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I started writing a response telling you to leave and why you should leave, but then I realized: I know nothing about you, your values, your area of study, or your future plans. This is a judgement call. As someone who was repelled from a "perfect" research opportunity due to location (also in the south), let me just say this: I don't think your unhappiness with the location is silly. If I were in your situation, I would start looking for opportunities in different locations.

Wonderful advice. Didn't think about how the answer could change in the beginning vs end of an interview, and that makes a lot of sense. After searching the great internet, my impression is that most "acceptable" responses to this question are smarmy and ridiculous (admittedly, I hate tooting my own horn). I like the idea of providing an honest assessment of what you learned in your research and methods you are familiar with in the answer.

I calm my mind and prepare for old age by lovingly attending to my backyard birds. I make my own suet, keep a daily log, and defend their territory from squirrels. I also go on hikes and birdwatching quests.

If I don't get accepted into the one program I've applied to, I will certainly regret applying to one school. At the same time, I can't see myself anywhere else. It's hard to flirt with other options when you know what you want.

I've been researching commonly asked grad school interview questions and "tell me about yourself" has popped up often. I'm just wondering if anybody have been asked this, and what path you took to answer to question. You don't have to tell me specifics (unless you want to), I just want to know different approaches people have taken to answer the question, and how you think it went. Or maybe how you WOULD answer the question if asked. What did/would you make a point to say about yourself? I have been asked this before in a job interview, and I chose to take my interviewers on a clumsy, abruptly-ending, yet possibly endearing tour of my life. This time, however, I would like to know what people need to hear about myself. Thank you!!!

Congrats on the interview! I too have applied to one program and have a lot riding on my interview in February. Based on a terrible grad school interview I had 2 years ago (one that temporarily scared me away from the entire process), here is my two cents: 1. Remember that professors don't expect that you know everything. They are probably trying to gauge a) your interest in the program, your fit, and c) how your mind works. That being said, study your area of interest and your interviewers beforehand and draft a list of questions to ask. 2. Rest up the night before and eat a wonderful breakfast the day of. 3. Remember that getting an interview is a very, very good thing. Don't worry about your GPA. If it helps you relax more, think of it as if you are accepted already and the purpose of your visit is to learn more about your possibilities within the program. This way questions and conversation may come more naturally. 4. Be honest about yourself, your interests. 5. Maintain positivity and good body language throughout the process. 6. Unless dress is specified by the school, dress "nice" relative to your field. In environmental sciences, I like to call it "ecology chic." Nice wool sweaters, clean pants, simple shoes.

Here are some general questions I can think of that could apply to anyone: What obstacles have you encountered in your field and how has it affected your research? How do you perceive your research focus evolving in the next 5, 10 years? What led you to your interest in this topic? What are needs and priorities relating to your research? Hope this helps!

I also have difficulty coming up with questions in those situations. In my case, I compensate by reading too many publications by the professor as well as publications relevant to my area of interest. I draft a list of questions beforehand so something (ideally) is always in the back of my mind. When they are telling you about their research, you can always ask them generalized questions about methodology/funding/future directions. If you feel like you have botched an interview, it might be worth it to follow up with additional questions once you have had time to think everything over. I think most people are understanding about interview nerves, and it shows both initiative and interest on your part.

I'm with you… I spent every last dime (and more..) on a 5 month trip to Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia last year. No regrets! If I don't get into the one program I applied to, I guess I will just continue my existence as a seasonal national park service employee and apply to the same school next year.

… I realized I did NOT like the location, culture, even (and especially) the POI of the program as soon as I stepped onto campus. To compound the situation, I had taken a redeye from Seattle to Atlanta right after working in the field for 10 hours, and did not sleep a wink on the plane. I am innately horrible at hiding my feelings, and being exhausted just made things more grueling as I slogged through an interview process for something I knew in my heart was not for me.

Ah! That's great! In my case, the interests are basically the same but have shifted from terrestrial to aquatic.

Thanks, that is very helpful. It never occurred to me to sell my peers' accomplishments as a way to break my mental block, but that totally makes sense. It makes me realize how overly critical of myself I am. Self deprecation seldom helps one in life...

Hi everyone, Ok - so I might be exaggerating a bit in my topic, I am feeling like the definition of mediocre as I am sitting here trying to write my SOP. I'd like to craft an essay with a thoughtful story, an "aha" moment that led me to my research goals but I fear I don't have a hook. I also don't think I have enough relevant research experience or accolades to to forego techniques in drawing the reader in. I'd really like to consult with people who have applied to programs slightly different than what they've studied in college and have work experience in. How did you identify a unifying theme? How did you make your essay interesting? Thank you so much!