a silly question

[junie23]

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hey everyone. this is my first post. i submitted my apps rather late and haven't interviewed anywhere yet, although i do have four lined up for january. my question concerns the "non-interview" days. many of the schools recommend casual attire ... surely they mean BUSINESS casual, right? i know that this is a silly question, but i don't want to look like a chump! so, could someone explain to me what the general atmosphere is like on these off-days? thanks!

 

[isidella]

I think you can wear whatever you are comfortable in. If someone gives me a chance to wear casual clothes, I am sure as hell not going to pass up the opportunity. My old standby, a pair of black poly pants, ballet flats and a light sweater.

I like to see a person show up at an event, dressed totally different from everyone else. When that person does not flinch, or show any embarassment for not blending with the crowd, it exudes confidence. I have been that girl for most of my life and I thrive on it.

Congrats on your interviews!

Isid

 

[Neuronix]

junie welcome to SDN, and that's not a stupid question at all! When I interviewed at UPenn a couple weeks ago many showed up on the casual day in jeans. Such a thing is a non-issue for thsoe schools. I showed up in a pair of corderouys and a sweater and I did not feel at all underdressed.

Most graduate students and PIs almost never dress formally, and some actually wonder why they have to interview people who are so formally dressed. As a result, usually the casual day has either no interviews or only interviews with graduate or MD/PhD faculty only. The MD interviews will always be held on the formal day.