor have helped scores of successful applicants refine their writing samples and earn admission to top schools. Here we go over ten common questions that people have about writing samples and provide ideas for how you can make this a strength of your application.

Overview:

Graduate school writing samples are an integral part of many applications, providing a window into your academic abilities, research skills, and potential for success in a rigorous academic environment. In this blog post, we address ten common questions about graduate school writing samples, offering guidance on how to select, craft, and present a strong sample that enhances your application.

1. What is the purpose of a graduate school writing sample?

The purpose of a graduate school writing sample is to demonstrate your writing ability, analytical skills, and readiness for graduate-level work. It allows the admissions committee to assess your capacity to engage with complex ideas, conduct thorough research, and communicate your findings effectively. The writing sample provides a concrete example of your academic capabilities and helps the committee determine if you are well-suited for the demands of their program and have sophisticated insights into the kind of complex issues that people engage with, especially within Ph.D. programs.

2. How do I choose the best writing sample for my graduate school application?

In short, you need to pick a writing sample that is germane, excellent, polished, and ideally is also representative of the kind of work you aspire to do. Showcase your strengths. To this end, consider the following tips:
1. **Relevance:** Choose a sample that is relevant to the field of study you are applying for. This demonstrates your knowledge and interest in the subject area. Even if you wrote an awesome paper for your American History class, that might not be the best choice for a Sociology graduate program.
2. **Quality:** Select a well-written piece that reflects your best work. Ensure it is free of errors and well-organized. Importantly, even if you got strong marks on the essay, you should spend a week or two refining it and revising it. Perhaps even think about tweaking it to align perfectly with the school you’re submitting it to and the strengths of that program.
3. **Length:** Follow the program’s guidelines regarding the length of the writing sample. If no guidelines are provided, a typical length is 10-20 pages.
4. **Originality:** Choose a piece that highlights your original thinking and research skills. This could be a research paper, a thesis chapter, or a critical essay.

3. What should I include in the introduction of my writing sample?

First, remember that if you are choosing a topic that’s germane to the field you’re applying to, you can expect for your reader to be quite familiar with the core ideas. That said, it would be helpful to include the prompt / assignment description if there is one. Otherwise, the writing should speak for itself as a coherent and internally consistent document, so the things that make a strong introduction in any essay apply to this one.

The introduction of your writing sample should provide a clear and concise overview of the topic, the research question or thesis, and the significance of your work. It should set the context for your research and outline the structure of the paper. The introduction should engage the reader and provide a roadmap for what to expect in the rest of the document.

4. How can I demonstrate my research skills in my writing sample?

To demonstrate your research skills, ensure your writing sample includes a well-defined research question or thesis, a comprehensive literature review, and (if relevant) a robust methodology section. Use credible sources and provide proper citations to support your arguments. Present your findings clearly and analyze the data effectively. Highlight your ability to synthesize information and draw insightful conclusions from your research.

It’s a good idea to talk to the professor for whom you originally wrote the paper and ask them for additional input on how they can strengthen the text for this particular purpose and school. Think about additional research you can do, if necessary, to demonstrate knowledge of the field.

5. What are common mistakes to avoid in a graduate school writing sample?

Common mistakes to avoid in a graduate school writing sample include:
1. **Poor Organization:** Ensure your paper is well-structured with clear headings and logical flow.
2. **Weak Thesis:** Present a strong and focused thesis or research question.
3. **Insufficient Analysis:** Provide thorough analysis and avoid simply summarizing sources.
4. **Lack of Clarity:** Write clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon and overly complex sentences.
5. **Grammatical Errors:** Proofread your sample multiple times to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors. This really should not happen. For a paper of this importance, you should go over it a dozen or more times, looking for any errors.

6. How long should my graduate school writing sample be?

Most applications will specify a length. The length of your graduate school writing sample should follow the guidelines provided by the program you are applying to. If no specific length is mentioned, a typical writing sample ranges from 10 to 20 pages. Ensure that the sample is long enough to demonstrate your ability to conduct in-depth research and analysis, but not so long that it overwhelms the reader. Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on presenting a well-written and cohesive piece.

If your best writing came in a 60-page thesis, for instance, then think about whether your best approach is to reduce that down to 20 pages or whether you should select an excellent 20-page representative section. Ideally that section would be relatively self-sustaining, perhaps with a page or so of explanation that it was taken from a larger text for which you provide sufficient context and explanation.

