[For the seasoned interviewees: I have questions, (maybe) you have answers.]

Thanks for the perspective! This is an umbrella program w/ 5 recruitment weekends. Yes, MUSC is the medical University of South Carolina

[Anybody else apply to just a couple (or a few) schools?]

I applied to 2 last year. I was accepted by 1, and waitlisted by 1. I had to defer for a year so this year I applied to 1 (I am already accepted to the 1 I deferred and I am reapplying to the one I was waitlisted at). I have geographical limitations - my husband has a good job and my 3 children are settled in this area - so I focused on the ones around my area that I knew fit my area of interest. I can't imagine applying to tons of schools, how do you find the time to tailor each application to the school?

Sacrificing sleep.

[Does this mean the PhD program is not fully funded?]

Thanks!

[For the seasoned interviewees: I have questions, (maybe) you have answers.]

How many people are usually at these interview/recruitment weekends? Does it vary greatly by school? Anyone been to an interview at MUSC?

[Does this mean the PhD program is not fully funded?]

I am confused by the wording in #7 and #8 - does this mean students pay tuition?

http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/grad/students/prospect_students/faq.htm

[Interview weekend at MUSC?]

Hello!! It is my understanding that the Medical University of South Carolina does these huge recruitment & interview weekends - 5, to be exact. Has anyone interviewed here before? Any tidbits or information regarding what to expect? Does anyone know acceptance stats for MUSC's college of graduate studies? I would normally assume it's program specific, but their website states directly that all applicants to all programs are interviewed together and you don't declare a program of choice until after you gain admission. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks in advance!

[Lodging for Interview Weekend?]

I got my first interview offer today! As a first generation college (and now, possibly PhD) student, I have zero clue what to expect. When an institution is paying for your lodging, do you typically have a private room or share a room with another individual?

[Anybody else apply to just a couple (or a few) schools?]

I applied to 3 PhD programs, mainly because distance/proximity to home ( where my husband is stationed) is a huge factor.

[Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Program]

Have you contacted the program coordinators at each school? That's what I did, and it gave me a lot better insight and ability to wait... Sort of. Applying on the deadline puts you last in the queue to be reviewed, generally, so just hold tight! I applied on/very slightly before all my Dec 1 deadlines and just got my first interview today. I applied to Wake Forest, MUSC and USF. USF told me they were reviewing after the deadline (which was only 8 days ago) and meeting this week to decide who to interview. Remember: no news is good news, and programs are usually slower than they anticipate.