phdhopeful96

My best advice is a) to google the questions they might ask you (why their program, why their lab, what is your research experience, where do you want your research to go, etc.) For this, it's good to have a decent working knowledge of the program and what your goals might be if you go there (if they have a graduate handbook, look through that). Are there any classes you particularly want to take? Certificates you might want to earn? Demonstrate excitement about the program and what you could accomplish there! 
Then, I recommend having an endless list of questions. You're interviewing/assessing them too. Having questions also helps to show how excited/interested in the program you are. (I only applied to programs I was really interested in, as I think most people do, so it was just a matter of showing that). Here are the ones from my list last year, in case you/anyone finds them useful
What past/present datasets are available? How much has been published from them previously?  What about present projects? What measures do they contain?  How much input do current students have on lab projects?  How is the lab structured? Do you have group meetings with students?  How often do you meet with students individually? How do you have students prepare for meetings?  How many current students do you have? (I wanted to be part of a lab with 4 students or less, because I felt that professors often get overwhelmed/give less personal attention after that point -- but that's just me).  When do students start leading their own projects/papers?  What has made students a good fit for your lab in the past?  Do the students in your lab collaborate?  How is authorship determined in your lab?  How would you describe your mentorship style?  How do you manage student projects? What level of involvement do you expect to have?  How do you react to delays (e.g., if I were learning a new technique)?  Where have you seen students go after finishing the program?  What excites you about the program/department?  Good luck! You've got this
edit: typeo

My last recommender got her letters in! I finally feel like I can breathe. 
Until tomorrow when I inevitably begin checking for status updates every hour?
How's everyone else doing?

Hi everyone! Before anyone panics I did not apply to clinical programs!! 
I just got an email from a PI with an interview invite! He gave me a date for the virtual interview but said it was still in subject to change since they are in the planning stages. What is everyone's general consensus about interview this year? I know in the past people have said to wait before confirming an invite in case your top program interview is the same day. With the interviews being virtual this year, is it possible to do two (or more) on the same day?
Thanks guys, and sorry to post here, but I didn't know where else to post this question!

First time applicant here as well. I was sort of expecting some confirmation that the apps were closed and ours were received when the clock struck midnight - not sure why we would since we get confirmation emails anyway. It was more anti-climatic than I was expecting lol...can't decide if that adds to or helps my anxiety!

oh lawd 
anxiety returned (kinda kidding since I didn't apply there but...lemme go check all my apps lol)

I only got the notification that one app closed and was sent to departmental review for the one school. Regarding the rest, I meant the like thank you for applying emails when I was talking about the confirmations. Sorry if I explained poorly earlier! Haha

First time applicant here as well. I was sort of expecting some confirmation that the apps were closed and ours were received when the clock struck midnight - not sure why we would since we get confirmation emails anyway. It was more anti-climatic than I was expecting lol...can't decide if that adds to or helps my anxiety!

I just wanted to wish you all the best of luck! You are all capable and intelligent individuals, and you will end up where you're supposed to be. As a 3rd year now, I still remember the stress and anxiety of submitting applications and waiting to hear back and the feelings of sadness and failure when I didn't get interview offers. I ended up getting 1 interview, which led to 1 acceptance. The program I'm in now wasn't originally my 1st choice, but looking back, I am so happy with where I am and the opportunities I've had throughout this experience. It's a rollercoaster for sure. But remember, all you need is 1.
The coping skills you develop now will be helpful in the years to come, as the anxiety about program interviews will be replaced by anxieties regarding externship applications, internship applications, and postdoc applications. I say this not to scare you, but to remind you to be kind to yourself as you are about to embark on a long, challenging, but incredibly rewarding journey. You'll all do great ❤. 

Hello everyone! Most applications were due today so congrats on getting them in! Now we need to sit back, relax, feel the anxiety, and wait for interview offers. I started this this thread so that we can give each other emotional support during this time. I know I'm an anxious and excited ball of emotions and will probably be checking my inbox daily for the next couple of months. I'm sure many of you are feeling the same way! May we wish each other all the best.

Hi - for any applications that ask for experimental psychology I have entered my Research Methods course. I'm not sure to which programs you are applying but I would think they just want to make sure you have some idea of how to conduct research in terms of general policies and practices which you would learn in a research methods course. 
Hope this helps!

I think it would make sense to list several so that they can see you have at least some interest in working with a few people in that first year.