NOWAYNOHOW

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

I'v been "recommended for acceptance into the Graduate Program in the Department of Anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara".  However, I havent been official approved by the Graduate Division yet.  Anyone one have any clue if this is simply a formality?  How often does a department accept someone and than have the bureaucrats kibosh it?

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

The appropriateness of reaching out really depends on your rapport with your POI and their personality. In NOWAYNOHOW's case, it sounds like the rapport is such that doing so is probably fine. In most cases I would continue to advise against it, but (in keeping with the above conversation about priorities, personalities, and departmental fit) by the time you're debating whether to reach out, you would hopefully have gotten enough of a feel for the personalities involved that you'll know whether it's the right move or not. 

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

I know it's wrong but I definitely just reached out to a POI to reiterate my interest. I wanted to clarify why I hadn't visited yet (short version: was very sick last term, just resolved) and to assuage some fears they had expressed to me about students relocating from big cities. Breaking cultural taboos left and right ya'll. 
 
PhD applications be like
 

Yale person, I want to know your POI.
 
This week:
 

My flight for St. Louis is booked.  Any tips or tricks for a day of interviewing and whatnot would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks Team Anthro.

I had the same experience as Daykid: some people interviewed, some visited campus, others didn't do either. I chatted briefly on the phone with my then-POI (now advisor) just to make sure everything was in order with my application, but I wouldn't have called it an "interview." It really depends on the individual POI, how many compelling applicants there are for the same position in a given year, etc.

Last year I was accepted to Michigan with an interview while Sarab was accepted without. Basically, schools seem to do whatever they want. Consistency be damned.

...that moment when your relief that none of your schools are showing up in the results section yet turns to despair that none of your schools are showing up in the results section yet.

THIS x 10000000!
 
When I load the page, I am pretty sure I am feeling all the emotions.
 
Unrelated, but damn, there are a LOT of Princeton sociology rejections! Pour one out for the sociologists.

THIS x 10000000!
 
When I load the page, I am pretty sure I am feeling all the emotions.
 
Unrelated, but damn, there are a LOT of Princeton sociology rejections! Pour one out for the sociologists.

I just got an email invite to interview in person for my top choice program…….. and also am experiencing equal parts panic attack and equal parts overwhelming joy. I have no idea how to prepare for this, I have only had informal Skype interviews with my POIs, but never anything in person with multiple faculty. 
 
Does anyone have any tips or warnings? I have zero idea what to expect! 

THIS x 10000000!
 
When I load the page, I am pretty sure I am feeling all the emotions.
 
Unrelated, but damn, there are a LOT of Princeton sociology rejections! Pour one out for the sociologists.

THIS x 10000000!
 
When I load the page, I am pretty sure I am feeling all the emotions.
 
Unrelated, but damn, there are a LOT of Princeton sociology rejections! Pour one out for the sociologists.

Congrats!! Do you mind telling us where? Don't be nervous, you're gonna nail it!

I just got my first interview invite...I am way more nervous about it than I thought I'd be 

I'm one of the northwestern finalists. YAY!

Forget "too early"--it's a really bad idea to pester POIs about your application. At this point, if they have any news for you, they'll let you know. It's easy to come up with reasons why it might seem like a good idea to reach out and "check in," but it is not. Ever.
 
I recommend digging into some good TV to calm your nerves and waiting it out. You've done what you can at this point, now it's their turn to be in touch with you.

I agree but with the caveat that if you are waiting on one school and coming up on the deadline to decide for another school (which shouldn't happen but sometimes does), then its ok to let the first school know that you have a deadline. Otherwise, never a good idea.