What Happens in PhD interviews

[Sonya]

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Hi,

I know interviews aren't for a while (most are in Jan/feb i think). But I want to get an idea of what they will be like. What kindof questions are asked (besides describe your past research). What else happens in them. I am applying for PhD program in neuroscience.

thanks

 

[Science_Guy]

Hi,

I know interviews aren't for a while (most are in Jan/feb i think). But I want to get an idea of what they will be like. What kindof questions are asked (besides describe your past research). What else happens in them. I am applying for PhD program in neuroscience.

thanks

Wow...where to start? You may hear most, some, or little of what I describe. Many will ask you about your reason for choosing to undergo the rigourous path in graduate studies, what has prepared you for this challenge, as well as hobbies or interests you have had. You may also be asked why did you choose the institution, what previous research experience do you have, and may inquire further about your scientific coursework in college (they may likely probe any areas of weakness in your academic record as well). You may likely be asked about your presentation skills, since you willl do PLENTY of that in a graduate program. There are so many possible questions that it is hard to cover them all, but that should give a very rough flavor of the types of questions you may be asked.

One thing YOU need to be prepared for...and that is to ask questions yourself. You are interviewing the program as much as they are you (and ask questions that are pertinent to you). Read the information you get from the different programs, and look up information on the net, and talk to former grads (if possible). This will give you a better idea of what to expect.

 

[exigente chica]

Ummm.
PhD interviews have it pro's and cons.


Pros
*are paid for by institution
*free transportation
*unlike MD interviews..are more than 1 day
*have a chance to talk to PI's you are interested in
*great meals
*one on one time with current students


Cons
*alot of interviews..from 3-8 (depending on school)
*very rushed days and tours
* alot of people at interview
* the questions asked🙁
*so science based, nothing about extra-curriculars

I found the PhD interviews to be very different from the MD interviews. They are more based on your research and experience than getting to know you as a whole.

Know you reasearch and everything related in and out. I have seen people asked to run a gel and do assays at an interview. If you say it on your application you BETTER be able to know how to do it! Also, know what others have done in your lab to lead up to your project and be prepared to DRAW..yes, DRAW..

Hope that helps.

Exigente

 

[kkeen15]

After reading the other posts, I realize that my interview wasn't necessarily typical. I had suddenly moved abroad, so I did the interview over the phone. I basically just had a conversation with the head of the department for about forty-five minutes. He spoke most of the time. It wasn't much like an interview! He told me that they were accepting me while we were on the phone.

I guess I posted b/c I want you to know that there is a lot of variation between schools and individuals. Don't feel like something is wrong just because its a little different from what most people's experiences happened to be.

 

[dr.z]

One program I wasn't even invited to interview, and I still got accepted. The other one it was only for a day with 3 faculty interveiwers individually. I had lunch and campus tour in between. They ask about what your interests are and what research you have done. They also tell you what they work on.

 

[sandy24]

when i had my interview it was pretty strange. i met with 5 different people on the admissions committee and I basically said the same thing over and over again: talked about why i wanted a PhD and talked about my research and some of my interests.

One woman looked at suspiciously and asked me if I was going to have kids while I was in grad school. She said that they had problems with women my age wanting to settle down and start families and she told me that it was frowned upon because it intereferes with research. then, she asked me what my relationship status was and when/if I anticipate having children