The Interview Aftermath Thread 2008

[islandgirl1]

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For everyone who has gone on an interview this year, vent/reminisce!
How did it go? Any moment stand out for you?
Any advice for others who haven't interviewed yet?

 

[BorntoRun]

I haven't had any interviews yet, but I like your Dr. Seuss tag!

🙂

 

[neuronerd1]

It's been two weeks since I interviewed at my #1 school. I haven't heard anything from my POI since then. 🙁 When can I email him and what should I say? Thanks.
- NN

 

[childphdapp]

It's been two weeks since I interviewed at my #1 school. I haven't heard anything from my POI since then. 🙁 When can I email him and what should I say? Thanks.
- NN

Did you email him after the interview to thank him for the interview?

I've never been through the interview process (I have my first this Monday), but I've heard the waiting game after interviews is still a few weeks, so I think its still a bit premature to be bothering him about whether or not they will admit you.

 

[empathiosis]

Just trying to revive the thread. Several of you must have gone on interviews by now. Tell us about them. What did you wear? What did the others wear? What did you get asked? And so forth ... Share.

 

[jh2550a]

i had my first interview (for my second time around) last weekend. i just received my acceptance today! yay! (it was my first choice). the questions i was asked included:

1. tell me about yourself
2. why do you want to come to this school?
3. what kind of research would you like to do once here?

i wore a gray suit (intentionally- i knew from my previous interview experience in 2006 that EVERYONE would be in a black suit) and boots because it is was mid-western state. just a note: if you buy a new suit, make sure to remove the tacking from the back slit in the jacket. the 'x'-like threading holding that slit closed is only to keep the suit in good condition when it is shipped. hope this is helpful!

 

[empathiosis]

i had my first interview (for my second time around) last weekend. i just received my acceptance today! yay! (it was my first choice). the questions i was asked included:

1. tell me about yourself
2. why do you want to come to this school?
3. what kind of research would you like to do once here?

Congratulations! I bet it feels really good to have an acceptance this early on. Will you go there?

How did you answer the question about yourself? I keep wondering about the best way to do that and how much to say.

 

[chinaKat]

The thing that stood out to me at my interview was that there were a number of people there with no personality whatsoever. Maybe these applicants were just nervous, but there were several folks who just stared like deer in headlights whenever anybody made light conversation, cracked a joke, etc... perhaps they "came to life" in private interviews, but in the group gatherings they were total zeroes.

They would only respond if a faculty member said anything direclty to them, chatting with fellow applicants just wasn't on their radar (and this particular interview day format provided plenty of time for chatting). Now, I'm not in charge of selecting who gets in and who doesn't, but it doesn't seem like rocket science to me that somebody who can't even make small talk isn't going to stand out from the crowd, no matter how good their GPA scores might be.

Just my .02... not that I minded seeing this in the competition. 😀

 

[jh2550a]

Congratulations! I bet it feels really good to have an acceptance this early on. Will you go there?

How did you answer the question about yourself? I keep wondering about the best way to do that and how much to say.

I feel that the best answer to this is the straight forward one. I simply said, I graduated in 2006 from XXX, but I'm from XXX. I am currently doing XXX research at XXX. (or something along those lines.)

In both interviews that I was asked this question, they prompted me for more information based on what I had already told them. I was not asked this question by my POI, but other professors who were not as familiar with my file- so it was good to give them the basics.

 

[jh2550a]

The thing that stood out to me at my interview was that there were a number of people there with no personality whatsoever. Maybe these applicants were just nervous, but there were several folks who just stared like deer in headlights whenever anybody made light conversation, cracked a joke, etc... perhaps they "came to life" in private interviews, but in the group gatherings they were total zeroes.

They would only respond if a faculty member said anything direclty to them, chatting with fellow applicants just wasn't on their radar (and this particular interview day format provided plenty of time for chatting). Now, I'm not in charge of selecting who gets in and who doesn't, but it doesn't seem like rocket science to me that somebody who can't even make small talk isn't going to stand out from the crowd, no matter how good their GPA scores might be.

