Question about accepting per diem

[PsyWannabe]

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Hey all,
Just wanted some advice. I went to an interview a little while ago and they paid for travel and everything, which was very nice of them. Now they're saying I'm entitled to receive a per diem payment for attending! I mean, it would be nice to get that per diem rate, but do you think that it might look better for me if I turn it down and just thank them for the invite?

Then again, money is good.

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

 

[PsychGirl7]

Wow! I have never heard of that. I couldn't even get a school to pay for my flight!

For me personally, I wouldn't feel right getting paid for going on an interview. You are benefiting from being there, meeting important people, and possibly securing a spot in the program. It wouldn't feel right to me to take money on top of that. Did they tell you how much??

 

[PsycOut]

Hey all,
Just wanted some advice. I went to an interview a little while ago and they paid for travel and everything, which was very nice of them. Now they're saying I'm entitled to receive a per diem payment for attending! I mean, it would be nice to get that per diem rate, but do you think that it might look better for me if I turn it down and just thank them for the invite?

Then again, money is good.

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Personally, I'd take the money. I don't get the impression that you asked for this per diem; they offered -- you accept. This must be built into their budget, so I think it's cool to take the cash ... it's not going to be a lot anyway. It would be absurd (IMO) for them to judge you based upon this small amount of money (the travel, etc. is going to be much more expensive and they paid for that).

They are evaluating you based upon your personality, intellect, and potential as a professional and overall fit with their program.

And if you don't get an offer (it sounds like you're still waiting for a decision), well, at least you got something out of the whole thing!!!

 

[PsyDWannabe]

Hey all,
Just wanted some advice. I went to an interview a little while ago and they paid for travel and everything, which was very nice of them. Now they're saying I'm entitled to receive a per diem payment for attending! I mean, it would be nice to get that per diem rate, but do you think that it might look better for me if I turn it down and just thank them for the invite?

Then again, money is good.

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

LOL! I hope its not their way of offering you a consolation prize for not being accepted. I really hope that's not the case though (Good luck)!!

P.S: OP, whenever I see your posts, the first thing I think is, "I do not remember asking that question!"

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

If it is available, it is typically earmarked to cover X-number of students, and there is no advantage to you declining it.

 

[hamsterpants]

They offered so I don't see why it would look better to decline. If someone took the money because they were strapped for cash and the program looked down upon them for that, that would be unfair and certainly not a need blind admission.

 

[PsyWannabe]

Okay, thanks for the advice, gonna take it and run. Well, not run. Wait for an decision, more like 🙂