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California Institute of Integral Studies Interview Feedback Summary

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San Francisco, CA

Psychology Schools | Public For-Profit

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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.0
Above Average

Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.

Based on 9 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 low 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 (100%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (50%)
Good (50%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally provided positive feedback about their interview experience, noting that it helped improve their impression and led to successful outcomes. Some expressed challenges with group dynamics and suggested more attention to ensure all candidates have equal opportunities to participate and engage during the interview process.
  • Very positive. It turned a somewhat dubious impression into a solid positive.
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • It was interesting. I think one of the most difficult things was just that it was in a group setting. This is very hard to handle when there is a person in your group who completely dominates the conversation and is extremely long-winded. The school didn't seem interested in how we interacted as a group, and it was very much a structured interview. Though, I should mention, the other interview group during my time said their session was completely relaxed and like a conversation, so I guess it depends on who you get for your interviewers. Anyway, I must have handled it well enough because they called me the next day to let me know that I got in!
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
💬 Interview Process ▼

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
35 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
2 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
0% One-on-One
100% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
0% Open-File
100% Closed-File

CIIS-COMP interviews are an average of 35 minutes, with an average of 2 interviews. 0% 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 questions at medical schools include inquiring about what interested the candidate in the program and why they chose that specific institution. These questions aim to understand the applicant's motivations and alignment with the school's values.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at California Institute of Integral Studies discussed work history and aspirations in the field, including a question about dreams for the future.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by conducting internet research about the program and reading up on the school. They also focused on understanding the interview format and preparing questions for the interviewers to demonstrate their interest and knowledge.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at California Institute of Integral Studies discussed why they chose to come to CIIS. The responses indicated that the questions were mostly standard in nature.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the warm and friendly atmosphere created by faculty, staff, and students, who were approachable and easy to talk to. The ample opportunities to engage with faculty and students before and after the interview were particularly appreciated.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly disappointed with the location and facilities, and specifically noted negative impressions related to interviewer behavior, such as disinterest and lack of engagement. To address these concerns, it is suggested to ensure interviewers are attentive and maintain professionalism throughout the entire interview process, and to consider improving the location and facilities to enhance the overall candidate experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known that the Psy.D. program does not heavily focus on the East/West spiritual element, which is more pronounced in other programs at the school. This information would have helped them set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about their choice of program.
🤝 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 unfriendly.
No responses

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was unresponsive.
No responses

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

No responses
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼

Airports Used

✈️
SFO

100% interviewees used SFO (SFO).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by airplane to the interview.

✈️
50% Airplane
🚗
50% Automobile
🚆
0% Train or Subway
🚲
0% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the Ramada Inn (average ranking 7/10), with some staying at Embassy Suites, South San Francisco (average rating 7/10). (Top 2 displayed)

🏨
Ramada Inn
7/10
🏨
Embassy Suites, South San Francisco
7/10

What was the cost and time spent traveling?

Cost: Low Cost to High Cost

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents are out of 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 Admissions staff personnel
Admissions staff (100%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (100%)

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