Method to scheduling interviews?

[radioactive15]

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Now that II's began to roll out, I wanted to know what approach is best when scheduling interviews.

Ideally, you'd want to schedule the II's from your top choice schools early, but we can't control when a school sends out an II.

If you receive an II from a low priority school, do you recommend scheduling that II on one of the early dates (Aug/Sept), middle (Oct/Nov) or later dates (Dec-Jan)?

How many interviews attended is feasible without getting overwhelmed? (ex: 2 per week, 1 per week, 2 per month, etc) [what's common for reasonable scheduling?]

 

[TheBiologist]

I think you should gauge your probability of being accepted at your best schools

if you think you have a high chance at your top schools, it would probably be a good idea to schedule "lesser" schools for later. That way if you do get in to a top school you can rescind and not waste your time

if you are on the fence or uncertain, schedule it for whenever. better to find out early anyway imo

 

[doctorleospaceman]

I'd suggest the opposite and schedule at least 1 or 2 schools lower on your list first to brush up on interviewing. Dont want your goal/top school first.

 

[aegistitan]

Check if the school is rolling or not. Rolling = schedule ASAP. Not rolling = at your convenience.

 

[doctorleospaceman]

Check if the school is rolling or not. Rolling = schedule ASAP. Not rolling = at your convenience.

Only difference between rolling and non-rolling is when they tell you. You still want to interview early even at non-rolling schools.

 

[anonymoose1640]

You should interview at all of your schools as soon as you are able to. When (some) acceptances are released around Oct. 15 you will thank yourself. I agree with the sentiment that you shouldn't schedule your interviews at your #1 choice first, you should have a buffer interview so you can get over the first interview jitters. After that, though, every school is fair game. You spent all that time and money on an application, if you earn an II you should go to it, especially this early in the cycle.

Also, I'd like to remind people that you might think a particular school is your "top choice" but that can drastically change after spending a day there. A school you wouldn't love to attend might end up being your favorite school. You should be open to everything at your interview and you should be really trying to see yourself in that school's environment.

To answer your question about feeling overwhelmed - I did 3 in one week and that was waaay too many. Once a week or once every other week is ideal. But, sometimes it may be more prudent for you to schedule some interviews back to back in order to save money on travel costs.

Good luck with your cycle 🙂