Interview for PhD Program!

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

I have an interview with the admissions committee for a PhD in nursing program later this month (for admission into the program fall 2008). I am very excited about this opportunity, but need some advice. I will be appearing before 3 professors who will be asking me varied questions to determine if I'm a good candidate for the program. Does anyone have any experience with pre-admission interviews? Any pointers? What sorts of questions can I expect from the committee? I would greatly appreciate any and all advice :)

[llg, PhD, RN]

Hi, VickyRN! I was going to respond via private e-mail, but thought I would do it hear as other people might be interested.

My advice for your interview is pretty much the same as my advice for your application essay. They will probably want to see that you are ready to make a serious committment to a long-term program of scholarly inquiry and really focus on it. While it is great to show that you are open to learning new things and viewing issues from new perspectives, it's probably a bad idea to appear too unfocused -- as if you "aren't ready to settle down" yet. Also be sure that the types of things you want to studty are topics that are compatible with the interests of the current faculty. You'll need them to serve as your advisors -- and most senior level people don't want to waste their time advising students whose topics do not relate to their own areas of interest.

I'd also be prepared to discuss how you will use your education to improve your work and to serve the school, nursing, and the public better. Like all investors, they'll want to get some positive return out of their investment in you.

I remember my PhD program interview quite well. It was a phone interview because I did not live in the area. I left work early and sat on my bed as I talked on the phone, sipping a glass of wine. The wine was a big help.

While waiting to hear if I was accepted, I was so nervous I bought a purple suit that was a size too small -- with shoes and a purse dyed to match! It was a ridiculous outfit that I never wore -- a purchase made totally out of stress. I knew it was a mistake almost as soon as I bought it, but with the shoes and purse dyed specially to match, I felt obligated to keep it -- and laugh at it -- in my closet for several years.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me here or at home or work if you need to.

llg