Inquiring as to why you didn't get in somewhere

[PizzaButt]

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So I'm wondering what the correct way to inquire about why you didn't get in to schools you interviewed at/how you can strengthen your credentials for next year. I thought that my interview went really well at the school I interviewed at, and I thought it was a great fit. I was saddened that I didn't get in, or even get on the waiting list.

Anyhow, since I want to re-apply to that school next year, and also want to know how to make myself a stronger applicant next year, how do I go about doing this? Do I email the POI I wanted to work with or the program director? When is the best time to do this? How do I phrase the email?

Also, for those who have done this, how was your inquiry received? Did you feel you got honest feedback or any feedback at all?

 

[GiantSteps]

So I'm wondering what the correct way to inquire about why you didn't get in to schools you interviewed at/how you can strengthen your credentials for next year. I thought that my interview went really well at the school I interviewed at, and I thought it was a great fit. I was saddened that I didn't get in, or even get on the waiting list.

Anyhow, since I want to re-apply to that school next year, and also want to know how to make myself a stronger applicant next year, how do I go about doing this? Do I email the POI I wanted to work with or the program director? When is the best time to do this? How do I phrase the email?

Also, for those who have done this, how was your inquiry received? Did you feel you got honest feedback or any feedback at all?

PizzaBut,

I asked the Clinical Psychology Professor here, on his SDN Thread Ask the Prof, this question a while ago since people were debating it on another thread. Look up his answer to my question. He basically agreed with my side that the school will not really tell you much. However, he stated that if you do inquire, wait untill the entire application process is over, including acceptances, so the professors will have time to look up your application (assuming they will actually bother to do this for you). Then the school/ professor might tell you something.

 

[irish80122]

I was rejected after an interview last year and decided to write to the professor just saying that I was open to feedback and was looking to grow and improve and asked how I could do better. He was very open with me and gave me a very honest assessment of how I was perceived. I took that information and utilized it in my future interviews which went much better than the first.

I think you have to be very tactful, and also have to realize that they may not have the time or desire to help you, but given those facts they may also give you very valuable innformation. I wouldn't do it with one of my top choices most likely, the school I did this with was not a good match and I would not have re-applied there, but it can come off very well.

 

[lucyguard]

So I'm wondering what the correct way to inquire about why you didn't get in to schools you interviewed at/how you can strengthen your credentials for next year. I thought that my interview went really well at the school I interviewed at, and I thought it was a great fit. I was saddened that I didn't get in, or even get on the waiting list.

Anyhow, since I want to re-apply to that school next year, and also want to know how to make myself a stronger applicant next year, how do I go about doing this? Do I email the POI I wanted to work with or the program director? When is the best time to do this? How do I phrase the email?

Also, for those who have done this, how was your inquiry received? Did you feel you got honest feedback or any feedback at all?

I think the professor on the other thread was kinda referring to general inquiries when you didnt even get an interview (I may be wrong though). I think that if you got an interview then the POI should at least remember who you are, but again some schools will interview like 50 ppl.

Anyway, I would probably state my interest in the school and and ask if he has any feedback/suggestion in the event that you decide to reapply. If you met him/her you probably got a feel as to whether they would be willing to help.

 

[PizzaButt]

Ok, so would email be the best way to do this? And when should I do this?