7. How can I make my writing sample stand out?

To make your writing sample stand out, focus on the following aspects:
1. **Originality:** Present original ideas and perspectives that demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills.
2. **Clarity:** Write clearly and concisely, ensuring your arguments are easy to follow.
3. **Relevance:** Choose a topic that is relevant to your field of study and showcases your expertise.
4. **Analysis:** Provide thorough and insightful analysis that goes beyond surface-level observations.
5. **Professionalism:** Ensure your sample is polished, well-formatted, and free of errors.

8. What role does the writing sample play in the admissions process?

The writing sample plays a crucial role in the admissions process as it provides tangible evidence of your academic abilities and potential for success in graduate school. It allows the admissions committee to evaluate your writing skills, research capabilities, and ability to engage with complex topics. A strong writing sample can significantly enhance your application by demonstrating your readiness for graduate-level work and your fit for the program.

In many programs, the writing sample determines which professor reviews your application, so be sure to account for that in terms of how you frame your admissions strategy.

9. How should I format my graduate school writing sample?

Personally, I don’t think this one matters much. As long as your formatting is clean and consistent, you should be fine. That said, some people believe that you should format your graduate school writing sample following academic standards and any specific guidelines provided by the program. Here are some general tips:
1. **Font and Spacing:** Use a standard font such as Times New Roman, 12-point size, and double-spacing.
2. **Margins:** Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
3. **Headings:** Use clear headings and subheadings to organize your paper.
4. **Citations:** Follow a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and include a bibliography or reference list.
5. **Title Page:** Include a title page with your name, the title of the paper, and any other required information.

10. How do I address feedback and revisions in my writing sample?

Addressing feedback and revisions is an important part of preparing a strong writing sample. Here’s how to approach it:
1. **Seek Feedback Early:** Share your draft with professors, mentors, or peers to get constructive feedback.
2. **Be Open to Criticism:** Accept feedback with an open mind and consider how it can improve your work.
3. **Revise Thoroughly:** Make necessary revisions to strengthen your arguments, clarify your writing, and correct any errors.
4. **Proofread Again:** After revising, proofread your sample multiple times to ensure it is polished and error-free.

Conclusion

A well-crafted graduate school writing sample is a key component of your application, showcasing your academic abilities and research skills. By addressing these common questions and incorporating the advice provided, you can select and prepare a writing sample that effectively demonstrates your potential for success in graduate school. Remember to be thoughtful, thorough, and reflective in your writing, and you will create a compelling sample that enhances your application.

For more help with your writing sample, CV, or personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

How to Build Powerful Med School Secondaries

A four-panel cartoon illustrating the journey of a medical school applicant. In the first panel, a weary student stands at the start of a long, winding path carrying a heavy backpack filled with books, a laptop, and papers. In the second panel, the student, looking even more exhausted, reaches a point where the path splits into multiple smaller paths. In the third panel, the student sits on a rock, looking at a map while a mentor figure offers a bottle and smiles encouragingly. In the fourth panel, the student appears confident and focused, writing on a laptop with papers spread out around them. — The journey of a medical school applicant: From initial preparations to mastering secondary essays, with guidance and perseverance leading to success.

Here at Gurufi, we spend much of the late summer and early fall working with hundreds of clients to perfect their medical school secondaries. In my experience, at this point, applicants are quite exhausted by the immense work it takes to get to this point: studying for and taking the MCAT, getting letters of rec, completing your prerequisite courses, supplementing your clinical experience, completing the AMCAS, and ironing out your personal statement and Word & Activities sections. Now, you must complete a dozen or more additional school-specific essays. This naturally leads people to wonder how they can complement their existing materials in ways that maximize the value and impact of their secondaries. This post seeks to help you craft powerful secondary essays.

Secondary essays provide an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and motivations that make you a suitable candidate a specific medical school. Crafting effective secondary essays requires thoughtful reflection and a strategic approach. Here’s how to respond to common secondary essay prompts and tailor your responses for different schools:

1. Understand the Purpose of Secondary Essays

Secondary essays allow admissions committees to learn more about you beyond your primary application. Moreover, because the admission committees of particular schools craft these essays, they reflect questions that the AdCom obviously cares about. They are designed to assess your fit for the specific program, your alignment with the school’s values, and your readiness for the challenges of medical school. Understanding this purpose will help you craft essays that effectively convey your qualifications and aspirations.

2. Research Each School Thoroughly

Before writing your secondary essays, conduct thorough research on each medical school you are applying to. Understand their mission, values, curriculum, and unique features. Familiarize yourself with their specific programs, faculty, research opportunities, and community involvement. Talk to people at the school, including both faculty and staff if you can. This research will enable you to tailor your responses to align with the school’s specific expectations and culture.

