1. Tell us about yourself.

Answer:
“My name is Elizabeth Moses. I have a degree in Education, and I’m passionate about helping
students and individuals overcome challenges and reach their potential. My academic
background in education has taught me the importance of guidance, patience, and empathy,
which motivates me to pursue a career in counseling.”

2. Why do you want to become a counselor?

Answer:
“As an educator, I’ve seen how emotional support and guidance can directly impact learning and
personal growth. I want to become a counselor to help individuals navigate life challenges,
develop coping strategies, and achieve both personal and academic success.”

3. Why did you apply to Wright State University?

Answer:
“I chose Wright State University because of its strong Department of Human Services, its focus
on ethical practice, and its commitment to preparing competent counselors. The program aligns
perfectly with my background in education and my goal of supporting students and families.”

4. What do you understand about the counseling profession?

Answer:
“Counseling involves providing a safe and supportive environment to help individuals develop
self-awareness, resilience, and coping skills. My education background has prepared me to
communicate effectively and support learners in achieving their goals.”

5. What qualities make a good counselor?

Answer:
“Empathy, patience, strong communication, ethical responsibility, and the ability to understand
individual learning and emotional needs are essential qualities. My experience in education has
strengthened these skills.”

6. How do you handle stressful situations?

Answer:
“I manage stress through careful planning, reflection, and structured problem-solving. As a
teacher, I often balanced multiple responsibilities and learned to stay calm while supporting
students, which will help me in counseling.”

7. Describe a time you helped someone through a difficult situation.

Answer:
“As a teacher, I helped a student struggling academically and emotionally by listening,
identifying the issues, and creating a personalized support plan. Witnessing their progress
reinforced my commitment to providing empathetic guidance.”

8. How do you respond to people with different beliefs or values than yours?

Answer:
“I respect diversity and recognize that everyone’s experiences shape their perspective. In
education, I’ve supported students from varied backgrounds, and as a counselor, I would
continue this respectful, non-judgmental approach.”

9. What population would you like to work with in the future?

Answer:
“I am interested in working with students, young adults, and families facing emotional stress, life
transitions, and academic or personal challenges.”

10. How do you feel about working in a group interview setting?

11. How do you handle feedback or criticism?

Answer:
“I welcome constructive feedback, reflect on it, and use it to improve my teaching and
counseling skills.”

12. What do you think will be your biggest challenge in graduate school?

Answer:
“Balancing coursework, practical experience, and personal commitments may be challenging,
but my education training has prepared me for effective time management.”

13. How do you practice self-care?

Answer:
“I maintain self-care through rest, reflection, and engaging in activities like reading and
mentoring students that refresh my emotional well-being.”

14. What ethical responsibilities do counselors have?

Answer:
“Counselors must uphold confidentiality, respect boundaries, act in clients’ best interests, and
maintain cultural competence—values that I also practiced in education.”

15. How would you handle a client who does not want to talk?

Answer:
“I would create a safe environment, respect their pace, and gently encourage communication—
similar to supporting a student who is hesitant to share concerns.”
16. What motivates you to continue when the work feels emotionally heavy?

Answer:
“Seeing the positive impact of guidance, whether in the classroom or counseling, motivates me
to continue despite challenges.”

17. How do you manage your personal emotions while helping others?

Answer:
“I use reflection, supervision, and self-care techniques to ensure my emotions remain separate
from professional responsibilities.”

18. What do you hope to gain from this program?

Answer:
“I hope to gain counseling-specific skills, ethical training, and practical experience to
complement my educational background and prepare me for professional practice.”

19. How do you define success as a counselor?

Answer:
“Success means empowering clients, helping them feel understood, and guiding them toward
their goals—much like helping students achieve both academically and personally.”

20. Describe your communication style.

Answer:
“My communication style is patient, respectful, and clear. As a teacher, I learned to tailor
communication to the needs of each individual, which will be valuable in counseling.”

21. How do you handle conflict?

22. What role does cultural competence play in counseling?

Answer:
“Cultural competence is essential. My teaching experience with diverse student populations
taught me to understand different perspectives and provide respectful guidance.”

23. How do you handle confidentiality?

Answer:
“I understand that confidentiality is crucial and must only be broken when legally or ethically
necessary to ensure safety.”

24. Where do you see yourself five years after graduation?

Answer:
“I see myself working as a professional counselor, potentially in schools or community
programs, integrating my education background to support learners and families.”

25. Why should we admit you into this program?

Answer:
“I bring a strong foundation in education, empathy, effective communication, and a commitment
to ethical counseling. My experience supporting students’ academic and emotional growth will
allow me to contribute meaningfully to Wright State University.”