wowsers

The same thing happened to me except that after the secretary's promise I received two additional emails by the graduate studies office stating that they could not review my application because it was incomplete. After playing email tag with the graduate studies office and receiving unsatisfactory answers, I was livid and decided to write a strongly worded email to the dean of graduate studies. The dean promptly returned my email (30 minutes later) and by the end of the day they mysteriously found all my materials and I was issued an apology by both the dean and the secretary. To be honest, I assume that the bridge is burned at that school and they hate me but I was so frustrated I didn't care. I spent a lot of money applying to their program and a lot of time verifying that my documents were received. I think I deserve better than to be given the run around! Its not fair that they misled you for several months but I agree with everyone else that you should try to get this corrected asap. Since this is your dream school I would probably send a nicely worded email to the secretary to thank her/ remind her of that promise. Anyway, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you since this is your dream school....

I went on my first interview (it was all day) a couple of weeks ago. I don't have any info on your specific field but I will tell you a little about my interview anyway.... 1) I wore a suit-everyone I spoke with advised me to "show respect and wear a suit." It was expensive and uncomfortable but it was just for one day so whateva. I recommend that you ask people in your field if you are unsure. 2) The program sent me a detailed schedule a few days prior to the interview. This was helpful because it allowed me to see exactly who I was meeting and review relevant info about each person. FYI- I had short interviews with every person in the department (roughly 15 people, including phd students) and an additional 5 people from other departments. NOTE: I asked my POI for a brief overview of what to expect and he gladly forwarded the schedule 3) They took me out to lunch and dinner. I cannot stress how important the non-academic setting is for evaluating you. Most schools that ask for interviews are looking at your "overall fit," i.e., can we deal with this person for several years? Anyway, good luck and i hope my meanderings help. BTW, I was told at the end of the day how much everyone liked me and I got an acceptance about 2 weeks later.

It is definitely worse to be dumped by your SO....because they have the advantage of personally knowing you. Schools, on the other hand, only get a brief overview of who you are via paperwork. To reject me after viewing my credentials....ok. To reject me after knowing me as a person....