lanaabear

All good points! I think the points about what to ask faculty were really good. One of my programs lists current students and funding but I realize not every program website lists these things.

I spoke with a professor yesterday who is new to my school but conducted PhD interviews at his previous university. He said getting an interview is the most difficult part of the process. Mainly during the interview process these programs are checking to make sure you are not a psychopath (haha!) and half as interesting as your application makes you seem. He stressed that most students forget their manners during these interviews. Always be polite, don't slouch in your seat, be dressed appropriately, when speaking with a faculty member be actively listening and do not interrupt them while speaking, etc. Most importantly, don't be on your phone and make sure it is silenced!! He also said DO NOT speak about yourself unless you are directly asked a question and if you are asked, keep it brief. They have poured over your application and know it well, so don't drone on and on about yourself. He said be sure to ask questions to grad students "What are you studying? What do you do in lab? How are the classes here?" etc etc. Don't be afraid to ask about the city, how its like to live there and what are some good areas for housing? You can also ask the grad students about fellowships and funding. Ask professors if they are taking students or will be doing lab rotations, ask them about new developments in they research. He also said it is extremely important to have background knowledge on the professors you will be speaking with, read their faculty research profile and if you are extremely interested in them read a few of their papers. Make notes about their research so you can refer to it during the interview process. Be aware if a professor publishes very little or publishes consistently, how many students they have, and what kind of grants they have currently (or if they lack grants). He said that you can expect to encounter two types of faculty during interview weekends, those who want to talk about their research and recruit you to their lab or PI's who will grill you about your research background. Take note of your interactions with the PI, if your personalities clash then you might not want to request them for a lab rotation if you pick that program. He also encouraged me to take notes about the program and my experience during break times throughout the day, obviously you're not going to remember every single detail of the 2+ days you'll be interviewing. Never take notes during interviews or during meals, only during designated break times. Be aware the faculty members are looking at you as a potential mentoree while grad students are looking for potential lab mates, everyone is watching you at all times! Good luck during your interviews

WashU is an incredibly selective program. A rejection from them does not immediately equate to a rejection across the board. Did you apply to mid tier schools? (I'm not sure if Denver etc are Mid-tier for your specialty). Also a good majority of programs still offer interviews well into Feb and most students haven't heard back from programs. It seems those that have gotten interviews are the top pick of the pool and that the mid range students are now being reached out too. I would not panic just yet. I spoke to a professor today who earned a PhD from WashU, he himself explicitly stated how picky that program has become as a whole.

UNC is closed for the holidays until Jan 2nd. They told me to expect news of travel arrangements that day or the next.

Yeah waiting has been hard for me too. I think everyone panics after hitting that submit button, you never feel good enough etc. I've tried to dedicate time to self care or exploring new hobbies. It really has taken my mind off of the "omg no one is gonna give me an interview." thoughts. I totally believe in you! Please lmk if you get Vandy or UAB. Maybe we'll be on the same interview weekend! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas (if you celebrate) and NYE.

Hey girl! Don't sweat that you haven't heard from anywhere. I applied to UAB too and my application doesn't even close until Dec 31st so maybe yours is the same? Your GPA is good, you've got solid research experience, you're a student athlete and were a TA. Those are all great things. (When did you sleep? haha!) I heard back from Vandy's IGP program yesterday. Most of these schools are reviewing applicants in small batches, so I wouldn't freak out yet. Vanderbilt alone fielded over 1,100 apps this year for IGP, it takes time to go through those apps. I'm sure all of the other schools are dealing with a high volume of applications and getting through them can be time consuming. Plus, Christmas is coming up and NYE. Some professors on review committees may be really busy and not be able to dedicate a ton of time to reviewing apps etc. Seriously, you've got a solid resume so don't doubt yourself! I would only start worrying if you don't hear from any programs by late feb-early March. Most schools send out final decisions for applicants in Mid March and most interviews are completed by then as well. Best of luck! Please let me know if you hear from Vandy and if you get an interview, what weekend you pick. We may be on the same weekend!

Vanderbilt IGP contacted me yesterday for an interview. Not sure if you heard from them today? I'm not sure how many more rounds of interview invites they will send out, mine was the third or fourth I think. I also have UNC BBSP as well! Maybe we'll see each other. I would look at the programs and decide if that program really focuses on what you want. Some programs focus on specific areas that may or may not interest you. Remember that most of these programs should be covering all of your costs, including driving or flying. It really is going to boil down to how interested in programs are you? Such as, do you have one program that you would be happy with a vast majority of PI's or only two or three? I'd pick the program where I had more opportunities, as some professors may not be accepting students. My worst nightmare would be picking a program where I had no options but a PI I was not really interested in. As far as UW goes, if I got my preference program at another school I would not attend.

WUSTL is Washington University in St. Louis yes? One of my lab mates applied there and she was told that final decisions for all applicants are made by mid March. So I'd only be worried if you don't hear back from the program before late Feb. Edit: It seems like most schools do small batches of applications reviews. I wouldn't give up hope yet.

Has anyone who applied to Vandy's IGP (priority deadline) for Immunology or Host-Microbe heard back? Haven't heard anything. I saw that someone received a phone invite today but not sure if anyone else had heard back. Have interviews at emory and UNC, very excited!