Graduate School Mock Interviews

OITE is offering group mock interviews in December 2026 and January 2027 for trainees who are currently submitting applications for graduate school. Mock interviews can make a big difference in how to present yourself and set you up for success. We will practice the most common questions and provide general advice as you prepare for them.

To participate in this activity, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be applying to graduate school this cycle (Fall 2026). These sessions are for trainees currently applying to graduate school programs (MS and PhD programs).  Applicants to MD, MD/PhD, and other professional schools/programs should work with the pre-med team.
• Attend the workshop on “Preparing for Graduate School Interviews" on November 4th, 2026 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm (ET).

You are also encouraged to attend one of the many wellness and resilience events. Look for the Monday summary or daily OITE Event emails to find the most helpful topics for you. Check OITE upcoming events to find out what's happening next.

• Each session will include 4-5 postbacs who plan to enter similar fields of future study.
• Each session will be 90 minutes long in a group format.
• Interviews will be offered in two formats: virtual OR in-person. There will not be a hybrid option.

We encourage you to practice with your mentors, peers, friends, and by yourself.  

Prepare and practice using the following questions before your session:

1. Tell me about yourself. 
2. Tell me about your previous and/or current research experiences. How have they prepared you for graduate school?
3. Why are you interested in our program?
4. What are your career goals?
5. What type of scientific questions/problems are you interested in pursuing as a graduate study?
6. Do you have any questions for me? 
7. If we have time, we may practice a behavioral question. For example, tell me about a time you struggle in a class or in your research. How did you handle it and what did you do?

Be sure you are signed in to your OITE website account (click 'Sign In' in the upper right hand corner of this page).

Navigate to "Book a career counseling or educational advising appointment" and then select "OITE Graduate School Mock Interviews".

Register for one session only. Sessions are organized by field of study - select the one that fits your research interests the best.

Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you can no longer attend your session, please cancel your registration to open that slot to others.

An automated email reminder (including a link if the meeting is virtual) will be sent the morning of your chosen date and time.

Register here: (Click on OITE Graduate School Mock Interviews)

https://www.training.nih.gov/appointments/select-topic/