andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel

Sorry, PhD! Should have specified.

Rutgers usually sends them out around this time, so hopefully in the next week.

Oooooooof can't imagine being that bold and rude as to steal the idea.....wow

I think it's important to show a clear path from what you've done to where you want to go. Agreed with above that that doesn't mean your research has to be what you want to do---but you have to show why you want to do what you do, what lead you there, what experience you have that sets you apart. Also make sure you have a good research match with the schools you apply to and the POI you want to work with.

Ohio State's interviews were last week. UConn has been sending out interviews already.

To be honest, I wouldn't stress the purse. No one is going to notice size as long as it's professional looking. I'd also throw some food in there---granola bars or something. Gum maybe?

Of course! For example questions and such, I strongly recommend Mitch's guide: http://mitch.web.unc.edu/files/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf

Like for the interview? I just got an email from my POI.

You're gonna be asked way less than you expect. Prepare yourself to ask a LOT of questions of the people you talk to. Don't run out of questions.

You pretty much nailed it. It was a good experience in that I got another chance to make a good impression, got to chat a little more about the program, and my grad student drove me around and showed me the area---it was also crazy exhausting.

I wouldn't stress too much either way. Ohio State didn't give me info regarding who I'd be staying with until the Monday before!! Four days! I think you could totally reach out whenever and just politely inquire as to whether you need to make arrangements or not.

Haven't seen anything from Austin yet, but historically it looks like this week is the EARLIEST they start.

Yeah, I find those statements so frustrating when they clearly aren't implemented in any way. The school I just interviewed at, the lab I was looking at had a fair amount of minority students, so I asked them about their experiences. I have found that to be much more useful than asking the faculty, who may or may not have personal experience.

I had my first interview this last weekend. Took a carry on only, so that luggage couldn't get lost. Everyone except maybe one applicant was in a suit--couldn't tell you how that affected chances, just that that's how it was. Bring a more comfortable/slightly more casual outfit for any social events.

I'm Ashkenazi Jewish and have briefly talked about support available at programs where I'm applying. It's an interesting experience.

School: Central Florida Type: Clinical PhD Date of invite: 1/11 Type of invite: phone call Interview date(s): TBD upon return of phone call, but appears to be 2/10

In undergrad we called this the elevator pitch. As in, "I just ran into an influential person in the elevator and have until we reach their floor to sell myself" You've got two minutes to give a summary of your background, your interests, and your hobbies.

Historically it looks like there isn’t a peep from them til around Jan 13-15ish

Joking not joking.... I mean, we get deadlines!!! Shouldn't they? Kind of kidding. kind of

Agreed, that made me feel a bit better! Fingers crossed for us all.

I bought my second set today (two are local for me) and I'm literally dying

Thanks for the heads up! Bummer, but we move forward!

Honestly, none of us can tell you that. It's not a quantitative process. You can be an amazing applicant and still not get in.

To be honest, I personally don't. But I'm not an admissions committee. Research papers are pretty par for the course in undergrad and don't really count as research experience unless they're published in a journal. Honors thesis helps, but a lot of people are going to have that. It's very competitive. The way to increase your chance of getting a job in academia is to publish once you are working towards your PhD. Publish or perish. And network.

I've used that one before----it's accurate to my experience so far, it just unfortunately doesn't have all of them.