Nolagirl

Thanks for the advice! Thanks so much!!! I appreciate seeing your insight, and I think I will frame the question that way!

I don't have an answer for you, but I'd like to commiserate! I haven't heard from one of my schools, and it's really driving me wild. I know in my mind it is probably going to be a rejection, but I'd rather just know and move forward. Hang in there!

Hi! It's interesting that you were asked to start prior to September. I have been considering asking my POIs this when I attend my interview day at the end of the month. After I graduate in May, I don't have very much lined up, and even volunteering in the lab would help me to acclimate. Now that I know this isn't unheard of, I may ask! Does anyone have any advice on the best way to bringing up this subject? I'm afraid to look desperate, but I want to get my point across! Thanks! OP, great thread! I've been reading all of the old interview question threads.

Hospital food

Ancient sharks

Laser beam

From others I know who have been in similar situations, they said it was helpful to catch up on current events so that you can always have something to pull from when the conversation well runs dry. This is fairly obvious, but I would stay away from any controversial topics. In my Master's program, we had to co-facilitate interview day for the first year students. We know how nervous the interviewees are. We understand you may not always be able to be "on," but just a little effort goes a long way. Don't be too hard on yourself! It's harder having to stay overnight, though. I'm glad I'm local and won't have to do that. Best of luck!!

Thank you! This has all been helpful. I decided to decline. I actually received my B.S. from this school, so I told them that since I am local, I would manage my own transportation, and how much I appreciate the offer. I also reiterated my enthusiasm for the rest of the events so that they didn't think I was declining out of a lack of interest. The commute is something I've done a million times, so I'm not worried about it. I feel better knowing that you all had the same impression I did about the reasons this offer was made! I didn't want to say no if it would hurt my chances. Thanks y'all!!

Thank you all so much for the insight! I will definitely take this into account. It seems like a meaningful extra experience that definitely won't hurt!

Hey, Grad Cafe! I've seen some posts about this for people who live out of state/city, but I'm not sure what to do. I just got my first on campus interview invite, and it is at a local university. There is an opportunity to stay with a current grad student after the interview day and social gathering that evening. Since I'm a local, should I still do this? Or is it expected that I will decline since I live 30 minutes away? What would be the advantages/disadvantages of my choice? I appreciate any advice or feedback y'all have!

Motion sick

So jealous @CornUltimatum enjoy!!

School dance

I need to find a Girl Scout. Some thin mints would help ease the stress, right? What's your favorite kind?

I can't even tell you how much of this I feel! One of my POIs said that they are going through applications, "in starts and bursts," and that I could hear something about the on campus interviews this week or maybe next week, but since it is Mardi Gras here in New Orleans, it could even be the week after! I'm constantly checking my email and my moods are shifting just like yours!