Reapplying (and re-interviewing)

[helga]

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This is my second year applying to clinical phd programs and I know that there are quite a few people in the same boat as I am. I applied to a few programs last year completely unaware of how competitive the application process was.

I've re-applied to some of the programs that I applied to last year and I've been offered an interview this year at a program I interviewed at last year and as the interview date approaches I feel kind of weird about it. Is this typical for phd programs? What are the chances that I'll be accepted given that I was rejected last year? Should I make a point during my interview to talk about how I've changed since last year? I'm interested in how people on the board will see this- and if anyone could share their experiences re-interviewing.

 

[orthogonal]

I think it would be helpful to talk about how you've changed and highlight any clinical/research experiences you've had since last applying. I would also say that it is hard to tell about your chances - it could be that you were one of the top applicants from last year but the school only had 1 position to offer and couldn't offer you a position. Depending on who else is applying, your chances might be better. Just my 2 cents.

 

[psychgirl77]

I'm also re-interviewing somewhere that I interviewed at last year, so I'm interested in any responses. Have you had your interview yet, Helga? I feel like I have no questions to ask the faculty because I asked them all last time.

 

[deleted190534]

This is my second year applying to clinical phd programs and I know that there are quite a few people in the same boat as I am. I applied to a few programs last year completely unaware of how competitive the application process was.

I've re-applied to some of the programs that I applied to last year and I've been offered an interview this year at a program I interviewed at last year and as the interview date approaches I feel kind of weird about it. Is this typical for phd programs? What are the chances that I'll be accepted given that I was rejected last year? Should I make a point during my interview to talk about how I've changed since last year? I'm interested in how people on the board will see this- and if anyone could share their experiences re-interviewing.

The one thing I'd say is that I wouldn't see it as a negative to interview a 2nd time, because they must be really interested to have invited you back. Sometimes a REALLY great applicant is barely eeked out by another applicant; sometimes the one "knock" on an applicant is that they come across too young (aka: academically OR socially immature). (ETC) So, if they invited you back, I'm guessing that they're hoping to see great things from you this time around; otherwise, they wouldn't waste their time. Good luck!!!

 

[greensky]

I re-interviewed at my top choice school this year. I made it a point to discuss this with the interviewer, and converyed that this is my first choice school and I took a few years off to become a more attractive candidate. Best of luck!