Selecting Researchers for MSTP Interviews

[looseygoosey]

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I received a thick booklet from WashU today with all possible profs to do MSTP research with. The accompanying letter said I need to select 10! that I would like to interview with. How should i go about selecting profs?

Should all be in research areas i am interested in now or should i pick a broad range?
In general, Interviews with which researchers (MD, MD/PhD, PhD) have been the most rewarding?
Anyone know of any profs at WashU who would be interesting to talk to?

Thanks

 

[bahraini]

Hey Loseygosey (interesting name),

For Wash U, I believe that the so called 'informal faculty interviews' do have quite a bit of bearing on the outcome. I would recommend that you pick faculty members whose research you are truly interested in. For example, I got the chance to meet the world renowned Jeff Lichtman .. and because I knew a little about his research, we had a good conversation, and it was a great learning experience. It doesn't matter if you pick MD, PhD or MDPHDs. I would recommend that you read up a little on their work too before going in.

Bahraini

 

[giverny]

I would actually have to disagree and say that the 'informal faculty interviews' don't have a ton to do with the outcome. The major factor in the WashU interview process is the legendary 20 minute roller coaster ride (aka. interview.... and it REALLY isn't that bad) in front of their entire MD-PhD Admission Committee... board meeting style, with all faces and questions at you.

So, focus on knowing YOUR research and read up a little on the faculty you are meeting with (just so you don't come off clueless).

AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, try to relax during committee. Personally, for me, it ended up being a great adrenaline surge... which is always fun and exciting.

Best of luck!

 

[noy]

Have a bunch of MSTP programs started sending out for interviews already? Sounds like its time to get those secondaries in...

 

[Habari]

i'd agree with giverny - the informal interviews don't have much to do with admissions though they do write an eval for you. as long as you don't say anything heinous the panel interview will suffice. the informal faculty interviews are for _you_ to see people that you might want to work with. remember that schools - especially washU- will simultaneously be evaluating you as well as selling their school. pick people that you are genuinely interested in talking to - you'll have much more to talk about that way. i interviewed with people that had nothing to do with anythign i knew about [i.e. immuno at the time] and it wasn't a problem at all. you talk about your research - big picture stuff and ask questions. just be saavy about conversation and you can make talking to any researcher regardless of subject a constructive experience