Just my .02... not that I minded seeing this in the competition. 😀

I would like to second this thought- it is so important to display some interpersonal skills at these interviews. Professors need to feel that you would be able to function in a clinical role as well as a research one.

 

[psychdude5469]

I've had three interviews so far for Phd in Clinical Psych. They all went very well. I felt as if I was over prepared. The people were cordial and basically asked the same questions:

-tell me about yourself
-why are ou interested in my (the POI) research?
-tell me about your research experiences
-what type of career do you want to pursue?

That's basically it! Nothing suprising or difficult. The interviews with the graduate students were basically the same. Something I learned was that I'm interviewing them as much (kind of) as they are interviewing me. It was important to ask questions that I actually wanted to know the answer to, as opposed to asking questions because you know that's what they expect. My advice, hang loose! Remember, things are always okay...even when they're not.

 

[dontknowitall]

Don't forget to post your interview experiences up in the interview database!

 

[psybee]

so i had an interview a few days ago, and i keep on worrying that i made a misstep.

I happen to be interested in a population that is best served (clinical experience, and clinical research-wise) and often most studied in urban universities, and earlier in my interview i had mentioned main research interests X and Y, and how i was particularly interested in exploring how X and Y function w/in an urban immigrant pop., which both the city and to a large extent the school i was interviewing at provided amazing access to. i have lived in the city before, went to college there, and now live just outside it.

later in the interview I was asked what other schools I was applying to. most of my schools are in the same area. when my interviewer mentioned "oh, you are staying in the city", I responded yes, and that my fiancee is also right now in a one of a kind graduate program.

so now i am freaked out that, although we had discussed my research interests and population interests earlier, my direct response, mentioning my fiancee, may have made it look like i am not the serious canidate i really am.

of course, if there were no schools in the area that were a good fit and provided the research/clinical opportunities (like if i were interested in rural health, or if for some reason my area just wasn't being studied nearby) of course i would not have applied to PhD programs here anyway. i am lucky that what i want to study is "hot" right now at a good 1/2 dozen schools in my city, and that very related work is being done at another 1/2 dozen.

now i worry that i look like some chick following her "man", and i wish i had thought to reiterate my commitment to working w my pop. really, despite the uniqueness of his grad program, which is more specialized than even what i'm doing, he would have moved if that was what i needed to do. ugh. i hate feeling like i misrepresented myself, and allowed something that shouldn't be a problem with my app (i really have a great fit) come across as a red flag!

 

[empathiosis]

I interviewed on Monday and spent the whole bus ride home reviewing my responses and wishing I could have said more or elaborated more elegantly or said some things in a slightly different way or emphasized one interest in a particular way. I think this rethinking the interview is probably a pretty common occurrence. I don't think anything I say to you will stop you from doing it, but I'll try anyway. You did great. You sound very logical, confident and well put-together. I am certain you wowed them. Believe me that they're not thinking back to your interview the way you are ... You impressed them as a confident and well-prepared applicant who has serious intent and purpose.

If you're really worried, and haven't thanked them yet, you might consider emphasizing something or other (sorry I've a slight headache this morning) in that note. How do others feel about elaborating on a question asked in a thank you note?

so i had an interview a few days ago, and i keep on worrying that i made a misstep.

later in the interview I was asked what other schools I was applying to. most of my schools are in the same area. when my interviewer mentioned "oh, you are staying in the city", I responded yes, and that my fiancee is also right now in a one of a kind graduate program.

so now i am freaked out that, although we had discussed my research interests and population interests earlier, my direct response, mentioning my fiancee, may have made it look like i am not the serious canidate i really am.

