Pre (or post) interview grad student dinner

[Ganzheit]

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Interview invitations frequently include a student dinner either before or after the main interview process. These are generally less formal events where one meets the current graduate students so you can sniff their metaphorical butts and vice versa. Scheduling (long flights, other classes) make it virtually impossible for me to go to these dinners. How much of an impact do you think this is likely to have for my candidacy? I realize I won't get as much information as I could about the program, but I would also prefer not to doom myself because the grad students won't know me. Those of you who got in (this year or previous years) - did you get offers from places where you skipped the student dinner?

Any thoughts or guidance?

 

[hereandnow]

Our group wants our students to skip.

 

[ADDICTED2STATS]

I skipped the dinner and still got in. I think the dinner only matters (as far admissions go) if you make a complete ass out of yourself. If you don't go it can't happen. If you do go, it's a good way to get the "real" scoop on the program, but it won't help your chances of admission.

 

[PsychPhDone]

It shouldn't really affect your changes. The dinners can work for you if the students like you to an extent -- if another applicant attends and is really well liked, and all other things are equal, they may get the nod, especially because it makes them look more interested and more likely to come. But, in reality, there's only a tiny chance of that being the case. You can't be everywhere at once.

 

[water808]

our group wants our students to skip.

wtf?

 

[ClinicalTrainee]

My adviser has accepted people who haven't gone to the dinner/party we always have. But, as a graduate student, I've advocated strongly for people I liked. My liking has typically come from (a) hosting a student or (b) interacting with someone at the dinner. Essentially, I agree with others that it is certainly possible to be accepted either way, and could be an advantage or a disadvantage.

 

[Kat 22]

I'm not sure how common this is, but at one of the schools I applied to I had lots of contact with the graduate students both before and after I met with my POI. When I actually met with my POI I was asked questions about information I had told the graduate students. I wasn't bothered at all, but was slightly taken aback because I didn't expect my POI to know everything I had told the graduate students.

What I'm trying to say is that I think it depends on the POI - I think some people really heavily weight how their graduate students feel about potential applicants. As such, more interaction with graduate students could impact your chances of being accepted.

 

[PsychPhDone]

wtf?

I think I know what they mean but I'll let them elaborate.

 

[hamsterpants]

I was happy to attend the grad student/ applicant social the night before my interview session for a couple of reasons. One, I appreciated that they had gone to the trouble of trying to plan something fun for us. and two, I found it good practice for the next day's interviews as this was my first school interview. I resisted the impulse to grill grad students though and mostly made small talk but a few times research interests, labs, etc came up naturally. It made me feel better about the next day.

 

[healthpsy]

The pre-interview event is a great chance to practice telling your story, answering and asking questions in a more informal setting than the actual sit down w/ the POI. But you're still amped up because you haven't had the interview yet. The after events are a change to be a little more chilled out, 'cause the worst is over, and if things seemed to go well, then maybe you're extra mellow and happy. It's a chance for the professor and members of your lab to see if they can stand putting up with you socially for 5 years, so be charming. Have a (meaning ONE) glass of chardonnay and whip out your best PG-13 versions of your stories from that semester abroad, summer internship, etc, giving folks a chance to see you when you're less "on." The after party is definitely must see tv.

 

[zeldazelda]

In our program it is unlikely to affect your chances unless you do something outrageously inappropriate. So in that sense it is not necessary.

On the other hand, I always encourage people to attend because it is a great opportunity to get to know the students and the atmosphere of the program in a more informal environment. Personally, my thoughts about one program at which I interviewed were significantly affected by what I learned at the pre-dinner. Fit works both ways and the pre- or post-dinner can help you figure out whether you could be happy in a program for the next 4-7 years.

 

[RejectClinical]

I would definitely encourage you to attend if it is feasible.

I agree with previous posters that it won't affect your chances of admission (unless you do something stupid/crazy--in that case, you will be rejected). However, I believe it is a very VALUABLE time to know what the program is like and your POI as well.

I attended a program and the activities scheduled by the faculty made me think I was definitely going to attend the program if offered a spot. However, following the interview day, night out with the grad students swiftly made me change my mind. Every person I encountered (even those not in my lab of interest) had negative things to say about my POI and strongly encouraged me to consider other programs. Had I left at the end of interview day, I would not have received this valuable information. While there may have been subtle hints throughout the day, I did not pick up on them until grad night out. Thank God for honest grad students!!!!!