iphi

I had one today and the #1 question I was asked was, "Why School Psych?" I was also asked about my career goals, and why I wanted to pursue a PhD vs EdS. I got to describe my past research, and my future research interests (but was never asked to come up with a specific study). That was pretty much it! They were 3 interviews of 20 minutes each.

Be prepared to answer questions concisely! Be prepared with a 2 minute spiel of what your research interests are, and be prepared to describe past research. Make sure you know what your career goals are and why you are pursuing a PhD. Also, "Why this school/program" is something you are guaranteed to be asked. If it's your top choice, make sure you are appropriately enthusiastic! Good luck!

Thanks! I'm in the middle of it now and so far it's all been questions I've anticipated, which is nice!

My first interview is tomorrow!!! Any last-minute tips? I was really nervous until about 45 minutes ago, and now I'm just tired of obsessing over it.

See?!

I've heard that Magoosh works for a lot of people (it didn't seem to for me). I used Manhattan Elite Prep and it worked pretty well. Really just buying their book(s) and working through them on your own is probably sufficient. Your score seems pretty decent, and I've heard from most grad programs that they're really just looking for a "range" so even improving a few points probably won't make that much of a difference, I.E. Don't bother spending too much money on it!

Well maybe I can ask someone when I'm there if all acceptances have gone out. This is for a straight PhD in Education? Any emphasis?

Send one! And it's not too late, do it now!

I was invited to an Admitted Students Day for the School of Ed at UNC. It's in less than a week, next Saturday Feb 8. I'm not sure what this means for interviews - honestly didn't think most Education programs had them - but my department (School Psychology) said they eliminated them in order to be more equitable. edit: To be clear this is for UNC Chapel Hill. Is that what you meant?

Most graduate programs have a stipulation that you must maintain at least a B average, so this seems on par.

No, it would be very rare.

Yes, some places have the "sanity check" just to make sure that everyone gets along with and likes the students. Others are still competitive. That's good news about yours!

Congrats, though!

Do not email them yet, if they are waiting to tell you it usually means that they are not sure of the situation themselves. I have no idea what the French department is like, but I can assure you that as a university overall Berkeley supports many, many, international graduate students. So without knowing the French department, but knowing the university as a whole I'd say your chances are good. So relax and enjoy your acceptance for now! Don't worry too much yet. FYI: San Francisco (of which Berkeley is sort of part - it's all the bay area) is the highest priced housing market in the U.S. So look very carefully at cost of living if you are accepted to more than one U.S. school! Berkeley's cost of living is at 225%, so 125% higher than average.

No, definitely not. At best it's annoying and at worst bragging. Plus the chances it'll make it into your file are small. They can't even get everyone's requirements straight!

Nah, don't give up hope yet! I had a school call me to tell me I was invited for an interview on a Friday and promise to email me with details on Monday... took me a week to get the details. And for schools who will consider you for Master's programs they usually send you a note telling you that you didn't make the cut but will be considered for a Master's. No reason to lose hope yet! Good luck!

Have the schools you're applying to already sent out interview invitations? If they have I think that an email (or even telephone) inquiry to the department/admissions secretary couldn't hurt. That's how I got my rejection; otherwise I'd still be waiting to hear anything! Also, schools usually value life experience, especially for a discipline like Counseling Psych! Did you apply to Clinical or Counseling?

Thanks for the info! Curious as to what you said about weaknesses. That's always a tough question.

It seems with your career goals it really doesn't matter as much. What will matter will be your research/work experience. For something such as academia the school prestige matters more. I don't see a huge difference between your schools, to be honest.

BUT at least after the weekend it will finally be February! I swear, January has lasted for 2 months' time!

Very important to the admissions process! My SO is a current grad student and warned me to attend all the social functions I am invited to! You want to make a good impression, and the grad students have a say. Especially since you say this is with your POI I would make every effort to go since it seems you may be able to get out of work.

That's strange, had you completed your application? Did you ask anything? Such as,"how long will it take for a decision to be available?"

How many years the program takes to complete. The schools I am applying to range from 3 to 7! How many students get paid internship placements (my program culminates in this)? Is funding guaranteed all (x) years? Mentoring styles/what current grad students think about working with my POI.