How long should I wait? (interview scheduling)

[Roo2]

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I'm getting a bit anxious about how to fit in future interviews in the event that they happen. I already have four interviews (3 MSTP and a post-MSTP-rejection MD). As such, my weekends in January are booked except for one free weekend. I also applied to a Ph.D. program as a sort of "safety" because people told me I had little chance at MD/PhD. I got a call today asking me to schedule my interview with them as soon as possible. I'm still haven't heard from about 10 schools that I applied to and I'm holding on to the faint glimmer of hope of an interview at UCSF (my top choice, and got a secondary) or UCLA. Should I make my Ph.D. interview later in the year so as to accommodate a possible MSTP interview, or should I accept that at this point another invitation is probably not forthcoming?

Thanks a lot for any advice.

 

[justgo]

You should call the schools you are waiting on. I think most schools have already made final schedules for the MD/PhD portion, some are entirely done interviewing. So it would behoove you to see if there were any spots left at various locations. They will tell you if you call and ask and you have the perfect completely legitimate reason (needing to schedule interviews). You should probably schedule what you can before people leave the office for the holidays.

Also, most programs do not have weekend interviews. UCSF is Mon/Tues. Check the schedule here: https://www.google.com/calendar/emb...roup.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

It is sort of correct and sort of not but will clue you in to days.

 

[SBR249]

It's perfectly acceptable to ask for what the last few interview dates are at various places and whether they are already filled. Most programs, even the snooty ones, should be willing to tell you that. And, you don't even need to give a name or anything so it's not like they are going to put a black mark in your file for being annoying or anything.

 

[Roo2]

Thanks for all the advice. In case anyone else is interested, the last interview dates for UCSF are 2/6-7 and 2/13-14. Also, they currently have not filled all of the spots. I (and you) still have a slim chance. 😛