interview cancellations

[tidbit218]

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Hey all... I was wondering if there's an established etiquette for cancelling and/or pushing back interviews depending on another offer. I feel like I'm scheduled practically through the end of the semester, but there's a lot of schools I haven't heard from. Also, if I do receive a relatively early acceptance (no love for me today though...), there are some interviews that I wouldn't mind cancelling. Is this ok, or are you locked in once you set a date with the school? Thanks for the advice.

Overwhelmed,
Elizabeth

 

[pud129]

I canceled one today because I got into a school I would rather go to. I think it's ok. The schools understand the situation. Most will require it in writing though.

 

[MumbleJumble]

I think it really depends on the school. Three schools offered me interviews on the same day: one was easy to work with (actually let me reschedule online after I called them to check), one let me reschedule but didn't seem too enthusiastic, and the final one wouldn't let me change. Any current students have opinions?

-steve

 

[surge]

Clearly, sometimes it's inevitable, as you can't be at two or more places at the same time. So as long as you do it as soon as possible, with a good explanation (getting another interview that you cannot reschedule is fine, I did it a few times), you should be fine. Sometimes, however, a school simply won't be able to offer you a different spot, in which case you have to choose wisely. As far as them sounding enthusiastic, don't count on it, since it is a lot of hassle for them, but it really doesn't matter - usually you are making harder the lives of administrators and not the committee members.

As far as cancelling interviews because you got into a school you know you would rather go to (I did this a few times as well), I would argue you are not only allowed, but definitely should do this, as you are being only fair to both the school and other applicants who might or might not otherwise get to interview there (and are really interested in the school).

As far as doing it, a short email is usually fine, but some schools will ask you to send in something in writing in order to withdraw.

Good luck and congratulations on being in a situation to worry about this 😀.

 

[Habari]

for all interviews taht i canceled, i did so via e-mail, which certainly sufficed [despite what some may say; i.e. ucsd].

as for pushing back the interview day, you should call the admin as soon as possible and request to do so. it may or may not be possible due to logistics or how rigid they are being, but it isn't very difficult to do. doing this a week before your interview is bad form, and probably not possible - but any earlier should be do-able. calling is best in that case.

 

[ewing]

Originally posted by surge
Clearly, sometimes it's inevitable, as you can't be at two or more places at the same time.

Someone clearly has forgotten his/her quantum mech.