Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
30 Minutes Average
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Number:
6.5 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
100% One-on-One
0% Group Interview
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File Type:
0% Open-File
100% Closed-File
PITT-PSY-COMP interviews are an average of 30 minutes, with an average of 6.5 interviews. 100% of interviews are one-on-one, and 100% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview question at medical schools is to describe one's research interests, as reported by multiple respondents. Additionally, some interviews may have been in the MMI format, potentially involving a nondisclosure agreement.
What was the most interesting question?
No responses
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by familiarizing themselves with the faculty's work, reviewing their personal statement, and studying the company's website for background information. These steps helped them feel more confident and informed during the interview process.
What was the most difficult question?
No responses
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were impressed by the accessibility and kindness of graduate students, the enthusiasm and knowledge of the faculty, as well as the friendly and supportive atmosphere within the program. They also noted the ample funding opportunities, convenient campus location, and affordable living expenses in the area.
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All of the grad students were super available and kind, and the faculty were very well-informed and enthusiastic.
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Before my visit, I had lengthy phone ''interviews'' with several faculty & admin staff; they were all very warm and professional. Nice facilities, faculty & students were friendly, students seemed relatively happy (albeit tired & stressed). Students are fully funded for however long they're in the program. Pitt's campus is very convenient, med school & local hospitals are within a couple blocks. Pittsburgh is much nicer than I expected. Living expenses in the area are low enough that students can live off of their stipends.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions of feeling overwhelmed by the heavy workload and long days, leading to a lack of energy and enjoyment. They also noted the lack of breaks between interviews, feeling rushed and unable to fully engage with interviewers, making the day feel impersonal and stressful. Suggestions included allowing more time for breaks, improving the interview process to be more engaging, and considering the logistical challenges applicants may face.
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The students appeared simply exhausted...there is more coursework than average in their curriculum and they all seemed kind of defeated. Also, the days were extremely long and it was difficult to enjoy any social functions at the end of the day, even though they were supposed to be for "fun."
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NO breaks between interviews - not even time to walk from one to the next. Barely had time to eat lunch. Formal interviews with grad students felt contrived/awkward & I didn't really get to ask them questions. The whole day felt like a cattle-call audition; tons of applicants and a very rushed schedule made me feel like I should have been wearing a number instead of a name tag. Had to share a hotel room with another applicant. (Not Pitt's fault: flight was delayed the night before and I got in so late that I only got about 5 hours of sleep).
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the program would take at least 6 years on campus, plus an internship, and that there would be more clinical training than expected compared to other programs they interviewed with.