What is Your Favorite Color Marshmallow?
"Whenever I interview a prospective student, I insert totally off the wall questions like 'what is your favorite color of marshmallow', or 'what's the highest you have ever climbed in a tree?' I like to move out of the realm of 'how do you feel about the state of education today?' or 'why are you a good fit for this program' ...and see what kind of actual personality the candidate brings to the table."
Dr. Margit Watts, a professor in the COE's Curriculum Research and Develop unit likes to learn more about her candidates. "Are they creative? Spontaneous? Humorous? Scared? Intimidated? 'Ready for anything?' It keeps the interview interesting and is quite telling." We visited with faculty at the COE this week to ask about the grad school Interview process and get tips for prospective students (that's you!).
So, based on feedback from our faculty who have conducted interviews, what are the Big 5?
Tip 1: Pause Before Your Blurt
Tip 2: Be Genuine and Professional
Tip 3: Research Your Research
Tip 4: Know Your Goooaaaaal!
Tip 5: Answer the question, please
Here's the skinny on each tip:Tip 1: Pause Before you Blurt "White!"
Going back to Dr. Watts' story; "I've had people answer the marshmallow question with totally boring answers; "white," …"is there any other color," …and someone who said, "well, it depends on what kind of ink you use to enhance the flavor. " Naturally, I gravitate toward the candidate who can provide creative, unexpected answers to unusual questions. If a candidate is going to succeed in an academic program geared toward improving education, generally speaking, he or she is going to need to be able to think in new and unexpected ways.
If the faculty member who is interviewing you asks an off the wall question, she is probably looking for a creative response. So, pause before you blurt out whatever comes to mind and give your brain a chance to devise a more creative answer, like "oatmeal!"
Tip 2: Be Genuine and Professional
This might seem like a bit of a contradiction but UH Mānoa College of Education Professor Rhonda Black looks for candidates who can do so: "Show that you care about education and about people." What are her two biggest turnoffs in an interview?
- seeming phony
- appearing not to care, or take the interview or the program seriously
Humor can be a really good way to connect and show "the real you," but Dr. Black warns against "flippant responses" which she realizes are probably meant as an attempt at humor, but can make you seem harsh, uncaring or sarcastic. And her biggest red flag? "Overstating your achievements and contributions."
Finally, don't be negative. Don't talk about bad experiences other places or with other people. Don't mention things you think they should change in program and ask why they don't do things a certain way. Focus on the positive. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to study something you love.
Tip 3: Research Your Research
When you submitted your Statement of Objectives (most programs will require this before the interview stage), did you say you were keenly interested in the effect of soft, fuzzy kittens on learning outcomes in the Pre-K Classroom? If yes, be prepared to answer questions about the subject - whose research are you following? What is your opinion on the relevance of the research to the program you are seeking admission to? Want brownie points? Be prepared to discuss research being done by faculty of the program you are applying to and explain why it interests you.
Also, do your homework! A former college dean and department chair recommends that you review the program website, be familiar with the courses and the faculty in the program area. Some colleges post faculty profiles - read them. Take a look at some of the things the faculty are involved in and be prepared to at least comment on them. Some colleges, like the COE, post facultty research on their public website. Before the interview, check out the catalog and see what courses are like, read about requirements, etc. If you do your homework, the questions you ask will help you shine as much as your answers to interview questions. Meaning, it's good to ask questions, but your questions should convey the fact that you are informed. Asking a general question off the top of your head (Ex: "When does the Fall semester start again?") will not score you any points.
Tip 4: Know Your Gooooaaaaal!
Have a clear reason for why you want to be in a particular program. Be able to articulate what you want to learn and why - what IS your goal? What do you want to be able to do as a result of completing the program. Note: The answer for why you want to be in the program should not be, "because I need a job," or "someone told me it was a good program." Go back to Tip 3 and make sure you have a good idea of what you want to gain from this program.
Tip 5: Answer the question, please
Well, Duh... right? But it won't be as easy as it sounds if you are a bit nervous. Don't go off on tangents and then never get around to answering the question that was asked. And don't beat it to death. You don't need to have a long 10 minute rambling response. And of course be honest in your responses. If your answer gets a little involved, you can say, "Forgive me, I covered quite a bit in that response - did I answer your question?"
If you are thinking about an advanced degree in education, you can speak to a graduate students advisor today.
Your advisor will be happy to answer any questions you have about graduate programs at the COE - including how to best prepare for the interview after you apply!
That pretty much covers it from our perspective. If you have successfully completed a grad school interview, please consider leaving your tips and comments below. Did we leave anything off that would have been usful to you? If you are thinking about applying, you might want to check out our guide, 5 Things to Do Before Your Apply
