tell the program it's my first choice during the interview?

[racek]

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hi all, I have a quick question. i am going to interview with my first choice program (yay!), and I wonder if I should say as much during the interview itself. it seems like it might help (i.e., they'll know that if they offer me admissions, i'll attend), but perhaps it might have negative effects as well (i.e., they could think they don't have to offer me as much funding as someone who is undecided). what do you think? thanks in advance 😀

 

[lucyguard]

I'll tell you this: one of the programs I interviewed at last year especifically told us that they do not change your funding if you play hard to get or if you tell them they're your first choice. The DCT said this because lots of people think that if they hold on to the offer for a long time then they'll be offered better funding. I don't know about other programs but I would think many have a similar philosophy.

Now as far as telling them they are your first choice during the interview, I would think this will not hurt you, if anything it can help you make a point as to whether you are a good fit. Be prepared to tell them WHY they are your first choice and to be convincing at that. Just my 2 cents.

 

[racek]

thanks, that makes sense. in all honesty, i would rather graduate with some loans from this program than attend another program for free (suppose it depends on how big the loans are though).
thanks again for your advice! 🙂

 

[KTpsych]

I would recommend not telling anywhere it's your first choice until after you have visited everywhere. I changed my mind quite a bit after visiting schools. You never know, and you don't want to tell anyone they are number one until you have been everywhere. Way worse to take it back, then to never say it at all

 

[lucyguard]

agreed. Your perspective does change once you visit the programs.

 

[racek]

I would recommend not telling anywhere it's your first choice until after you have visited everywhere. I changed my mind quite a bit after visiting schools. You never know, and you don't want to tell anyone they are number one until you have been everywhere. Way worse to take it back, then to never say it at all

good point. I'll think about this. thank you

 

[irish80122]

Just be honest. I have known applicants who said a school was their first-choice school and then went somewhere else. I think I said my first choice was my first choice when I applied, and it worked out well for me. Just remember though that if you lie the people you anger are also your colleagues, reviewers, and those who may write a letter in support of your tenure.

 

[JockNerd]

It really just sounds like the sort of thing you might be telling every program you go to; make fit clear by demonstrsting a strong connection with the mentor and program instead of just declaring it.

 

[racek]

well in this case it is the truth, but i definitely don't want to SOUND like i'm lying. this is good advice, thank you. i think i'll play it by ear, and if i get any questions in that direction i'll let them know where i currently stand.

 

[zeldazelda]

Lots of good advice above. Many people do change their minds about which school they like best after visiting. You can only learn so much on paper -- there's a lot to be said for meeting faculty, staff and students to understand what a program is really like. Just to be safe, I'd recommend conveying your enthusiasm without necessarily stating they are your top choice.