Is it better to schedule an interview on the last date before the holidays or wait until after?

[deleted436726]

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I just received an interview invite from a school I would not mind going to at all, and they've offered me the option of an interview on the last date before things close up for the holidays or anytime afterward once school resumes in January. What would be the better option? I'm afraid that if I take the early date they'll have several weeks to forget me 🙁

 

[NeuroNYC]

Same here.

 

[deleted436726]

Any particular reason?

 

[NeuroNYC]

You never know what happens over the holidays and how the review process works. The adcom might sit down in january and discuss everyone they've previously interviewed, while those who interviewed after new years might be held till march. Of course, this is all just conjecture. Who knows? I've always been told that earlier is better, and I believe it. Why put off till tomorrow what you can do today and all that.

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Personally, I'd get it over with before you take a break from interviews due to holidays. Interview rust and all that.

 

[alpinism]

Always interview as early as possible unless you absolutely can't for personal reasons or school.

 

[Pacna]

Earlier is generally better. I took 2 separate trips to Florida to interview ASAP rather than push one back. Worked for me!

 

[eizeral]

Do the earlier one!

 

[Catalystik]

I just received an interview invite from a school I would not mind going to at all, and they've offered me the option of an interview on the last date before things close up for the holidays or anytime afterward once school resumes in January. What would be the better option? I'm afraid that if I take the early date they'll have several weeks to forget me 🙁

Attend the earlier interview, as the resulting paperwork is more likely to be complete and present in your file at the next Acomm meeting and thus ready for a decision when more of the remaining available spots are yet to be filled.

 

[deleted436726]

Thanks for the advice guys, I've decided to take the earlier slot!

 

[greinke]

so the consensus is to interview early for early completion for adcom to look at next meeting...

would this change if the school is non-rolling admissions?

 

[Narmerguy]

so the consensus is to interview early for early completion for adcom to look at next meeting...

would this change if the school is non-rolling admissions?

On SDN, the advice will typically stay the same. Many schools that are "non-rolling" still make decisions in a fashion that rewards earlier applicants. In general, there are few penalties, if any, to interviewing earlier so you should take that opportunity when available.