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Pennsylvania State University Interview Feedback Summary

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University Park, PA

Psychology Schools | Public Non-Profit

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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.6
Good

Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.

Based on 21 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional 8–8.9 Very Good 7–7.9 Good 6–6.9 Mixed < 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was unfriendly.
No responses

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was unresponsive.
No responses
💬 Interview Questions ▼

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolve around topics like current research and personal background. These questions provide insight into the candidate's experience and motivations, helping the interviewers assess their fit for the program.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Pennsylvania State University discussed various topics ranging from designing a research study with a budget to defining anxiety, with one respondent mentioning a more introspective query about identity. These diverse questions suggest a multifaceted approach to assessing candidates, potentially indicative of an MMI format with possible nondisclosure agreements in place.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Pennsylvania State University discussed various topics including orientation preferences, reasons for not choosing Penn State, and unexpected questions on obscure research topics. The interviews may have been in an MMI format with potential nondisclosure agreements based on some responses referencing non-disclosure.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 5 or more people.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had an open file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.
No responses

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by extensively researching the professors and program, reviewing their own work, and studying potential interview questions. Many focused on reading the professors' articles, exploring the program's characteristics, and conducting mock interviews to simulate the experience.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness of both faculty and students, as well as the supportive and enthusiastic environment at the college. The positive interactions with faculty, the welcoming atmosphere, and the overall supportive community were highlighted as the most impressive aspects.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the facilities needing renovation, the location being a concern, and students appearing overworked and stressed out. Suggestions included improving facilities, addressing location issues, and potentially addressing workload and stress levels among students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants expressed a desire to have known more about professors outside their main interest area and were pleasantly surprised by how well they fit in with the community at the institution. They recommended researching professors across disciplines and being open to diverse opportunities and connections within the university community.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally provided positive feedback and noted that they were applying for the adult track. Some mentioned specific components of the application process such as individual interviews, tours, writing samples, and videotaped clinical interactions.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

No responses
📍 On-Site Experience ▼

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents are out of state students.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used University Park Airport (SCE)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either With students at the school or with students at the school.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

The most commonly mentioned hotel is "The Nittany Lion Inn".

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses

All Responses

Application Cycle ▿ Impression Performance Interview Location
2009-10 No change 😐 Good N/A
2009-10 Positively 🙂 Average N/A
2009-10 Positively 🙂 Good N/A
2009-10 Positively 🙂 Great N/A
2009-10 N/A Average N/A
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