For some people, the word "interview" causes pause. Others may begin to bite their nails and some may even find delight in the time allotted to simply talk about themselves. But for students who have post graduate acronyms like MCAT, GRE, GMAT and LSAT in their future. A graduate school interview may be just one more thing to worry about.

But, however you feel about completing a graduate school interview, if you are asked to complete one as some graduate programs require, treat it like another important component of your application. While some graduate programs don't require an interview and solely evaluate recorded performance (transcript, letters of recommendation, standardized testing and essays), everyone's not so lucky.

Graduate school professionals suggest that successful interviews can keep your application at the top of the pile or in some cases allow you to redeem yourself. "If it's a close call, and your past [undergraduate] performance raises some questions as to if you can do the work and will be a good fit, the [candidate] may be standing on "razor's edge" and they need to be as sharp as the razor that they are standing on during the interview," says Maurice Taylor, Ph.D., dean of graduate studies at Morgan State University. "Then the interview becomes more of a make-or-break situation,"

Seems easy enough? All you have to do now is make a winning first impression.

Graduate school professionals and resource, About.com, an on-line site that offers career advice, suggest these simple do's and don'ts to consider before you sit down for your graduate interview:

1. Do have a clear and conscience reason for wanting to attend the graduate school.

2. Do have confidence and enthusiasm during the interview. Try to engage the interviewer.

3. Do ask questions at the end of the interview. It shows you came prepared.

4. Do treat this like a job interview. Be professional and polished, first impressions are lasting impressions.

1. Don't wait until the last minute to gather information about your interviewer and the respective program.

2. Don't expect the interviewer to have thoroughly read your application. Be ready to talk about your educational experiences.

3. Don't sound rehearsed. It's important to practice, but try to sound natural.

4. Don't lie to yourself - don't pursue a graduate school because you want a Ph.D. behind your name. Find a motive that's bigger than you.