Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology Interview Feedback Summary
San Diego, CA
Psychology Schools | Private For-Profit
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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
6.7
Mixed
Mixed experience; organization and communication appear average with varied impressions and occasional stress.
Based on 24 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.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (60%)
Negatively (20%)
No change (20%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (20%)
Good (80%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally expressed satisfaction with program quality, faculty support, and peer relationships, despite concerns about cost and campus technology. They appreciated the facilities and location, but some noted drawbacks such as campus appearance and nearby tourist activity.
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Despite being expensive I am very happy with what the program has provided me so far. The faculty are passionate about psychology and very supportive, they really want to see you succeed. My peers are nice and we all seem to get along well. I am very happy with my decision to attend here.
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The campus was not impressive, and is not up-to-date with technology (eg: wireless campus).
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It was a good experience. I liked the facilities; they are bigger than they look from the outside. I think being directly across from Pier 39 may become a negative thing with the traffic and tourists, but at least the campus is near things. The student giving the tour really tried to sell the school to us; she seemed happy with her decision to go there.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
48 Minutes Average
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Number:
2.3 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
50% One-on-One
50% Group Interview
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File Type:
25% Open-File
75% Closed-File
AIU-COMP interviews are an average of 48 minutes, with an average of 2.3 interviews. 50% of interviews are one-on-one, and 75% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
Applicants commonly reported being asked about their interest in psychology, qualities of a good psychologist, and qualities of a good scientist/researcher. The questions suggest a focus on motivations, personal qualities, and potential for success in the field.
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Why are you interested in clinical psychology?
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What interested you in psychology?
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What are 3 qualities of a good psychologist? (This was right before the question about what makes a good scientist/researcher)
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology discussed approaches when dealing with difficult clients and brainstorming solutions for a scenario involving undergraduates and suicide during midterms in a group interview setting.
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What would you do if you had a difficult cilent?
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They were group interviews, so he asked us to brainstorm 3 solutions to a problem involving undergraduates and suicide around midterms.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like SDN, practicing mock interviews, researching the program's website, and reviewing personal statements. Many also practiced common interview questions found online to feel more confident and prepared.
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SDN, personal statement, mock interviews, looking up interview questions on google.
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SDN, practice interviews, researching website
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Nothing
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Read up online, reread my statement of purpose, read this website, practiced questions.
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology discussed qualities of a good scientist/researcher.
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What are 3 qualities of a good scientist/researcher?
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by faculty and staff during the interview process. They also appreciated the resources and support available, such as access to wireless internet, computer labs, and library facilities, enhancing their overall experience at the institution.
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I had two interviewers-one professor and one current student (interviews were seperate) who were both very nice. The grad student seemed very happy with what the program provided her and the professor seemed interested in getting to know my interests and why I felt I was a good fit for their program. Any other staff I came across were very friendly and helpful.
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Warm atmosphere & friendliness of faculty & other applicants
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They have wireless internet access, 4 computer labs, a big library, and are linked to the UC and Cal-State systems for inter-library loans and articles. (This was at the San Francisco campus)
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the lack of financial aid options and funding support, with many feeling the burden of limited resources and high tuition costs. Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of clarity on research subjects, the competitiveness of other applicants, and the rushed nature of interactions during the interview process. Suggestions include improving transparency on financial aid, enhancing communication about research opportunities, and ensuring a more engaging and thorough interview experience for applicants.
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There is no financial aid funding other than student loans and even then they don't allow you to take out enough to get by on. Ideally they don't want you to work while you are in a doctorate program but I find it difficult when I only get about $5,000 per semester after paying tuition. I had to take out another loan (Gradplus). The San Diego campus got rid of their bookstore which means you have to buy all your books online.
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Vague on the subject pool that will be used for research thesis
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I felt like the school was trying to sell themselves to me rather than finding out if I am a good match. Other applicants were not very competitive- many had not taken psychology classes prior to interviewing or have research experience. The school does not offer funding.
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The interviewer seemed to hurry us along a bit. I'm not sure if he was trying to sound engaged in our answers or if he really just wanted a very short answer. He did it to everyone, with a lot of ''mmhmm'' and ''yes'' while we were talking.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known about the timing of loan disbursement and group interview format ahead of time to better prepare and plan accordingly.
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That I wasn't getting my loan money until the second week of classes. It made buying books a bit difficult, especially since I had to buy them online.
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That it was a group interview!
🤝 Campus and Facilities ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
No responses
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Embassy Suites in Burlingame (average ranking 10/10). (Top 1 displayed)
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Embassy Suites in Burlingame
10/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (33%)
Student (67%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (100%)
All Responses
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