 

[thewesternsky]

A bit off topic from the current tone of discussion, but this thread seemed like the best place for this. Am I reading too much into this, or is this a decidedly BAD sign? I emailed my POI at a school I interviewed at recently to thank him for taking the time to talk with me, and to reiterate my interest in the program. His reply (two days after I sent the email):

Thanks for your message, thewesternsky. I enjoyed meeting you too. Thanks
for taking the time to interview at (institution name). -POI name

I think I'd rather have received no reply at all.

 

[dontknowitall]

A bit off topic from the current tone of discussion, but this thread seemed like the best place for this. Am I reading too much into this, or is this a decidedly BAD sign? I emailed my POI at a school I interviewed at recently to thank him for taking the time to talk with me, and to reiterate my interest in the program. His reply (two days after I sent the email):

Thanks for your message, thewesternsky. I enjoyed meeting you too. Thanks
for taking the time to interview at (institution name). -POI name

I think I'd rather have received no reply at all.

I really don't think this is a bad sign at all. You are reading too much into it. In fact, it could be a good sign that at least your POI replied. A thank you note does not necessarily warrant a response (or else you would be in an endless communication of thanks for saying thanks for saying thanks for saying thanks for saying thanks for, well you get the idea, right?).

I perscribe for you a nice nap or funny comic book to read or friend to enjoy a banana split with or whatever you do to reward yourself for a job well done! And no more over analyzation!

 

[psy19]

A bit off topic from the current tone of discussion, but this thread seemed like the best place for this. Am I reading too much into this, or is this a decidedly BAD sign? I emailed my POI at a school I interviewed at recently to thank him for taking the time to talk with me, and to reiterate my interest in the program. His reply (two days after I sent the email):

Thanks for your message, thewesternsky. I enjoyed meeting you too. Thanks
for taking the time to interview at (institution name). -POI name

I think I'd rather have received no reply at all.

I know exactly what you mean... my POI recently replied to my thank you email and ended it with a "Take good care." I must've read the email over at least 10 times thinking that the last sentence sounded so much like a "Goodbye... forever" 🙄

 

[PsychinDC]

So after you write the initial thank you, and you get a response back (I thought one was particularly promising, but my boyfriend told me to calm down), should you touch base again, reiterating your interest in the program? (like a week, two weeks, later maybe?)

 

[thewesternsky]

So after you write the initial thank you, and you get a response back (I thought one was particularly promising, but my boyfriend told me to calm down), should you touch base again, reiterating your interest in the program? (like a week, two weeks, later maybe?)

I would think this would be overkill. After the initial thank you, I would simply wait. The only exception to this would be if it's after the time they told you you would hear by. (For instance, if they assured you that you'd hear within a week and it's been three weeks). Other than that, it's probably best to sit back and wait. If they need to contact you, they have your information. 🙂

 

[empathiosis]

I would think this would be overkill. After the initial thank you, I would simply wait. The only exception to this would be if it's after the time they told you you would hear by. (For instance, if they assured you that you'd hear within a week and it's been three weeks). Other than that, it's probably best to sit back and wait. If they need to contact you, they have your information. 🙂

I agree with the westernsky. Contacting again would make you appear anxious. Which we all are, but we don't need to be showing it off ... Just sit tight and wait. It sounds like you have a good chance.

 

[deleted176373]

so i had an interview a few days ago, and i keep on worrying that i made a misstep.

so now i am freaked out that, although we had discussed my research interests and population interests earlier, my direct response, mentioning my fiancee, may have made it look like i am not the serious canidate i really am.

now i worry that i look like some chick following her "man", and i wish i had thought to reiterate my commitment to working w my pop. really, despite the uniqueness of his grad program, which is more specialized than even what i'm doing, he would have moved if that was what i needed to do. ugh. i hate feeling like i misrepresented myself, and allowed something that shouldn't be a problem with my app (i really have a great fit) come across as a red flag!

I think you are making more of it than is necessary. Having social support is considered a good thing by many professors. We all operate within constraints, don't worry about being a real person with desires, goals, and needs.

