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Interview Approach: 5 Paragraph Video Essay

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Module 1: Introduction to the 5 Paragraph Interview Response

In this module, you will learn:

  • How the 5 paragraph essay structure can help you ace your PT school interviews
  • The key components of this format and how to adapt them for interview responses
  • An example of using this approach to answer "Why do you want to be a physical therapist?"

Applying the 5 Paragraph Essay to PT School Interviews

The 5 paragraph essay is a tried-and-true format you likely used frequently in undergrad. Comprised of an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion, this structure is an excellent blueprint for crafting compelling, well-organized responses during PT school interviews. Benefits of using this format include:

  1. Quickly outline your thoughts during the short prep time before each question
  2. Keep your responses concise yet thorough, ideally in the 3-5 minute range
  3. Demonstrate strong communication skills through the logical flow of your answer
  4. Adapt the flexible structure to tackle both common and unexpected questions

Anatomy of a 5 Paragraph Interview Response

While you won't be writing out 5 distinct paragraphs, you can follow the core components of this structure to deliver polished, impactful interview responses:

  1. Introduction
  • Hook: Grab the interviewer's attention with an anecdote, question, or interesting statement related to the prompt.
  • Thesis: Clearly state your direct answer to the question and the key points you'll discuss.
  1. Body Paragraph 1
  • Topic Sentence: Introduce your first supporting point.
  • Example: Illustrate that point with a concrete example from your experiences.
  • Analysis: Connect the example back to the main question and your thesis.
  1. Body Paragraph 2
  • Follow the same Topic Sentence - Example - Analysis structure to provide a second piece of evidence supporting your overall answer.
  1. Body Paragraph 3
  • Use the Topic Sentence - Example - Analysis approach one more time to round out your argument with a third perspective.
  1. Conclusion
  • Synthesis: Tie together your 3 supporting points and reiterate how they address the original question.
  • Closing Statement: End with a strong takeaway that reinforces your interest in and fit for the PT profession.

5 Paragraph Response Example

Let's look at how to apply this format to the common question: "Why do you want to be a physical therapist?"

  1. Introduction
  • Hook: "Seeing my grandmother struggle to walk after her stroke was heartbreaking, but witnessing her determination to regain mobility alongside her PT was truly inspiring."
  • Thesis: "My desire to become a physical therapist is rooted in my fascination with the human body, my drive to help others reclaim function, and my interest in building meaningful patient relationships."
  1. Body Paragraph 1
  • Topic Sentence: "My undergraduate studies in kinesiology have laid a strong foundation of knowledge about human anatomy and movement."
  • Example: "I was particularly captivated by my Biomechanics course, where I learned to analyze gait patterns and identify musculoskeletal imbalances."
  • Analysis: "This understanding is crucial for PTs to pinpoint dysfunction and develop targeted treatment plans."
  1. Body Paragraph 2
  • Topic Sentence: "Through my volunteer work at a pediatric rehabilitation clinic, I saw the immense impact PTs have on helping patients achieve functional goals."
  • Example: "I worked with a 6-year-old boy with cerebral palsy on exercises to improve his balance and coordination so he could play with his friends more easily."
  • Analysis: "Seeing his confidence soar as he made progress reinforced my desire to empower patients of all ages to overcome challenges."
  1. Body Paragraph 3
  • Topic Sentence: "Shadowing multiple PTs in different settings exposed me to the strong patient relationships at the heart of this field."
  • Example: "Whether it was celebrating a stroke survivor taking their first unassisted steps or providing emotional support to an injured athlete, I observed the trust and rapport PTs built with each patient."
  • Analysis: "I am drawn to the opportunity to foster these meaningful connections while guiding patients through the rehabilitation journey."
  1. Conclusion
  • Synthesis: "My academic foundation in kinesiology, hands-on experience in pediatric rehab, and observations of the patient-PT relationship have all solidified my desire to pursue this profession."
  • Closing Statement: "I feel called to combine my passion for movement science with my innate ability to encourage and empathize with others as a physical therapist, and I am excited about taking on the challenges of PT school to make this goal a reality."

Putting It into Practice

Now it's your turn Take a few minutes to brainstorm how you would use the 5 paragraph approach to answer these practice questions:

  1. "Tell me about a time you collaborated with a team to solve a problem."
  2. "What do you feel is the most important quality for a physical therapist to possess?"
  3. "Describe a significant challenge you've faced and how you overcame it."

Tip: Jot down a potential hook and thesis for the introduction, 3 supporting points for the body paragraphs, and a synopsis and closing statement for the conclusion. Then practice delivering your response out loud, aiming for 3-5 minutes.

In the following modules, we'll dive deeper into each component of this structure and discuss strategies for adapting it to various types of interview questions. By the end of this course, you'll have a versatile tool to help you deliver authentic, compelling responses that demonstrate your fit for a career in physical therapy.

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