StemCellFan

For my programs, I was advised against contacting faculty ahead of time. Admission isn't contingent on a faculty member accepting you and lab selection is based on rotations that last a semester or two. So I didn't contact anyone before sending out my apps, and I'm not planning on contacting anyone before interviewing. I wouldn't unless you corresponded with anyone beforehand and if you want to know if they will be available to meet with you when you visit the program.

I'm in a similar situation. I work at one of the programs I'm interviewing at, but I don't have a desire to work in any previous labs as a graduate student. I don't think there is any expectation for you to interview with them. If you want to meet with them, you can see if the program will let you, though.

I don't know if you will need to pay for the non-refundable ticket. Unless you are 100% alright burning bridges with that school, I would still go to the interview if they already paid for your air fare and everything. If you don't mind, then you can contact them to see what your options are. It's one thing to decline an invite, but I would give all the schools and programs I'm meeting with the chance to recruit me, even if I have a list of schools ranked in my mind already. If you were to interview everywhere and that is the only school you got into, would you still go? On the other hand, if the program hasn't sent out its rejections and there is enough notice, you would give someone a chance to interview there. I don't know if that is the case or not at this stage in the process. That's just my 2 cents

I think you're plenty qualified, but that is a low GPA. If you work on gaining more research experience and have some great recommendations going into your applications you should be ok. Some schools have lower GPA cutoffs (one of my schools has a 2.75) And I would look into those. You could also take a couple graduate level courses to demonstrate to admissions you can do well in the coursework needed for any graduate program. It will be an uphill battle but with hard work I think you can do it. Good luck!

Northwestern DGP rejection for me as well. Their loss and I have other great schools I'm interviewing at. I've heard back from everywhere now!

I've been trying to solidify my choices for interview dates with one school (I'm hoping they respond soon because only one weekend of the two works for me) and sending information for flight reimbursement to another program coordinator and haven't heard any responses from them. It's possible that everything is moving a little slowly now due to the holidays wrapping up and a lot of coordinators probably have to play catch up. It's also possible that staff may be out sick since there's a nasty and persistent flu going around right now.

I do second not getting boots that are really nice. I'm in one of the states you're interviewing in right now and I keep having to wipe salt off my black tall boots.

Shoes are tricky... if you're wearing slacks, I think a low heel boot would be alright. Thicker, nice loafers should be fine also. Thicker flats should be ok, but I've found most don't have the best traction and if it's slush outside, your feet will get wet. Don't worry about getting really nice shoes because salt can destroy stuff. Some amazon links of footwear I like: https://www.amazon.com/V-J-Driving-Moccasins-Loafers-VJ6088-HE95FBA/dp/B06XRX599H/ref=sr_1_19?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1514468286&sr=1-19&nodeID=679337011&psd=1&keywords=women+loafers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSM6Z45/ref=twister_B01MTNNM98 These are more like a flat, but I like the bottom on these: https://www.amazon.com/Aerosoles-Womens-Ultrabrite-Ballet-Black/dp/B071F41T48/ref=sr_1_32?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1514468642&sr=1-32&nodeID=679337011&psd=1&keywords=women+dress+shoes Some black booties: https://www.amazon.com/City-Classified-Womens-Closed-Zipper/dp/B07449ZH7J/ref=sr_1_38?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1514468745&sr=1-38&nodeID=679337011&psd=1&keywords=women+black+booties https://www.amazon.com/Premier-Standard-Womens-Strappy-Buckle/dp/B076DXBV8Y/ref=sr_1_26?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1514468745&sr=1-26&nodeID=679337011&psd=1&keywords=women%2Bblack%2Bbooties&th=1 For indoors, I know I'd be too warm with leggings under slacks. I think you'll be fine if you have something covering your legs (even sweater tights or fleece-lined tights/leggings are warm enough in this climate with a skirt or dress). For a raincoat, I would check the weather because it can be unpredictable in Wisconsin. I don't know how thick the raincoat is, but it wouldn't be warm enough if it's under 30 or 40 degrees outside. I'm a fan of thick wool coats and if you find one that is lined, you should be warm enough. Mine is keeping me warm right now when it's just under 0 degrees and in the single digits. Otherwise puffer/down coats and parkas are pretty warm. Hats/gloves/scarf are a must! Congrats and best of luck to you on your interviews!