Mark

 

[EquestriAnn]

I had my first interview last weekend, it went pretty well but there were some things I wasn't expecting. I was picked up from the airport from my POI, I wasn't expecting to see her there waiting for me! Especially after my flight was 45 minutes late . Anyway, I quickly found out that I was staying with a grad student and the other girl who's trying to get the 1 spot in said POI's lab! And this other girl was....weird... She was SO serious and barely cracked a smile all weekend, though she did manage to let everyone know that her research was exactly what our POI did and this lab would be perfect for her. Oh and that she only applied to three schools, one of them being the #1 program in the country which she was already accepted to, the other being a highly ranked program that she is interviewing with next week (and that I didn't get an interview for). So the whole weekend I felt like we were having a silent battle, I certainly won the social aspect of it, though she didn't set the bar too high!

Sample conversation:
Me: So, aside from working in the lab, what do you like to do for fun?
Her: Oh, I'm pretty much always in the lab.
Me: Haha, I know what you mean, but come on you have to have to have some free time to have fun?
Her: No, just school and research.
Me: Ummm....ok well before you started working in the lab, what did you used to do for fun?
Her: Yeah, school.
Me: I have to go to the bathroom.

In terms of who is a better academic fit, there is no question that it is her, I'm just hoping that POI realized she's not someone she'd want to see every day for the next 6 years! The interviews with faculty went pretty well, I only had a couple tough questions and I think I did pretty well. But I did feel like I had to spend a lot of time defending my interested in POI because my research background is a tad different. People were nice, I couldn't really see myself living there, but I'd consider it if it were the only place I got in. I am trying not to get my hopes up too high about my interview next week, but all signs point to a good match 😳

 

[psybee]

So the whole weekend I felt like we were having a silent battle, I certainly won the social aspect of it, though she didn't set the bar too high!

In terms of who is a better academic fit, there is no question that it is her, I'm just hoping that POI realized she's not someone she'd want to see every day for the next 6 years!

I thought about putting this in interview bloopers, but it does have a more serious tone. When I was in university, a professor was advising a bunch of us about applying to clinical psychology programs and told us this story:

A student of his was very brilliant, did great work, and applied to a dozen top tier schools (Penn, Yale, Michigan, etc.). He, among others, wrote her a very strong letter of rec, focusing on her intellectual and research strengths, because she was pretty socially awkward and lacked outside life experience otherwise. She got interviews at almost all of the programs she applied to BUT did not get admission to any of them! She was of course upset, and talk about external locus of control, emailed her letter writers, accusing them of not supporting her enough in their letters and wondering if they bad-talked her if they were called as references, and ultimately blaming them for her situation. The prof that was telling us this story, someone I think everyone on the board would recognize, forwarded her irate email to the DCT of all of the programs she applied to, effectively sinking her from ever reapplying there. Woah!

 

[islandgirl1]

The interviews with faculty went pretty well, I only had a couple tough questions and I think I did pretty well.

like what?

 

[EquestriAnn]

like what?

Well it wasn't for clinical, it was for behavioral neuroscience. I have done a lot of feeding/obesity/eating disorders stuff, so the head of the department asked me to tell her everything I knew about Ghrelin and Leptin and looked it up to see if I was right. I couldn't tell if she was playing dumb or actually didn't know the answers, either way I was right 😎

 

[childphdapp]

A bit off topic from the current tone of discussion, but this thread seemed like the best place for this. Am I reading too much into this, or is this a decidedly BAD sign? I emailed my POI at a school I interviewed at recently to thank him for taking the time to talk with me, and to reiterate my interest in the program. His reply (two days after I sent the email):

Thanks for your message, thewesternsky. I enjoyed meeting you too. Thanks
for taking the time to interview at (institution name). -POI name

I think I'd rather have received no reply at all.

