Author Topic: Grad School Interviews - Any Advice?  (Read 3779 times)

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Harle

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Grad School Interviews - Any Advice?
« on: Feb 21, 2008, 05:52 am »
Today, I received an e-mail from one of the stage management MFA programs I've applied to informing me that they would like to set up an interview! This is incredibly exciting to me, but also a source of some anxiety. I'm fairly certain that I come across well in person in general, perhaps even better than I do on paper (silly general education classes pulling down my GPA), and have a "common sense" feel for what interviewers are looking for -- but all the same, for those of you who have experienced the interview process, either at a collegiate or professional level, I would very much appreciate some insight into possible questions, things never to do, and so forth!

Thank you for your time and advice, in advance. :)

BeckyGG

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Re: Grad School Interviews - Any Advice?
« Reply #1 on: Feb 21, 2008, 09:15 am »
First off, congratulations on the interview!  That in itself is a big step and very exciting.

While I haven't interviewed for graduate school, I have interviewed for many a professional job and for professional internships.  One of the things I have found most important in all of my interviews is to just be myself and not try to be who I think they want me to be.  That will only lead you to be more nervous and you may not know what they are looking for.  Being yourself is the best way to find a good fit for both you and the school interviewing you - being someone you are not may lead to a few unhappy years for all involved.

Also, I wouldn't worry terribly about the general ed courses bringing down your GPA.  Obviously it didn't affect your application that much if they are calling you for the interview.  Think of them as a good learning experience that makes you a more well rounded stage manager - even if the grades don't necessarily reflect it.

Most of all - have fun!  And good luck with the interview.
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thankyou5

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Re: Grad School Interviews - Any Advice?
« Reply #2 on: Feb 21, 2008, 10:56 pm »
I am currently in the MFA Stage Management Program at UCSD.  Here's my advice.  BE yourself.  The interviews are really just a chance for both the faculty and students to get to know you.  It's also your chance to see if you like the people you would be with (pretty much living with non-stop) for a few years.  A program could look amazing on paper, but if you meet the profs and students and don't feel welcome take that into consideration.

Here we all (the students) try to spend a bit of time with the applicants to just get to know them a bit.  The students may have a bit of influence on who is selected into the program.  Be prepared to be asked several times why you want to go to the specific school and what you want to do after grad school. 

Generally be friendly and relax.  We all know you will be nervous as we've all gone through it ourselves.

Good Luck!

 

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