Hi all,
I've been meandering the various grad. forums for a while, and I have a question to ask if anyone is capable of providing me with a bit of insight.
I received an email the end of January inviting me as a finalist for the Duke Literature PhD program. I've spoken to many of my prof's regarding this process, and they all seem to indicate that no school (they know of) would spend a weekend providing housing, food and various events on students they are not intent to recruit into the program. And thus, they suggested that the process seems like a mere formality (just to ensure there are no glaring misrepresentations) before they formally send out their acceptances; however, they've been keen to emphasize that I should go as prepared as possible.
I'm a little more skeptical, though...
From the bits of searching I have done, it seems that -- in previous years -- the program has only have a limited number of available spots, and those students who don't "pass" the interview are consequently waitlisted. As such, I've been trying to glean some info into the actual interview process, and have come up short. I assume a host of the usual questions will be asked (e.g. "why duke?") but I'm unsure as to the specific nature of the Duke Lit. process, itself (are they going to quiz me theoretically? should I be reading up on the prof's I mentioned in my statement? etc).
From what I've been able to extract from the grad. admin, it's won't be just one interview, as she made mention that she'll be scheduling my interviewS for the morning.
If anyone knows any former or current Lit. Phd's who have undergone this process and can put me in touch -- or, anyone in general who knows how they conduct this stuff, I would greatly... GREATLY appreciate it!
Thanks all!