I received a reply that was pretty similar - "I'm glad you had a positive experience with us. I enjoyed talking with you too. Now we have to wait and see what admissions decides. 🙂" Short, but sweet and I appreciated the smiley. I didn't receive a reply from ALL of the people I thanked, so the ones that did reply, I really appreciated that they took the time to do so ...

Do you guys generally thank your POIs only or do you email students you interviewed w/ and other faculty as well? I thought it might be overkill ...

And how long do you generally wait to email? Unfortunately, I've been waiting 4-5 days because of interviewing at other schools/catching up at my job ... I'm barely on SDN anymore!

 

[thewesternsky]

I received a reply that was pretty similar - "I'm glad you had a positive experience with us. I enjoyed talking with you too. Now we have to wait and see what admissions decides. 🙂" Short, but sweet and I appreciated the smiley. I didn't receive a reply from ALL of the people I thanked, so the ones that did reply, I really appreciated that they took the time to do so ...

Do you guys generally thank your POIs only or do you email students you interviewed w/ and other faculty as well? I thought it might be overkill ...

And how long do you generally wait to email? Unfortunately, I've been waiting 4-5 days because of interviewing at other schools/catching up at my job ... I'm barely on SDN anymore!

The smiley definitely puts a positive spin on things, and I like the tone of the last sentence-- it seems more "I like you! If the admissions committee okays it, you will come work with me!"... Not to give you undue hope, but it sounds nice. I thought the reply to my thank you sounded a bit dismissive, but it's so hard to convey emotion over email....

I didn't expect to receive replies at all (thank you for thanking me! 😛), so I was surprised when I got one.

I don't think it really matters, but I tried to email as soon as possible after the interview... for me that ended up being two-four days too though. 🙂 I don't think it really matters when you send the thank you. It's more a nice gesture than a factors in decisions, I would imagine.

Since I only interviewed with my POI and one other professor, I emailed them both. If you spoke with, say, five profs, though, emailing them all might be overkill.

Good luck!

 

[blindchaos]

I didn't expect to receive replies at all (thank you for thanking me! 😛), so I was surprised when I got one.

Now you just need to send them a note to say thank you for thanking me for thanking you!

 

[socialcog]

A bit off topic from the current tone of discussion, but this thread seemed like the best place for this. Am I reading too much into this, or is this a decidedly BAD sign? I emailed my POI at a school I interviewed at recently to thank him for taking the time to talk with me, and to reiterate my interest in the program. His reply (two days after I sent the email):

Thanks for your message, thewesternsky. I enjoyed meeting you too. Thanks
for taking the time to interview at (institution name). -POI name

I think I'd rather have received no reply at all.

This doesn't necessarily mean anything. I flew out to my POI to meet her (well before applying even) because I was very interested in her research. We had a wonderful meeting, discussing past research and possible future directions..etc. I emailed her 2 days after our seemingly perfect meeting to thank her and to convey my enthusiasm about applying to X university. Her response was so flat and dispassionate--completely incongruent with the tone of our meeting. I refrained from reaching out to her even though I really wanted some reassurance that our meeting was indeed a very promising connection.

I felt deflated but applied anyway. Months pass...

I get an interview from her. I fly out in 2 weeks to meet with her...again! Do not fret. My guess is that POIs need to convey absolute neutrality in these emails, particularly as they are organizing which candidates get offers. Hang in there and good luck.

 

[JockNerd]

I wouldn't suggest anyone ever infer a "tone" from e-mail. Profs are busy, especially now. The casual nature of e-mail lends itself to really short messages (i.e. the prof might see your message and quickly respond before running to a meeting).

Oh, and about the "no personality" thing... hell yeah. I had this one guy at an interview who, during group interview, just kept echoing back what people said and didn't say anything himself. I think he was trying to be a "facilitator." Wanted to slap him. The only place I interviewed at where I was consistently impressed by the other interviewees was the place I'm at now.

