phillyhed

From tonight's chat-- I asked this question in the Admissions box: 
Christina: Hi LaToya, Do you know if all of the invitations to the doctoral interview weekend were sent today or will some be sent tomorrow?
LaToya F. - Admissions: Christina, invitations to the doctoral weekend will be sent out by the end of the day tomorrow.
Christina: Thanks LaToya!
So, now we know. We have hope!

Honestly, it's awesome, at least in my book. My field basically only does recruitment visits so I have no way to compare interview vs recruitment trips. Make sure you ask the graduate students and your POIs loads of specific questions so you can get a sense of the atmosphere of the department, whether and how you'd fit in with the existing grad students, if the POI's mentoring/advising style fits what you're looking for, how much freedom you'll have in forming your committee, the timeline and time to degree of students (in general and of your POI specifically), housing costs, how far the stipend goes, what people do in the summer, etc. Basically, get down to the brass tacks of what your life will be like a year from now if you're a student in the program, rather than a prospective student. People will understand why you're asking and be honest with you, at least in my experience. Have fun!

I'm not going to contribute anything that hasn't been already said but in all honesty I am wondering if you actually want to interview at this program or not.  To me everything you've communicated is that something else is more important.  There is no way that a new part time research job should rank higher than a PhD interview with a professor offering you multiple interview dates.  Don't take this the wrong way but you have your priorities really messed up.  I take it you want to get into the other department of the same school of the part time lab that you are hoping to do your PhD in.  I hope you realize two things: 1.  people in the same school talk so hopefully this doesn't mess you up when it comes to admission to that department and 2. I believe this interview is just a back up to your other more interested PhD placement.  I'd be surprised if you were offered admission to this program at this point.

Wanted to start a Penn GSE thread for 2016. Any folks out there planning to apply?
I'm applying for the PhD in Higher Ed. They only have 3 first year PhDs in the division this year so I know the application process is going to be very tough.
Anyone going to the open house event on November 14?

I've submitted. I'm a nervous wreck. As I'm only applying to one program-- one that is EXTREMELY selective, it's a long shot but I've got my fingers crossed. My stomach is in knots though!

Wanted to start a Penn GSE thread for 2016. Any folks out there planning to apply?
I'm applying for the PhD in Higher Ed. They only have 3 first year PhDs in the division this year so I know the application process is going to be very tough.
Anyone going to the open house event on November 14?

Heather1011, I read last year's Penn GSE thread and it seems like it took quite a long time for master's apps to get their decisions even though they say that the process is rolling. It may be quicker this year though because the system isn't new this year.
Good luck!

Even in those fields, alluding to volunteer and internship experience is enough for a personal statement (especially if you submit a CV which presumably covers the specifics of your past work in detail). The bulk of your personal statement in any academic field (I guess I mean for a research-based program) should be dedicated to answering four questions: What is an interesting problem in my field (research topic)? Why am I qualified to begin solving it(past experience)? How will ____ university help me solve the problem (fit)?