[Why shouldn't I get a PhD?]

On 1/28/2018 at 10:14 AM, fuzzylogician said:

the feedback cycle can take years

@fuzzylogician Just curious, what exactly were you referring to here?

[Let’s just TALK about it...]

1 hour ago, senorbrightside said:

I'm seriously hoping no news is good news...*sigh* 

That's all we can do at this point! Keeping the hope alive!

[Keep A Word Drop A Word]

grand piano

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fruit cake

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movie theater

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Ripe banana ?

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Army tank

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just dance

[What to ask at Interview]

When I want to learn more about a program and I have the opportunity to talk to faculty or current/past students, there are two questions that I find super helpful:

1. What characteristics does this program have that distinguishes it from other similar programs in this field? 
2. Where do you see room for improvement in the program?

Question #1 is helpful because it goes beyond asking about the strengths of the program. It's asks why this program is unique. As for question #2, I've found that students (and even faculty!) are always willing to discuss potential limitations of the program, and this information is just as important as the program's strengths. Examples of program limitations that I've heard from talking to faculty in various programs include: not having many opportunities for students to get experience presenting their work, no formal training in grant writing, limited money for travel grants for students, etc.

[Skype Interview Tips, Do's and Don'ts?]

I just had my first Skype interview and the best tip I can give is to pause after the question is asked in order to collect your thoughts before jumping into your answer. This seems obvious, and I had PLANNED on doing this, but in the moment I was so eager to answer that I would jump right in with an answer without taking a moment to strategize. Also, I think that taking a moment or two before answering shows that you care about giving the best response possible. Looking back, I wouldn't have changed any of my answers, necessarily, but I would have structured some of my answers differently.  

I suppose this advice applies to all types of interviews, not just Skype interviews. Good luck!!

[Keep A Word Drop A Word]

storm drain

[Let’s just TALK about it...]

5 hours ago, AnxiousNerd said:

I wish that no one knew I applied to graduate schools so that everyone would stop asking 

I feel the same way! I wish I didn’t tell anyone I was applying. That way, if I got in then people would be pleasantly surprised and if I didn’t get in, they would be none the wiser ?

[Asked about GRE during interview. How to interpret this?]

On 1/20/2018 at 3:28 PM, deutsch1997bw said:

I told them that I ran out of time. I also emphasized that I have extensive quantitative experience to compensate for this weakness. 

I think you'll be OK! I also have a much lower quant score compared to my other scores, but I have several years experience in a research position and earned good grades in my graduate-level quantitative courses. Pointing out another outlet that better demonstrates your quantitative abilities compared to this standardized test is definitely the way to go. 

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Soda can

[PhD applicants: Fall 2018]

2 hours ago, pbcup said:

I interviewed for with one POI, but didn't receive a second interview request... I personally didn't think I did that well, so that might have been why. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself @pbcup! I also had only one interview for this track. Maybe this track isn’t doing more than one interview with each candidate. 

[Keep A Word Drop A Word]

clock face

[PhD applicants: Fall 2018]

2 minutes ago, geneticepid2018 said:

Anybody applied JHU Epi PhD heard from them yet? I saw some interview request posted but I haven't heard any news.

I also applied to this program and have not heard anything. Do you know if they interview all their top candidates?

[PhD applicants: Fall 2018]

1 hour ago, ianmleavitt said:

Just got an email from Harvard's PHS  program asking me to do a second Skype interview with a different individual the day after my first interview next week. The way I'm looking at it, it's double the opportunity to impress and find out more in-depth details about the program and individual research interests. 

Has anyone else who applied to Harvard's PHS program had a similar request? 

That's awesome! I applied to this program but a different track and I've had one Skype interview. Just curious, are both of your Skype interviews with POIs? Or faculty in the department that are not your POIs, but likely on the Admissions Committee? 

Good luck with your interviews!

[Keep A Word Drop A Word]

gear teeth

[Let’s just TALK about it...]

On 1/18/2018 at 11:18 AM, PlsAdmitMePls said:

I’ve seem to have acquired a new hobby: alternating between checking my email and TheGradCafe every 5 minutes! Can’t say it’s too healthy, however. I’m getting nothing done at work, since I’m so anxious about results. You’re not alone; grad school results are on my mind 24/7, it’s basically what I think about going to sleep and what I think about when I wake up.

I’m sure we’ll all come out of this process ecstatic! Good luck to everyone!

@PlsAdmitMePls Your post seriously could've been written by me. This is literally my life. Even if it doesn't receive the anxiety, it does somehow help to know that we're all suffering together!

[PhD applicants: Fall 2018]

8 hours ago, Louie21 said:

Hi! do you know if Harvard PHS cancer epi and cancer prevention concentration has sent out invites for interview??

 

I applied to the Harvard PHS cancer epi and cancer prevention concentration and I had a Skype interview. I have no idea whether all interview invitations have been sent out or whether all applicants they are planning to admit will be interviewed. 

Good luck!!

[PhD applicants: Fall 2018]

1 hour ago, jjj02027 said:

So I guess their FAQ section (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/phdphs/admissions-faq/ ), which says no interviews are carried out, is out of date? 

Is the admission based on some entry test and/or interview or is done on the basis of the academic history?

Applications are reviewed on the basis of academic credentials, GPA, GRE, TOEFL, prior research and work experience, statement of purpose, recommendations and a writing sample. No other entry test or interview is required.

Maybe this is because they don't uniformly do Skype interviews with all top applicants in all fields of study within the Epidemiology Department? That's only a guess though. I applied to the Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention field of study, so I'm not sure if it's the same for all. 

[PhD applicants: Fall 2018]

On 1/10/2018 at 11:39 AM, wildtype said:

I got a Skype interview invite yesterday for the epidemiology track/subfield. But I don't know about others. Does anyone know if PHS does any in-person interviews? Or are final decisions based on the Skype ones?

I was told by the Epi department that final decisions are made after the Skype interviews and that we will hear back sometime in the second or third week of February. 

Good luck!!