[NSF GRFP 2019-2020]

Not awarded, but congrats to everyone who is! Does anyone know when reviewer feedback typically rolls in?

[Interview Tips!]

7 minutes ago, SandpaperTongue said:

I would highly recommend taking as many notes as you can, especially about information that will be helpful in making a decision if you're accepted. You will be talking to a lot of people about a lot of things, and you can't simply remember all of the information you'll learn. A couple of weekends ago, I had my first interview. I brought a notebook that contained my questions and I had left a few blank pages for notes that didn't necessarily pertain to my questions, but was very useful information about the program. I'm glad I did this because I know I wouldn't have remembered all of this information. Just make sure you're actively engaged with the person(s) you're interviewing with and using short-hand to get the main points down.

I'd stress that it's important to still remain actively engaged if you're taking notes. Personally, I think it's better to just hold a real conversation without any barriers, and to write notes down to yourself at the end of the interview. It's a personal preference thing, but there's a certain risk in having a notebook with you if you're inclined to look down a lot/ write too much; just don't let it be a crutch or detract from your personal skills!

[Interview Tips!]

13 hours ago, psychologygeek said:

Going off of my above comment, if anyone has any tips or tricks on how to weave personality into the interview answers, please lmk! This is my biggest fear going into the interview. 

I have been told that time and time again that the interview is a "personality check." I am worried about my personality or my experiences getting swallowed up or diminished by some of the questions that are, well, not very personality-esque. It is so so important to me to be able to let my personality shine through during the interview! things like hobbies, personal experiences, etc. I don't want to leave the interview knowing that I sounded like a robot, haha

Help!

I've only had one interview weekend so far, but my best advice is to try to match and feed off of your interviewer's energy. I agree that the "personality check" is definitely a big component of the interview, but I think your general vibe is more important than working in any particular content about your hobbies or personal experiences, unless that comes up naturally. My advice is to be as open and positive as possible. If you're nervous, make sure to correct for that as much as possible in your posture and face. Good eye contact, smiles, confidence, and calm, non-rushed answers can go a really long way I think. The interviewer is trying to assess whether you are competent enough to succeed and whether you're a good fit socially. If you can come in and speak confidently and appear at ease, they'll be convinced of those things.

Also, one of my biggest tips is to look up anyone you're interviewing with on Twitter and see if they've (re)tweeted any interview tips. Several of my profs have done so and it can be really advantageous to read to get a better sense of what they're looking for and what questions they're likely to ask. Be prepared!

[*I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants]

20 minutes ago, andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel said:

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. 

 

20 minutes ago, corbeau0 said:

For one school I interviewed at, they sent me info on who I would be staying with on Tuesday when they knew I was flying in on Thursday. I would try to wait if you can.

Oh okay, I feel at ease knowing that this is actually pretty common. I guess I'll just wait it out. Thanks!

[*I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants]

Hi, minor question here. I have an interview on Jan 23-24 and still haven't received information about housing, even though the initial invite (extended in December) said the faculty that invited me would make those arrangements. Is it too soon to contact the admissions office and ask about this? In the case that someone forgot to make my arrangements, I don't want to wait too much longer and make them scramble to make super last minute accommodations. Should I contact them now, or maybe wait until Wednesday so it's just a week until my visit?

Thanks!