appropriate to call or visit with further questions after acceptance?

[mswtopsyd]

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Is it appropriate to call with more questions or even ask to visit a school after you've been accepted? During interview day there was a snow storm, and program was cut short, so I didn't get the complete tour, and didn't ask all of my questions. I am deciding between two programs and don't feel that I have clarity to make the right decision.

 

[robinsena]

I don't see how it would be inappropriate especially given your scenario. I would ask the department administrator whether or not a visit is possible. The more questions by phone/email bit is certainly doable, but a tour may be more challenging for the dept to arrange since they'd have to make sure someone is there to show you around.

Wow, your two programs must be really close to each other in attractiveness if you're thinking about touring one of them again. I've never had the good fortune to use a program's physical space as a decisive criteria

Is it appropriate to call with more questions or even ask to visit a school after you've been accepted? During interview day there was a snow storm, and program was cut short, so I didn't get the complete tour, and didn't ask all of my questions. I am deciding between two programs and don't feel that I have clarity to make the right decision.

 

[PsychGirl7]

I think it is totally appropriate. I did this myself and it was very helpful (my interview with my POI was cut short). I would send an email to your POI saying that you have additional questions about the program and ask if you can set up a time to talk about it. You can also list your questions in the email, if the questions are appropriate for that, and do it over email instead. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Jezebel09]

Of course!

 

[mswtopsyd]

I forgot to mention that they are Psy.D programs so there are no POI's. I'm not sure who to speak to, but I guess the program director might be a good place to start. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Jezebel09]

I forgot to mention that they are Psy.D programs so there are no POI's. I'm not sure who to speak to, but I guess the program director might be a good place to start. Thanks for the replies.

Who contacted you for the original interview? If it was a faculty member, you might want to contact that individual along with the program director.

 

[mswtopsyd]

Administrative Assistant sent and email inviting me to interview, and then with acceptance.

The other program that I am comparing it to is fairly new, with a brand new building, beautiful clinical space, top notch video equipment for filming (then analyzing) session. First program is older and much more established. I don't know how important physical space and equipment are, but they sure looked impressive at second place.

 

[Jezebel09]

Administrative Assistant sent and email inviting me to interview, and then with acceptance.

The other program that I am comparing it to is fairly new, with a brand new building, beautiful clinical space, top notch video equipment for filming (then analyzing) session. First program is older and much more established. I don't know how important physical space and equipment are, but they sure looked impressive at second place.

Yeah, it is beautiful, but I personally would not choose one school over the other because of beautiful facilities. I have done a practicum in which I had to set up the VHS video camera myself. I did another one in a building that had the video equipment already in the room, attached to the walls. It was nice, and it saved me some time. But, did that mean that practicum was better than the other one? No.

But, you definitely should visit the other school if possible. You might learn something new that sways you one way or the other.

Since it was a secretary, definitely contact the program director about visiting.

Congrats. Having two options is a nice problem to have. : )

 

[olychick65]

I did a phone interview with one of my schools, and they accepted me. When I didn't accept their offer immediately, my POI suggested I visit to see whether it was the best fit for me. So, I would think this is a common practice.

I'm visiting next week, and I just got an email from the graduate student I'm staying with. The email said 'congratulations on your interview invitation to university X'. What does that mean? Does the student not know I was accepted, or is this now an extended interview and I should treat it that way?

 

[Jezebel09]

I did a phone interview with one of my schools, and they accepted me. When I didn't accept their offer immediately, my POI suggested I visit to see whether it was the best fit for me. So, I would think this is a common practice.

I'm visiting next week, and I just got an email from the graduate student I'm staying with. The email said 'congratulations on your interview invitation to university X'. What does that mean? Does the student not know I was accepted, or is this now an extended interview and I should treat it that way?

Were you accepted in writing via snail mail? If so, YES, you have been accepted, and they cannot now view your visit as an interview. Most likely the student is just unaware of the situation.

If however you were not accepted in wriitng, this could be an odd interview.

 

[hamsterpants]

I think it sounds like a good idea and shows that you are being thorough and taking this decision seriously.

 

[hamsterpants]

I did a phone interview with one of my schools, and they accepted me. When I didn't accept their offer immediately, my POI suggested I visit to see whether it was the best fit for me. So, I would think this is a common practice.

I'm visiting next week, and I just got an email from the graduate student I'm staying with. The email said 'congratulations on your interview invitation to university X'. What does that mean? Does the student not know I was accepted, or is this now an extended interview and I should treat it that way?

well, it is an interview- you are interviewing them.👍
But I would follow up to clarify.

 

[olychick65]

Were you accepted in writing via snail mail? If so, YES, you have been accepted, and they cannot now view your visit as an interview. Most likely the student is just unaware of the situation.

If however you were not accepted in wriitng, this could be an odd interview.

I have received my written acceptance from the department (with the 'nifty signature line' someone talked about once)- so nothing to worry about? I did hear from a grad student at a different school that the faculty at this other school didn't divulge who was offered admission until the incoming class was for sure, so maybe my POI hasn't made the situation clear?

 

[olychick65]

well, it is an interview- you are interviewing them.👍
But I would follow up to clarify.

True! It's kind of exciting (although really strange) to look at it that way. Like- I get to make the decision??

 

[skipsy]

My first time posting here, but I thought I'd give you my two cents...

I applied for a PsyD program a few years ago (where I currently am) and after being accepted, I asked for some current students' contact information so I could ask them some honest questions. Of course, since I'm depending on the faculty to give me contact names, these might be the star students. Anyhow, I found it useful to ask these people about the faculty, classes, expectations, etc.

 

[Jezebel09]

I have received my written acceptance from the department (with the 'nifty signature line' someone talked about once)- so nothing to worry about? I did hear from a grad student at a different school that the faculty at this other school didn't divulge who was offered admission until the incoming class was for sure, so maybe my POI hasn't made the situation clear?

You're golden. : )

You're now in the driver's seat. As hamsterpants said, you're now the interviewer, and they are the interviewees who have to convince you to join them. : )