Now that we’re over a month into this admissions cycle, some applicants are already receiving invitations to interview, and I’ve already began booking interview coaching sessions with applicants!
If you’re still working on your application, however, no worries! It’s still early in the PTCAS season, and you can file this away for when you need it.
A few years ago, I wrote an article for the APTA with advice for PT school interviews. However, that article is now behind a wall (although I think you can sign up for free), and times have changed due to COVID since many interviews are now being conducted virtually. So I thought I’d update my post and give some physical therapy school interview advice!
For starters, I’ll go over the tips I gave the APTA:
- Find out how interviews are conducted at each school since the process can differ:
- Will you be one-on-one or in a group?
- Is there an information session?
- Will you be speaking with a professor? A current student? Someone else?
- Is there anything you should bring with you?
- Prepare to answer common questions:
- Why do you want to be a physical therapist?
- Why do you want to attend this program?
- Why did you pick your undergraduate college and major?
- What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
- What questions do you have for us?
- Expect some random questions. You can’t prepare for everything, so mentally ready yourself for some curveballs.
- Practice some answers ahead of time. You don’t want to memorize anything, but you should practice answering common questions out loud to get some of the awkwardness out of the way.
- Relax! At most schools, only serious candidates are given interviews. As long as you don’t mess it up, you’ll likely be offered admission after.
Now, things have changed a bit because of COVID, so here are some additional tips to keep in mind if your interview will be held virtually:
- Dress for success. Typical physical therapy school interview attire is a suit. Just because your interview isn’t on campus, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress professionally. And don’t forget the bottoms. You never know when your screen might move or you may have to suddenly stand, so don’t get caught wearing pajama bottoms (or underwear, like this reporter!) during the interview!
- Practice. Try to figure out which channel the school will use, and practice ahead of time. Whether it’s Zoom, Skype, or something else, try practicing with a friend or relative to get the kinks out of the way.
- Find a quiet place. If possible, go somewhere where you won’t be distracted, and more importantly, your interviewer won’t be preoccupied by errant noises or people in the background. Silence your phone, put your snacks away, and focus on the topic at hand.
- Set the scene. Find somewhere near a window or bright lights so you can be seen clearly. Make sure your camera shows your face, but isn’t too close up, and make sure you don’t have a cluttered or distracting background. Practice looking into the camera at times, rather than just staring at yourself on camera, so that you appear to make eye contact with your interviewer.
- Prepare. Just because the interview is held online doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Be sure to prep for the interview just as you would if it was held more traditionally.
And if you need help getting ready for your interviews, take a look at my PT school interview preparation course.