toad1

Just to add my two cents... I spoke with one graduate of a CHYMPS program who stressed the absolute need to attend a top 10 or preferably a top 5 program or else you will have a very difficult time getting a decent position after graduation. I then had conversations with three other graduates of "non-elite" schools (read: programs often ranked 20-50). These students said that, while rankings matter to some degree, what matters most is (1) fit and (2) where you will be able to publish your best research (because this is what will get you hired somewhere). Ironically, all three students at the "non-elite" schools have placed objectively better than the student from the CHYMPS school that told me going to one of their programs would be a waste of time and money. My takeaway is that the "only top 5/10/15/20/25/30" mentality is a fraud. Is it going to be easier to get a job coming out of Harvard than some school ranked over 50 if all else is equal? Obviously... but all else is never equal.

Congrats to all that are beginning to receive good news! I am very happy for all of you (even if you are contributing to my anxiety)

Actually, they said you wouldn't be "penalized if you choose not to are unable to participate." Therefore, it doesn't exclude the possibility that it could hurt you if you do choose to participate and don't give a good interview. Either way, I'd participate as long as it's possible to.

Technically, they said you wouldn't be penalized. They never said it would have "no bearing whatsoever." In other words, it can probably help but not hurt your admissions chances.

I second this question... anyone have a sense?

@deutsch1997bw Thanks, it's good to know ahead of time it wouldn't be impossible for an interview to spring up I suppose. Better safe (and prepared) than sorry.

Hi all - seeing the recent posts has left me wondering if interviews are common and something I should hope for/expect going forward. It was my understanding that political science PhD programs don't typically hold interviews.