Give a copy of honors thesis to interviewers???

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mushok103

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Some people have told me it's a good idea, and other have told me that it's a waste of time (they'll just throw it away without looking at it).

Any thoughts?
 
Some people have told me it's a good idea, and other have told me that it's a waste of time (they'll just throw it away without looking at it).

Any thoughts?

If they're genuinely interested in the topic, they have been known to ask for a copy via email. If they ask you for a copy, you had better send it to them! It couldn't hurt to have a copy with you at interviews in case someone actually wants to read it. You really don't have to do this, but what's the harm, besides a little ink and wood? 👍
 
expect to be able to give them the entire thesis in a short 1-2 minute summary, though.

Agree. Show up ready to talk about it, but don't hand it over unless they ask if you can get them a copy. When interviewing, I was given helpful advice by a dean that a good interviewee shouldn't have too many props. Meaning at most hand them a copy of your resume (only if AMCAS is unclear as to the chronology), don't plan on giving out papers or portfolios etc, and don't plan on taking notes or reading from notes. I think this is good advice. You show up, shake hands, and have a nice conversation, where you do your best to sell yourself while making the interviewer think you are nice and personable. And that's it. No handouts or presentation props.
 
expect to be able to give them the entire thesis in a short 1-2 minute summary, though.
👍

Usually once you are to the interview stage, schools are more interested in you personally, and outside school. If you got the interview you have already proven that you are academicly able to succeed in their program, the interview is to see if you are a right fit for their program socially.
 
I've heard/been told/seems reasonable that the most you should ever offer at an interview is your CV. If they ask for something, it would be really nice to be prepared, but if I were an interviewr I don't think I would appreciate it if a student gave me a copy of their thesis to thumb through unless I asked.
 
Some people have told me it's a good idea, and other have told me that it's a waste of time (they'll just throw it away without looking at it).

Any thoughts?
You've got to be kidding. Even most of your committee members probably don't want to read the damn thing. 😛 Seriously, man, don't do it. Just show up ready to discuss your research in a knowledgeable way. Interviewers want to know that you understand the purpose of the research and how it fits into the bigger picture.
 
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