PhD interview

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Specializes in cardiology.

Hello! I have an interview with the University of Arizona this week for their PhD program. I have an odd question...the interview is on Friday, and I have to work. I am seeing a bunch of patients that day, so need to be at work and the interview is only 15 minutes long. Would it be weird to do the interview wearing my scrubs? Or should I bring in a suit jacket or something? Thanks for any help!

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Specializes in school nurse.

No on the scrubs. Wear your best professional suit.

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Specializes in cardiology.

I thought that would be the best idea. Thanks for confirming!

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Specializes in cardiology.

In case anyone can use this info...I wore a suit jacket. I'm glad I did. I was asked about how I felt that certain faculty could help me with my specific research topic, to describe my research topic in more detail than was asked in the application, who/what inspired me to further my education, and what I want to do/where do I want to work after graduation. I"m still kind of in a daze of nerves from it so I can't remember everything else. I asked them about how they support their students, what their alumni are doing 6 months after graduation, and what is their graduation rate. I think it went OK? I should know by December 22nd. 

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Specializes in cardiology.

It did go OK! I got accepted! For anyone else who may be preparing for grad school to get a PhD, you will most likely feel unprepared for your interview. A few students and faculty members have told me that no one feels prepared for those. Feel free to message me for any questions and if I can help, I will!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
On 12/17/2021 at 8:23 AM, achriswell said:

It did go OK! I got accepted! 

Congrats on your acceptance! 

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On 12/17/2021 at 8:23 AM, SkiingRN said:

It did go OK! I got accepted! For anyone else who may be preparing for grad school to get a PhD, you will most likely feel unprepared for your interview. A few students and faculty members have told me that no one feels prepared for those. Feel free to message me for any questions and if I can help, I will!

Congratulations!

Are you there now? Mind if I pick your brain a bit? New to this board—not sure how to message you!

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Specializes in cardiology.

Hi!

I have orientation next week, and I start classes the week after. Feel free to pick my brain!

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Awesome! How exciting! Are you doing the BSN-PhD route or do you have an MSN? What made you decide to go with this school? How specific was/is your research interest? Did you find a faculty member beforehand that aligned? Sorry--just starting to look into all of this, and I don't personally know a single soul who has this degree!

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Specializes in cardiology.

I'm doing the BSN-PhD route. I chose the University of Arizona because I felt like they actually wanted me there, and their research aligns with mine. I only applied there and the University of Utah, but I felt like I would get more support at Arizona. I felt like they wanted me as a student, not just my tuition money. THat's how my undergrad university felt, and I didn't want to deal with that again. So far so good! I want to study Palliative Care and starting it early on in a chronic disease diagnosis vs starting it when hospice is more appropriate. I did find and speak with a faculty member who aligned with my research before I applied. I think schools like it if you can mention a faculty member in the application or in the interview. I only have research experience in clinical research trials, and I've been at the bedside for pretty much my entire career. I was doubtful I'd get in anywhere because my GPA was only 3.2, but I did get in!

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That’s great to hear that they were personally invested in you! Do you know if they offer full tuition/stipends to some students? I’m in the opposite boat—I have two bachelors degrees with a 4.0 for my BSN, but as a military spouse and mom of 4, I haven’t been working in the field in over 8 years. My only research experience was as an undergrad at Hopkins. I’m not quite sure if any program will take me, but I figured I should at least gather as much information as possible. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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On 8/10/2022 at 6:03 PM, SkiingRN said:

I'm doing the BSN-PhD route. I chose the University of Arizona because I felt like they actually wanted me there, and their research aligns with mine. I only applied there and the University of Utah, but I felt like I would get more support at Arizona. I felt like they wanted me as a student, not just my tuition money. THat's how my undergrad university felt, and I didn't want to deal with that again. So far so good! I want to study Palliative Care and starting it early on in a chronic disease diagnosis vs starting it when hospice is more appropriate. I did find and speak with a faculty member who aligned with my research before I applied. I think schools like it if you can mention a faculty member in the application or in the interview. I only have research experience in clinical research trials, and I've been at the bedside for pretty much my entire career. I was doubtful I'd get in anywhere because my GPA was only 3.2, but I did get in!

 

How are you liking your program so far? What makes the University of Arizona unique in your opinion? I am actually applying this month! 

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