PsychInterviews2021

I definitely understand the fatigue. Our program chair is specified that we have to have some Zoom component with the applicants and grad students, though, but I'll be sure we keep this in mind. Less is probably more. That's an interesting idea. I'll look into it. Thank you! Yeah, I know others helping with the week are urging a group format but I've always been partial to one-on-one and you all are definitely helping to confirm that.

The lab idea is great! We haven't done anything like that in the past, but it definitely would have been helpful when I was going through the process. Thank you for your thoughts!

Hi all! I am a current psychology Ph.D. student and am responsible for coordinating interview weekend for my program. Although I have coordinated these weekends in the past, this will be the first completely virtual weekend. As such, I'm trying to do a bit of reconnaissance in order to make sure we are best suiting the needs of our applicants. What would be most helpful for you during a virtual interview weekend? What would be your preferred format? Each applicant will be doing one-on-one Zoom interviews with each faculty member, which will more or less exactly mimic how we handle faculty interviews in person. However, I'm struggling with how to best incorporate opportunities to speak with students. I know I learned so much about the program and current students' opinions during my drives to and from the airport and while walking around campus, but those opportunities won't be possible for this year's applicants. Would you prefer to meet one-on-one with a current student via Zoom? Or would you prefer a current student panel format where all of the applicants are invited to join the meeting at the same time? What about a larger session being split into breakout rooms where you "speed date" with current students? What about an optional virtual campus/facility tour? Our university's website doesn't have the best virtual tour in place already, so it is difficult for our applicants to explore campus through the website alone. Are there any other ideas you may have? I appreciate any suggestions and am sending positive vibes to all of you submitting applications this cycle!