3. Address Common Secondary Essay Prompts

While each school may have unique prompts, some common themes often appear in secondary essays. Here are strategies for responding to these common prompts:

a. Why This School?

This prompt asks you to explain why you are interested in attending that particular medical school. Be specific and detailed in your response. Highlight aspects of the program that resonate with your career goals and interests. Mention unique opportunities, such as specific research programs, clinical experiences, or community service initiatives, that make the school a good fit for you. Demonstrating a genuine interest and thorough knowledge of the school will strengthen your response.

One thing to beware of is writing a “school brochure” where you simply list a series of things that you like about the school. This doesn’t show much more than that you have access to Google. If you can explain in depth, using examples from your past, a few things really well, that is much better than mentioning a bunch of things. As with personal statements, saying one or two things really well is better than saying a bunch of things poorly.

b. Describe a Challenge You’ve Overcome

This prompt seeks to understand your resilience and problem-solving abilities. Choose a significant challenge you have faced, either personally or professionally. Describe the context, the actions you took to address the challenge, and the lessons you learned from the experience. Focus on how the experience has prepared you for the rigors of medical school and a career in medicine.

c. Diversity and Inclusion

Many medical schools value diversity and seek to understand how you will contribute to a diverse and inclusive community. Reflect on your background, experiences, and perspectives that contribute to your unique identity. Discuss how your experiences with diversity have shaped your worldview and how you plan to promote inclusivity in medical school and your future career.

d. Significant Research Experience

If you have significant research experience, this prompt allows you to highlight your contributions to scientific knowledge. Describe your research project, your role, and the impact of your findings. Explain how this experience has influenced your interest in medicine and your future career goals. Emphasize any skills you developed, such as critical thinking, data analysis, or teamwork.

There are three additional points that I’d make with this prompt. First, writing about science can be hard. It’s difficult to balance accuracy, clarity, and complexity. As such, this is among the most difficult kinds of admissions writing and you may want to think about getting help with someone experienced and adept with this. (like Gurufi! ) Second, think about how you view the role of science and research as you move forward. Do you (be honest) intend to continue doing research in and beyond medical school? If so, think about including this, even if briefly, in your essay. Lastly, also think about your research experience in the same way that you wrote about an important job in your Work & Activities section: did you grow, improve, receive additional responsibilities, or earn a promotion?

Professional Goals and Aspirations
This prompt asks you to articulate your career goals and how the medical school will help you achieve them. Be clear and specific about your short-term and long-term goals. Explain how the school’s resources, faculty, and curriculum align with your aspirations. Demonstrating a clear vision for your future and how the school fits into that vision shows that you are focused and motivated.

4. Tailor Your Responses

Tailoring your responses for each school is essential to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit. Use the research you conducted to incorporate specific details about the school into your essays. Mention faculty members you are excited to work with, unique programs that align with your interests, and community initiatives that you want to be part of. Personalizing your essays shows that you have a sincere interest in the school and have thoughtfully considered how it aligns with your goals.

5. Be Authentic and Reflective

Authenticity is key to crafting compelling secondary essays. Be honest about your experiences, motivations, and aspirations. Reflect on your journey and share meaningful insights that provide a deeper understanding of who you are. Avoid generic statements and clichés. Instead, focus on specific examples and personal stories that illustrate your points.

6. Show, Don’t Tell

I’m sure you’ve heard this before. I don’t love “show, don’t tell” as a piece of advice because it doesn’t feel actionable. You can get to the same idea by saying “tell a story and let the story demonstrate your traits.” Not as punchy, but more accurate. For example, instead of simply stating that you are passionate about medicine, provide examples that demonstrate your passion. Describe experiences that have solidified your commitment to the field and the actions you have taken to pursue your interest. This approach makes your essays more vivid and memorable.

If you need help with storytelling, check out this video. It was made for MBA applicants, but all of the core ideas apply to medical school applications. This other video also provides a useful way to attack the “show don’t tell” problem.

7. Edit and Revise

Writing effective secondary essays requires multiple drafts and revisions. After writing your initial draft, take a break and then revisit your essay with fresh eyes. Seek feedback from mentors, peers, or professional consultants to gain different perspectives. Revise your essays to improve clarity, coherence, and impact. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure your essays are polished and professional.

BUT, do be judicious with who you send your essay to. Too many chefs spoil the broth.

Crafting effective secondary essays for medical school applications involves understanding the purpose of these essays, conducting thorough research, addressing common prompts thoughtfully, and tailoring your responses to each school. By being authentic, reflective, and detail-oriented, you can create compelling essays that resonate with admissions committees and enhance your chances of acceptance. Good luck with your applications!

For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top medical schools. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.