[Interview Weekends]

How common is it for universities to reimburse you for travel? Does it mean anything (like, they really want you) or is it common practice?

It generally means the school has money and is less indictive of how much that program wants you (they're interested but it is not necessarily a soft acceptance).

I think it's generally standard operating procedure for PhD. I am not sure about the master's level though.

Actually, only some schools reimburse - it is getting more common but I wouldn't say it is the norm, yet.

Could the reimbursement occur during/after the interview weekend? I haven't been offered any reimbursement yet.

Usually, after interview weekend they mail you a check. Some schools will want the ticket stub from your plane ticket as proof you've went.

[Human Development & Family Science]

Did anyone apply to UT Austin?

[Poll for nonclinical interviews]

I tried to make a poll about nonclinical interviews...not sure if it worked. But basically, I want to know:

1) If you are/were a nonclinical applicant, did your program do in-person interviews, phone/Skype interviews, or no interviews?

2) If you had in-person interviews were the costs covered completely, not at all, or partially?

[Sending Updates]

I wouldn't email to update them because 1. you haven't completed these teaching experiences yet 2. teaching isn't that important, especially relative to research, presentations, publications, etc when it comes to admisssions.

I would guess that a .05 increase in GPA wouldn't significantly help you, at this point. Plus, 3.86 is already more than solid for most schools.

[Psychology Interview Tips]

I found this to be really helpful, thanks!

 

But I always have a hard time thinking of questions to ask during interviews. Is it appropriate to ask POIs about the overall program, or should those types of questions be saved for the director of the program? What kinds of questions did you ask, for example, in the first interview?

Yes, it is appropriate to ask POIs questions about the overall program. You could also ask more specific questions about their research and how they like to work with students (I.e., if they like meet individually/with the lab as a whole, etc).

[Psychology Interview Tips]

Yup, they're looking for normal.

[Psychology Interview Tips]

When I've interviewed for jobs, I always find that they're looking for people who are energetic and happy. But maybe it was just the jobs I was applying to (working with children, food service.)

Does anyone have any clue on whether professors are looking for that? I oftentimes feel pretty fake when I have to act more energetic than I am.

[Psychology Interview Tips]

Don't get trashed.

[Psychology Interview Tips]

Don't memorize your answers if you're really (excessively) nervous. - My Adviser

[popular things you hate]

Wait do you hate all eras of Family Guy? Old Family Guy was great, but it's been just awful the past few years.

I must hate old Family Guy - I haven't had cable since 2005, so I wasn't aware there was a new one. I like American Dad, though, a little bit.

[popular things you hate]

beer, family guy, chocolate baked goods..

Finally. Someone else who hates Family Guy.

[Psychology students hearing about interviews]

Ones of my POIs told me that this year they are trying to get out invites early since they are competing to get the top students. He wasn't too fond of it because it forces them to pick students at the same time they are grading finals, but I suppose it might help guarantee interview weekend attendance if you are the first school to extend an invite.  Maybe lots of schools are trying out this strategy.

Many schools invite top candidates in December every year. But interviewees don't always post it. Lots of people accept an invite then back out because it conflicts with a school they are more interested in. Then second choice candidates get a lot of last minute invites in January and February.

[Congrats to the Interviewees!]

I got an on-campus interview invite today. The official invitation letter (which I received over an email) did not say if the transportation is going to be covered. If they don't say it in their email, does that mean that they are not covering the transportation cost?

For all three of my interviews, the cost was covered and they said so in the emails. Maybe email the grad secretary to be sure? But I would guess the cost isn't covered if they didn't say anything.

[Congrats to the Interviewees!]

So far only one of the schools that I applied to (Virginia Tech) have been posted on the results search. I am dying to hear something positive from at least one school that I applied to so that I can relax! At least the holidays are coming, and I have several days off from work to travel home for Christmas with my family, so that should take my mind off things for a little bit. Does anybody know if during the break between semesters schools continue to review applications, or if those few weeks will be total silence?

It'll be total silence over break. While some schools begin reviewing apps in December, others don't even touch them until after break.