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socilinda

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Everything posted by socilinda

  1. You'll find that most "interviews" and conversations of this nature are pretty low-key and informal. They already know your background and obviously like what they see on paper. The next step is to see how you interact and whether you have the kind of personality they want to be around for the next 5+ years. Expect lots of get-to-know-you type questions and some inquiries about your research interests and any relevant information on your application/cv. Generally speaking, the person doing the interview will not ask you detailed questions to test your knowledge of theory/methods but it would help to be familiar with some of the relevant works in your area. You should also be somewhat familiar with the works of your potential advisor(s). However, don't try too hard to impress. You should absolutely ask some questions of your own--about the program but also about the person you are speaking with. Other than that, try to be as relaxed as possible and be prepared to be chatty. Smile and be cool. A warm personality and a positive attitude go a long way. Good luck!
  2. Congrats! Just to clarify, the interview invitation is not an offer. It is, however, a great opportunity to get to see the program and make a positive impression. All offers are made in the week following the interview weekend. Good luck!
  3. Because grad school can be an extremely uncomfortable and lonely experience for some people. Academics are among the most self-centered and awkward people I know so it's easy to see how some people get jaded after a couple of years in their programs. For some, it's the constant competition for resources, pressure to publish, teach, and have a life on the side that gets them. For others, it's the massive chasm between their romanticized notions of academia as this world of great minds versus the reality of their situation, which often consists of low income, depression, crazy work hours, anxiety, loneliness, and a host of other issues. I have contemplated dropping out a couple of times in the past but it's way too late now, haha. And, I should also say that I do tend to overgeneralize when responding to these types of questions but I just wanted to give you a "view from the other side". Academia can also be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. It's ultimately what you make of it!
  4. Most likely because people were busy and didn't report it on the day of. It's also possible that they picked the wrong date when reporting it.
  5. Most programs will let you defer for a year if you've been accepted into their program. This is definitely not unheard of and happens quite often. Is it a good idea? That's completely up to you to decide.
  6. This is incorrect information--interviews are done for all applicants regardless of their native language. Programs like Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Emory, and Rice do in-person interviews for all applicants who are in the US and skype interviews for those who are overseas. These skype interviews are typically conducted during the same time as the physical interview weekend. I can also confirm that the admissions committee at Emory sociology will be meeting very soon. They will also have their interview weekend on February 4-6.
  7. I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry about your scores. The final decision on your application will depend on so many different factors that you may not be aware of right now. There are so many things that impact these decisions and most are not even in your control. For example, you could have the best overall application and not even get a wait list spot if the person you're wanting to work with is no longer taking on students, planning to go on sabbatical, facing issues, involved in the politics of the department, is not sitting on the admissions committee, etc. Conversely, you could have a lower GRE score and still get a spot if the person reading your application happens to like what they see. Expect to be wined and dined! They'll fly you in and most likely reimburse you for your expenses. Expect to be super chatty because everyone will want to know about your research and why you're considering Rice. It might be a good idea to read faculty bios and a few papers by the folks you're interested in working with. It will be very similar to an academic job interview so expect lots of meeting professors and shooting the breeze with them. The point of the interview weekend is for the faculty and grads to get to know your personality. They obviously like what they see on paper so now they want to make sure you're not a weirdo. Don't worry though--most are just excited to get to meet you so they won't interrogate you or ask you any tough questions about theories/stats. However, you should be as knowledgeable about your own research area as possible. For the rest of the time, they will probably take you on a tour of the university, city, and/or library/department, and local bars and restaurants. Again, they're not keeping detailed reports on you or watching your every move. They just want to see if you're the kind of person they want around for the next five years. Congratulations on your invite and good luck!
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