Yes! How could I forget about unpredictable midwest weather? Please check and feel free to bring back up clothing in case the weather is wacky.

I've lived in the midwest my whole life. For interviews, a nice pair of long pants, a button-up shirt, and a long-sleeve jacket is all I needed for job interviews. For business casual, a long-sleeve sweater over a button-up with pants will work. I've always found that pants are warmer than wearing a skirt with tights, so I've opted for that (as a woman). There are sweater/fleece-lined tights or leggings you can wear under a skirt/dress that will keep you warm, though. For outdoor walking, you'll want a warm coat. Wool or down coats and parkas have worked best for me. A hat, scarf, and gloves to go with it. If you have a parka with a hood, you should be okay without a hat if you're worried about messing up your hair. I would think your interviewers will understand though. Shoes can be tricky. Men can still wear nice shoes, but I'd make sure to check the bottoms for good traction so you don't slip in the snow/slush/ice. Women should wear thicker dress shoes or short booties with traction. I'd advise against flats because I don't think they have good traction in the snow, they're thin, and my feet get really cold in them, but to each their own. And heels have always been uncomfortable for me, and you definitely don't want to wear them outside in the winter. If you want to invest in a good pair of winter boots, that should be okay. I'm on the fence as to whether nice riding boots are interview appropriate or not. If anyone has input on this, I'd be happy to hear it!

@Sandmaster has good advice to treat it like a job interview. I would also mention that these weekends can be somewhat casual and it's not always necessary to dress in a matching suit with a low key tie and white button-up shirt (like business formal). I think business casual is appropriate attire, which for men would be good shoes, nice trousers, belt, tucked-in button up shirt of a solid or striped color that's not too loud, and a plain-colored tie. You can wear a jacket, but if it's too warm, don't feel like you need to keep it on the whole time. For women, a nice pair of trousers (nothing too tight or legging-like), with a blouse and cardigan or jacket will be alright. Skirts and business dresses that aren't super short are also appropriate. Flats will be fine in warmer weather. I would advise something thicker for colder weather. Unless you know you can walk in heels all day, I would advise against them. As an alternative to the jacket, I also want to mention a solid-color sweater/button-up combo with nice pants (which is what I'm planning for business casual and I'm female) can be appropriate attire. One of the places I'm interviewing at has stated that business casual is recommended. One of the programs I applied to (Northwestern Driskill Graduate Program) has this message on their website: Dress The DGP DOES NOT require formal dress for the interviews. All events, including the interviews, are meant to be informal and casual. We suggest smart casual or business casual, but jeans are very acceptable attire. Because of the season in which we hold our interviews, we advise you check the weather forecast and bring appropriate outerwear and accessories. Please come prepared with a hat, scarf, coat and umbrella in case of inclement weather. Snow shoes are also a good idea. I would be... hesitant to wear jeans, but don't feel like you need to come dressed in a formal outfit. I'm playing with the idea of wearing something like boots, for a girl, to my interviews since they're in the midwest, and I hope that will be alright. Hope that helps.

