Im afraid I made a mistake, need advice

[AngelaT]

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Hey guys,

So I got an email today from my dream school saying that I have passed the initial application process and need to contact someone to schedule for an interview. I was a bit flustered when I called and might have not asked the best questions. I asked whether they would provide accommodations. I also asked whether a Skype interview was possible considering that I live out of state. I was told that it was possible and I just need to let them know. When I spoke to a friend, she said that I had made a terrible mistake and shouldn't have asked any of those questions. She said 'what were you thinking, of course they are not going to pay for you to interview." She also added that asking for skype interview shows I'm not interested enough. I feel terrible now... She told me they may pass on this info to the admission rep.. I'm really upset and worried now. I'm afraid I might have ruined my chances.... 🙁 I would really appreciate your advice!

 

[Qwerk]

Hey guys,

So I got an email today from my dream school saying that I have passed the initial application process and need to contact someone to schedule for an interview. I was a bit flustered when I called and might have not asked the best questions. I asked whether they would provide accommodations. I also asked whether a Skype interview was possible considering that I live out of state. I was told that it was possible and I just need to let them know. When I spoke to a friend, she said that I had made a terrible mistake and shouldn't have asked any of those questions. She said 'what were you thinking, of course they are not going to pay for you to interview." She also added that asking for skype interview shows I'm not interested enough. I feel terrible now... She told me they may pass on this info to the admission rep.. I'm really upset and worried now. I'm afraid I might have ruined my chances.... 🙁 I would really appreciate your advice!

These requests are pretty common. If the person on the other end said it was possible, what you asked for couldn't have been too unreasonable. It's also probable that the person doing the phone calls doesn't have any influence on your admissions decision. You could be getting worried over a random intern!

 

[AngelaT]

These requests are pretty common. If the person on the other end said it was possible, what you asked for couldn't have been too unreasonable. It's also probable that the person doing the phone calls doesn't have any influence on your admissions decision. You could be getting worried over a random intern!

Qwerk, thanks so much for your feedback! You are right, I shouldn't be so worried. I just wish I was better prepared for the phone call and sounded more enthusiastic! Oh well too late now, hope I can make a great impression for the actual interview. 🙂

 

[MBellows]

I asked whether they would provide accommodations... She said 'what were you thinking, of course they are not going to pay for you to interview

You asked about them providing accommodations, that doesn't mean they have to pay for it. You may very well end up staying with a grad student for the night, not that it's a bad thing to do. Just refer to the doctoral page here on etiquette.

 

[Qwerk]

You asked about them providing accommodations, that doesn't mean they have to pay for it. You may very well end up staying with a grad student for the night, not that it's a bad thing to do. Just refer to the doctoral page here on etiquette.

Just remember that it's rude to use the best discarded pizza box as a pillow. Offer it to your host first.

 

[MBellows]

just remember that it's rude to use the best discarded pizza box as a pillow. Offer it to your host first.

+99

 

[socialworkhopef]

Wow, I would not talk to that friend anymore regarding graduate school decisions! Doesn't seem like a very supportive or encouraging person right now, which is what you need.

Your questions make complete sense to me. The school can't honestly expect that people can just fly in for an interview. I have heard of msw programs doing both phone and skype interviews instead of in person, so that question makes complete sense.

Good luck with your interview!