 

[crissylissy]

I had my first interview today, and it definitely did not go as well as I would have hoped... For one, I was sick. Like, really sick. I had missed this entire past work week because I was sick (I actually was afraid that I wouldn't have my voice back for the interview because I had lost it up till Thursday afternoon). I was coughing (sucking on cough drops), had a runny/congested nose (the interviewer gave me a few nose blowing breaks), and had that lovely, funky sick voice. The interviewer was very understanding, but I just felt totally off my A game. And her opening question totally threw me for a loop (something about how after reading my SOP she thought I was more into research than clinical practice-- and I'm applying for Psy.D. programs). Not sure if it was because I was in a hazy cloud of sickness and unable to think as quickly and clearly or because I was just so genuinely shocked that she got that impression from my SOP (I am soooo not a researcher, though, I do have a strong background in research and am currently working on a research project).

Anyways, there's my vent! Here's hoping that my next two interviews don't involve me being ridiculously ill!

 

[aubmo]

I've had one interview so far (well, 3 interviews, but for the same program), and it was actually a lot more relaxed than I expected. I'm normally extremely nervous in interviews, but for some reason these interviews seemed to be pretty stress-free. I'm sure they won't all be this way, but it was a nice surprise. I did show up half an hour late though because of traffic, which looks terrible, but I don't think I want to go to this school anyway so I'm not too worried about it. My advice though would be to make absolute sure that you are not late. Leave a ton of extra time if you can, especially if you're not from the area and not familiar with the route and the traffic. As for questions, I didn't get any that were too tough. They asked me about my volunteer position (including a tough situation I've had to deal with and what I've learned about myself from this position), why this type of program (Psy.D.), why this particular school, what I like to do for fun, how it will be to relocate, etc. Also, I suggest that you have your questions ready because you will continually be asked if you have any questions. Finally, in terms of clothing, I wore a dark grey skirt suit with a collared shirt. About half of us had suits on, and the other half had dress pants and sweater or some other kind of shirt. Hope this helps!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

And her opening question totally threw me for a loop (something about how after reading my SOP she thought I was more into research than clinical practice-- and I'm applying for Psy.D. programs).

I remember one of the first questions they asked me was why I was leaving my career to do this, that it seemed like a big change, and they wondered if I really thought it through...etc. I'm pretty sure they wanted to gauge my reaction, thought process, and general demeanor when faced with an antagonizing question. (The way the interview put it was pretty pointed). I use to do some stress test interviews with people wanting to work for me, so I could handle that, it was just a rough way to start an interview, after having a full morning and afternoon of being super-laid back and warm.

 

[ClinicalGal]

I had my interview at FDU over the weekend... Anyone else interview there? What were your thoughts?

I was shocked at how much more clinically focused their ph.d. program is than research focused - i definitely felt that my research experience (and interest) was working against me in the interviews and i had to justify my clinical interest...

Anyone have any pro/cons about going to a clinical psych ph.d. program that is more clinically focused? In fact, they have very little research requirements and TONS of clinical hours... anyone else interview there over the weekend? What were your thoughts?

 

[PhDshallsee]

So, how long after an interview do you usually hear back from them on their decision?

 

[deleted176373]

So, how long after an interview do you usually hear back from them on their decision?

That's like asking, "What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?"

Do you mean at school A or School B?

Mark

 

[PizzaButt]

I had my interview on Friday. It was a good experience overall. I noticed a couple of things:

1) I was definitely the oldest applicant there. Most people were still in college or had just graduated. The rest of the applicants were about 24-26. I was definitely the oldest at 30. That made me feel really old.

2) I was really taken aback by how nice and chatty the other applicants were. I remember reading somewhere on here about some applicants' poor social skills--I was amazed by the social skills of these applicants. Everyone was incredibly social and outgoing. I guess I was prepared for the typical pre-med competitiveness because many of us were interviewing for the same advisor, but there was none of that at all.

3) I was asked some really hard questions by my potential advisor. I had prepared thoroughly for many of the typical interview questions, but I wasn't prepared for the intellectual type questions I was asked. They weren't psych content type questions, but they definitely required a lot of thinking.

