*When* are interviews usually?

[Raryn]

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Heres something that I have been wondering: When are interviews usually held? Mondays/Fridays? Weekends? Did most of you have them during the spring semester or the fall semester?

Looking at my schedule for next semester, I have class all five days of the week. How much class should I count on missing during the interview season? I understand that all schools all different, but I'm looking for a general idea here.

I'm considering just dropping the second major (Biology), which that would mean I can easily cut down to class 2 days a week (T/Th), and if it looks like I would end up missing many class periods because of interviews, that would probably hold some weight in my decision. (Note: I have other reasons to consider it as well.)

 

[rowerlauren]

Most interviews are during the week. It depends upon the school what days they hold interviews on.

My advisors recommended that I cut down on classes so that I would not have to miss as much when I was interviewing. To do this I only have classes T/Th, except for a lecture class I am TAing (of course, M/W/F at 9AM).

I think that dropping the second major is up to you, so I am not going to recommend any thing.

 

[silverlining1]

Schools generally let you choose an interview date or name your top three choices, so if you build a couple light or empty days into your class schedule, that should be helpful. Professors were also understanding when I told them I had to miss class (and even a midterm) due to an interview that was difficult to reschedule.

I was on the quarter system... but my interviews were January-March. Many people start interviewing earlier, though - even during September/October. I don't really know if there's a way to predict when your interviews will come.

 

[DocI]

The earlier you submit your secondaries, the earlier your interview. A lot of my friends had their interviews during the fall with some done before October. So, just try to get your secondaries out early. Try not to waste too much time on them. The most time I spent on any secondary was a week and even that is way too much. Best of luck

 

[lucky lady]

Interviews can start in early September and can go through May. It all depends on the school. Some schools are finished by January and others don't start until January when all applications have been received. Also some schools have 1 day a week they interview. Sorry you need to check each school. Yes it is wise to have open days in the week so you can interview. Most teachers are helpful if you make arrangements in advance. A lighter schedule is also helpful good luck

 

[Raryn]

Thanks for the advice folks 🙂

I'll think about it till the semester starts... I dunno whether to hope I don't have to miss much class or hope that I do.

 

[rockydoc]

im a little worried myself because I have classes every day plus my school has strict rules about attendance policies and I can't really miss much....I just hope that good interviews come early (along with acceptances) so that I dont reach my limit

 

[Jolie South]

the timeframe (sept/oct vs. jan/feb) really depends on when you were complete at schools.

as far as day of the week, every school is different, but most are pretty understanding about conflicts and will work with you to try to get something that works.

 

[bandaids]

the timeframe (sept/oct vs. jan/feb) really depends on when you were complete at schools.

well, not necessarily. I was complete at most schools in early september and everywhere by the beginning of October. I had two early interviews and three in February. It also depends on how strong of an applicant you are-I was average, so I didn't get invites until later in the cycle even though I was a fairly early applicant.

 

[chemolupusMD]

well, not necessarily. I was complete at most schools in early september and everywhere by the beginning of October. I had two early interviews and three in February. It also depends on how strong of an applicant you are-I was average, so I didn't get invites until later in the cycle even though I was a fairly early applicant.

Which month did u submitted? (primaries and secondaries) and when did u interview? and when did u hear back from them?

 

[URHere]

From my personal experience I have found that if you are a competitive applicant for a school, you will probably interview within a month or two of submitting your secondary. If you are less competitive (or the school is REALLY slow), it may be a later interview, possibly into february or later.

I also wanted to let you know that not all schools let you choose from a bunch of different interview dates. Small schools or particularly over-applied schools may give you a date and tell you to take it or leave it. Also, if you end up with a later interview date, even the schools that offer you a choice may be pretty full already, and you may be stuck with a date you do not want.

The best thing to do is to talk to all of your professors upfront about your situation. The earlier they know, the more willing they may be to help you if you have an interview conflict with an exam or something else significant. Other than that, all you can do is hope that your interviews fall on the right days.

 

[bandaids]

Which month did u submitted? (primaries and secondaries) and when did u interview? and when did u hear back from them?

my primaries went out in june. My committee letter didn't go out until August, and all of my secondaries were submitted by the end of august. I interviewed in September, October and February. I heard back from the September school in October (WL), the October School in January (WL) and then in June (R) and the February schools in April/May (all acceptances).

It's a really long process, especially if you're not an extremely, extremely competitive applicant.