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4 at my interview last weekend, 6 at the one coming up this weekend. Before my last interview, I thoroughly read a review article written by each professor. But it didn't end up helping much (*grumble*)...

Congrats, PhDreams! I was rooting for you!

Anybody else going to Emory this weekend?

Yes. One. February 14th...

Just got accepted to a program where I am interviewing on March 1st. Strange that they accepted me after they invited me to interview but before the interview. But, hey, first acceptance!

Thanks. It is just really disappointing after they spend so much time getting you excited about their program. And one of my interviewers outright told me that I was a shoe-in. Oh well...

"It will all turn out okay." "Everything happens for a reason."

I've decided interviews are the most awful thing ever. They try to woo you and then they reject (some of) you.

Waitlisted for Vanderbilt IGP (interviewed January 25th). Severely disappointed.

Back from my second interview. Needless to say, I am exhausted. But the program was so great. They really sold me on the importance of interdisciplinary study. I had four interviews. The first was a little shaky, but I think they all turned out alright... Guess we'll see. Apparently they will notify us on Monday one way or the other! Also, a note on wardrobe: almost everybody wore a suit, regardless of gender. This wasn't true at my first interview, but that's because that program sent us an email specifically telling us not to wear suits.

@LMac I 'm going next week, so I'll let you know!

Until April 15

CONGRATS!!!

At least you got a response... I still haven't heard back.

Well, I've heard from all my programs except for one. And I guess that one program is just slowly sending out rejections, so there's not much hope there. Also, haven't heard back from the school that I e-mailed about a conflict with the interview date. Hope that isn't a bad sign. Now I just need to power through these interviews (on top of everything else I need to do, of course)... Good luck, everyone!

Yes. I have this same issue. It's like, what am I supposed to do?

Just be honest. They can't hold that kind of thing against you.

Yes, it was. Everybody was super friendly and they were probably just trying to make conversation. It just wasn't really what I expected as far as the interview goes, which is good and bad. At least it was very relaxed and low pressure!

Guess I should add that the current grad students asked all sorts of personal questions - if I had a significant other and what I was planning to about that in grad school, etc. And that after dinner, the grad students took all the perspectives to a drag show. Like I said, it was an interesting experience.

Okay. Well I'm not sure this interview experience was by any means typical. I'll let you know after my next interview, coming up in a few days (although many of you will have had your own experiences by then)! It was interesting in that there was never any one-on-one interaction between a faculty member, we were always in groups. It was not so much an interview as it was them talking to us about how great their program is. I was not asked a single question by a faculty member, except for "Do you have any questions for me/about our program?" One time the graduate coordinator went around the room and asked us all why we wanted a PhD and we had to answer in front of everyone, which was sort of intimidating. Most of the questions I asked were well-received by both grad students and faculty, but the graduate coordinator didn't seem particularly happy when I asked "What is your student success rate in terms of people staying in the program?" Perhaps I came across as too skeptical. Also, there was one girl who brought her mom along to everything. Don't do this. And there was another girl who seemed totally miserable the entire time. Just be yourself and show a little enthusiasm for the program, even if it isn't your top choice. Keep an open mind.

Big day today. First "interview" is DONE. It was... interesting... for so many reasons. Also, got two more interview invites today, one of which conflicts with one of my scheduled interviews. The schools with the conflicting interview dates are two of my top choices. Hopefully they'll understand.

@Biohopeful, I am driving to the majority of my interviews and asked that they reimburse me for a rental car. I, too, have a car that isn't fit for highway travel. They were all nice about it!

Lol, LMac, that's awful!!! Edit: At least they let you know right away.. They kept me hanging until today. Oh well, who needs them.

(Finally) rejected by OHSU. Also, on my way to my first interview!