The admissions interview for Drexel University’s graduate programs on the Elkins Park, Pennsylvania campus is a two-way conversation with program faculty and the admissions team to determine whether the program is the right fit for you.
Interview day at the Elkins Park campus will include a faculty-led program overview; a review of your file from Admissions; a faculty interview; a tour of the clinical facilities and the campus as a whole. Be prepared to spend nearly four hours on campus, if your interview is in-person.
Although preparing for a graduate or professional school interview can be stressful and raise a lot of questions for the candidate, researching the institution, practicing answers to common questions and preparing you own questions to demonstrate genuine interest in the program and profession are important areas to consider in advance.
Here are some other tips for in-person and online interviews to give you the best chance at being accepted:
Things to Think About:
- What do you consider your greatest strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to be a…?
- What have you done to educate yourself about the profession?
- What do you see as some of the greatest challenges facing the profession today?
Before the Interview:
In-person:
- Know your profession and be prepared to answer questions about current events, issues, or new developments
- Answers should demonstrate your understanding and depth of knowledge about the profession
- Reflect upon your experience (i.e. work, internship, shadowing, etc.)
- Research the profession as well as Drexel Elkins Park campus
- Practice. Plan a mock interview – get feedback and assess feedback given
- Understand the format: One-on-one versus Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) (Accelerated Scholars Doctor of Optometry Program)
Online:
- Determine the best hardware (laptop, PC, smartphone, tablet)
- Comfort-level
- Most reliable
- Select the proper location
- Background – make sure things are clean and presentable
- Lighting – Back-lighting = bad
- Test the technology
- Download any necessary software or plug-ins in advance
- Test your internet connection
- Camera – make sure your computer is close to eye level
- Audio and video – use headphones with mic if possible
During the interview:
In-person:
- Dress for success
- Arrive for your interview on time
- Be prepared to discuss anything you wrote in your personal statement, extracurricular activities, leadership, and anything else included in your application
- Be prepared to discuss your academic performance
- Ask questions (You are interviewing the program/school too.)
Online:
- Test all equipment prior to your interview
- Have link(s) ready with any applicable password
- Be on time
- Dress professionally
- Minimize all distractions
- Let others know your schedule
After the interview, both in-person and online:
- Send a thank-you note to your interviewer
- Be sure to spell their names correctly
- Include a specific detail about your interaction
- Best to send to the Elkins Park Campus Office of Admissions
- Reflect on your interview experience
- What went well?
- What could you improve upon for next time?
Use Admissions on the Elkins Park campus as your main resource and point of contact. Ask to speak with additional faculty or students to help make your decision.
To schedule virtual pre-application counseling, visit campus or attend a webinar by contacting the Drexel Elkins Park Campus Office of Admissions, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 19027; call 800.824.6262 or 215.780.1301, or email at graduateadmissions@drexel.edu.