I'm not sure what the actual statistics are for those places, but I've heard it ranges anywhere from 50% to 80%. It depends on the program though and the percentage of applicants admitted one year can differ from the next. Either way, I would go in with confidence and bring your A-game while you're there! As far as preparations go, I would look into the research of the people you are interviewing with. I would peruse a couple recent papers, but don't worry about reading their whole bibliography or anything. Some of these individuals are going to share your research interests and will come from a list you provided to the program coordinator or are faculty you've indicated an interest in working with when you applied. Some faculty you meet with could be from the admissions or recruiting committee whose research may differ from what you want to work on. I would still brush up on what they do and make sure you can have an intelligent conversation with them about your research and theirs. Be sure to ask questions pertaining to their research; they want to engage in a two-way conversation with you. I would make sure you can succinctly and coherently describe your research. If you have multiple, different research experiences, I would focus on your most current projects but be able to answer questions on past work you've done. Also make sure you can answer why you want to do a PhD at those programs specifically, why you want a PhD in general, and what your career goals are. If you have specific research interests, be sure you're able to communicate those as well. Other than that, know yourself. A lot of these programs will have social events with alcohol. If you don't drink, this isn't the time to start. Be personable, be inquisitive, there are resources online for questions to ask graduate students and/or faculty so you can get a feel of the program. Also make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. I've lived in the midwest my whole life and I can tell you that January/February gets really cold and there's salt, snow, and some ice on the ground. Not so much a problem for California, but it might be chilly in NYC. I would make sure to bring a warm coat and proper footwear to walk around in. In general, there will be a lot of walking, so I'd advise against heels (unless you can walk all day in them). I hope this helps! I know this advice as been helpful for me as I'm preparing for my interviews. Source: Graduate students/faculty at the university I'm currently working at.

UIC GEMS is sending out invites--got mine this morning. I was anticipating January based off of this site, but this is a pleasant surprise before the holidays. Now I'm just waiting on Northwestern!

It was really weird because I submitted my application in late October and then heard back after a few days, it was a little confusing too haha. I applied to the general BSTP since I have a range of faculty in different departments I'd be interested in working with, but the neuro information might be useful regardless! And I still haven't heard from Northwestern... but we'll see! Seems like there is still time! Best of luck!

I was given one interview date on Jan 19th, but I also submitted my applications really early around October-November. I heard about a week after I submitted my app because they do rolling admissions and wanted me to respond by mid November to secure my date. I'll let you know how my weekend goes and hopefully that'll help you out. Other than the details in the email I got (seems like it'll be 2 full days in Cleveland), I don't know anything about the interviews or post-interview admission statistics.

I saw you're also interviewing for Case BSTP! What weekend are you going? Do you know any details about the interviews?

Those are incredibly good odds if you have an invite, so does that mean that a lot of the students who are admitted decide to go elsewhere? I'm wondering because the program I applied to for Madison admits about 15-19 students a year and only 4-5 of them actually enroll.

I totally thought all invites would be sent out before the holiday break, but it's comforting to know that invites can still be extended in January. There is still some hope!

I keep seeing interview invites for Northwestern DGP and feeling less confident about my app. It was worth a shot at least!

I think your stats look good so I hope you hear from someplace soon! I also applied to Northwestern DGP and haven't heard back yet, but looking at past results, it seems they don't send invites until right before the holidays. I would suspect if we do hear back from them it will be early next week.

UW Madison Molecular Cellular Pharmacology invite! This is my top choice so I'm very excited!

Indiana University Purdue University IBMG invite. Weekend conflicts with one of my other interviews, so I'm going to see if they can offer an alternate weekend. Still waiting to hear from my top choice! It's still early, I'm sure you will start hearing back in the next couple of weeks! My first application season a few years ago, I didn't hear back from my two interviews until as late as early January.

I've asked a similar question in the past, and the responses I've gotten say it doesn't matter. After the first weekend, they will admit some students, reject some, and waitlist some. And then do the same for the next batch interviewing until they have their cohort.

Cincinnati MDB interview invite! Weekends they gave me were Jan 19th and February 9th. January 19th seems to be a popular interview date. Medical College of Wisconsin also offered January 19th, but I had to go with an alternative weekend because Case Western's is on Jan 19th this year.

I can't chance anyone, but your undergrad GPA isn't awful. A 3.0 is the stated cutoff for a lot of programs, and even then, a 3.2/3.3 is the next stated cutoff. The fact you took post-bacc courses and did well in them will be good. Other than that, you have a TON of research experience. Research experience, letters of rec, and excellent SoPs will offset poor GRE scores or GPA. I don't know what your AWA score is, but I wouldn't bother retaking the GRE. Overall, I think you're pretty set to apply to programs. Good luck!