4) I couldn't read anything from my interviewers--if they liked me, if they didn't. This was a bit unnerving.

 

[phDpotential]

Has anyone who has interviewed at UConn (clinical psych) heard back yet/know when we should expect to hear?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

4) I couldn't read anything from my interviewers--if they liked me, if they didn't. This was a bit unnerving.

That's by design, though that doesn't help the person sitting across from them.

 

[kyril]

3) I was asked some really hard questions by my potential advisor. I had prepared thoroughly for many of the typical interview questions, but I wasn't prepared for the intellectual type questions I was asked. They weren't psych content type questions, but they definitely required a lot of thinking.

what kinds of questions? as anxious as i am about interviews, i also can't wait for them to be over!

 

[dontknowitall]

Please everyone, do not forget to update the interview database with your experiences!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Thanks!

Please everyone, do not forget to update the interview database with your experiences!

*PLEASE share your feedback about your site interviews HERE.We are trying to build a database to help out current and future clinical psychology students. If any programs are missing from the list, please drop me a PM and I'll add it. -t*

 

[schoolpsych]

At one of my interviews, the faculty member (who would likely be my mentor if I attended the program) spent a majority time speaking about her own research and only asked me to describe my research background, current specific research interests, and what I saw myself doing after I graduated. It was really relaxed and enjoyable. I'd love to work with her 🙂

 

[blindchaos]

Has anybody else noticed an overall trend within interviewees at individual schools? (ie: interviewees at University X were very laid back, interviewees at University Y were withdrawn/socially awkward, interviewees at University Z were outgoing/engaging, etc)

 

[Rusalka]

I've noticed that most applicants at most interviews have been pretty outgoing and sociable (with notable exceptions). The atmosphere the school creates really flavors the interactions, though. Some schools aimed to make it low-stress and thus it was more laid-back overall, while other schools made no such effort and you could tell from the nervousness of the applicants, which translated to more awkwardness.

 

[neuronerd1]

Hi all,
Hope all interviews are going well! So exactly a week ago I had a preliminary phone interview with a 1st year grad student from one of my top choice schools. I am supposed to get another preliminary phone interview from a post doc sometime and THEN an invitation to interview in person. I haven't received a second call yet and I'm starting to get anxious. I already emailed with thanks, times that would be good for me etc., and no response (from the grad student). Advice?
- NN

 

[ny1020]

For everyone who has gone on an interview this year, vent/reminisce!
How did it go? Any moment stand out for you?
Any advice for others who haven't interviewed yet?

I had a great time - the students were welcoming, friendly and fun. The one piece of advice I got that I never thought of was: remember that even though the other applicants are your competition, they might also be your cohort so have fun getting to know them as well during the interview weekend. I'm hoping the snobby one at my interview wasn't also accepted to my concentration!

 

[islandgirl1]

Oh yay I can post in my own thread!
I've had my first interview and it went well... very relaxed. Everyone got along great.
This forum popped up in my mind at the end of the day because about 99% of the questions I was asked were mentioned here in the Prep thread.
I wasn't asked anything out of the ordinary and it was generally a good experience.

 

[avaliant]

Hey all,
Had a couple interviews, and found them to be infinitely less stressful than I thought they would be. The only time I was caught off guard was when I was asked how I might implement my research interests; how would I design a study to investigate them further. I could hear the crickets.

A number of people asked what I did 'for fun,' where I see myself after graduating (focusing on research or clinical) and what drew me to the program. etcetera.

I feel like after the first one I was totally comfortable, in the zone. Too bad the first one was the first choice prof at the first choice school.

 

[kyril]

i have six interviews in the next month! i am so so happy that i have so many options, but i also can't wait until they are all done. can. not. wait. i think i will wrinkle and stomp on my suit, put on neon blue eyeshadow and and miniskirt, and have a party to celebrate!😀