Interview Word Problem

[EquestriAnn]

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I got an interview invite via email from my potential mentor from School #1. He said the official interview weekend is Feb 22-23, but if I can't make that I can come another time and they will still cover most of my expenses. I haven't committed to a time yet because I haven't heard back from 8 other schools- one of my top choices, School #2, is that same weekend and I doubt they will be so flexible. I'm going to call School #2 tomorrow and see if they know when they will invite people, so that I can get back to the POI from School #1 (I did, of course, tell him I would love to come but I'd have to get back to him on the date). I haven't heard of people being able to come on different dates, is this a normal thing? And if I am lucky enough to get an interview at School #2 on the same date, should I move School #1 to before or after the official interview date? I am thinking before, so that he doesn't find a great student from the official interview batch before he even meets me. But if I don't hear back from School #2 until Friday (2/1), like I am assuming, that really only gives 2 weeks to make all the plans for School #1. 😱

Any thoughts, aside from the fact that this looks like a potential GRE math word problem?

 

[irish80122]

I see your logic but it isn't one that I played. By telling a school that you aren't sure on the date, to me, it makes it sound like they aren't high on the list and that you are waiting for a better offer. This may be the case, I don't know where these schools are on your list, but it is something to keep in mind.

What I did is I accepted interviews as I got them. This ended up causing me a hellish weekend where I interviewed at three schools in four days (putting 2000 miles on my car might I add), but still it worked out. It is good that they have some flexibility but I just am a little afraid that the way you are playing it is going to turn them off. That is just me though.

If I were you I would accept the date and then wait to see what the second school does and if it is a conflict then worry about it then. There is enough beurocracy and politics in this process that you can't be sure of anything. I don't think it is worth holding out for one school when the other invite very well may never come.

Another option if you accept is you can cancel the interview if they are low on your list. I did that with one school and opted for a phone interview with another as I interviewed at a school that took my breath away (plus they offered so I had that luxury).

I hope that helps.

 

[EquestriAnn]

I see your logic but it isn't one that I played. By telling a school that you aren't sure on the date, to me, it makes it sound like they aren't high on the list and that you are waiting for a better offer. This may be the case, I don't know where these schools are on your list, but it is something to keep in mind.

Ooooh I never even thought of that. I simply told him that I am taking 20 units, working in a lab and as a TA, and I wanted to check with my supervisors to make sure I could miss class/work/etc. He said there is plenty of time to work it out and to take all the time I needed. He seemed very excited that I wanted to come visit and was interested in the program. But that is a good point, perhaps I should get back to him before I hear about other schools...

 

[irish80122]

Go with your gut, you talked with him and have a better feel for it than I do, and they know you are busy (and frankly they assume you have other interviews). I am just thinking of possible perception, but if he is flexible, than use it to your advantage. I would keep in close contact with him, however, so he knows the status of it.

 

[psychwanabe]

Just for another $.02...I have to agree with Irish. Accept the interviews as they come in. The schools know that your supervisors/profs will excuse you for graduate school interviews, so I can't really see that reason holding much weight. If the other school comes through, you'll just have to work it out. They know that if they offer late they will hit applicants that already have interviews. Quite frankly, that makes you more competitive because they see that others want to talk to you too. They are willing to work around schedules and many schools have two dates or will do phone interviews/alternate dates if you can't make it.