crazygirl2012

Yes, they did. Two interviewers at my second school asked as well, as did a phone interviewer last month. It's a good idea to have a tentative plan for your master's thesis. You don't need to go into a ton of detail, but be prepared to answer some questions about basic methodology and hypotheses.

My guess is that it would be okay as long as you are upfront about your plans. You're not obligated to stay past 9 pm on the second night. Other applicants may live in the area and decide to drive home that night. There's nothing wrong with that. You will probably need to go back to the student's house to get your things, but if your friend can pick you up from their house, I see no issue with it. Just email them and let them know that your plans have changed and that you will no longer require housing for a second night or a ride to the airport. Ask if you should inform anyone else (such as a student liaison) of your change in plans. As long as you're gracious about it, you should be fine.

My thoughts as well. Congratulations!

A 4.5 is 72nd percentile and shouldn't hurt you. The score is practically meaningless. The first time I took the GRE, I got a 6.0 (99th percentile). Second time, 4.5. My friend also got a 4.5, and she struggles with grammar a lot more than I do because English is her third language. The best predictor of an Analytical Writing score is the length of the essays. Sad, but true.

I only looked at it after the application process was complete. I used it as more of a self-esteem boost, as in, "whoa, I got an interview at program ranked __; I really didn't expect that!". I'm going to try not to place too much weight on rankings when I make my decision-- assuming I have a decision to make, that is!

Another weekend-hater here. Hang in there, everybody-- it's almost Monday!

That's a tough schedule! I'm interviewing for social and experimental psychology Ph.D. programs. My days are longer than yours, but more varied.

Just to update this-- my first experience staying with a student was great. She was very welcoming, and it was great to have someone who was looking out for me. She introduced me to people, sat with me at dinner, took me to a party after interview day, and made sure my whole experience was positive. I definitely didn't need to worry as much as I did! (But that is, unfortunately, a lifelong bad habit of mine.) A student is hosting me at my next interview too, and I feel much more comfortable now that I've had a good experience.

Oh, good idea for a thread! In my opinion, the worst part of an interview day is the very beginning of the evening social. They can end up being really fun once you get warmed up, but starting conversations is difficult because you're just so damn tired. With students in particular (including other applicants), "where are you from?" is a common question that can take up a few minutes if you're fortunate enough to know something about the area. It's most useful early in the day (or at dinner the night before interview day) when the question has not yet been overused. "How do you like living here?" is another common question with both students and faculty. It's useful information, and you'll get a different answer from everyone you ask. They'll usually go into some detail. You can ask about restaurants in the area too. People like to talk about different cuisines and share their recommendations. A lot of my conversations with professors and students started with them asking me how my day was going. I have a basic standard answer that is always true-- something along the lines of "I'm tired and it's a lot of information to take in, but I'm really enjoying my time here and everyone has been very welcoming." I've had many good conversations with faculty and students, and a few conversations that were somewhat awkward. Most of the conversations seemed to happen pretty naturally, or they were at least easy to sustain once they got started. It helps if you have a small group at a social, or sociable people at your table during a meal. Don't say things just to hear your own voice. In a group conversation, you can collect your thoughts and then contribute.

friend zone

Burnt toast

"In the process"-- I like that. I think it means that I could still have a chance within the next few days!

Maybe we were! That would be fun. Did the school have another interview day on Monday, perchance? Or PM me the name of it if you want to find out. Regardless of whether or not it was the same school, I completely agree that interview day was pretty laid back but exhausting.

UIUC is not near Chicago, so you won't have the lake effect issue, but it can still get really cold! I'm living about 60 miles away from Urbana-Champaign for undergrad. This winter has been really strange for us, with lots of ups and downs, but if you're coming from Arizona, you're going to think it's very cold regardless of the weather. At the very least, you'll need a reasonably warm coat and gloves. I would also recommend a sweater, scarf, and boots if you have them. You don't have to look ridiculous or anything, but try to wear some layers so you won't be miserable when you're outside! The campus is pretty large. If you're going to different buildings, you may be doing a lot of walking.

Oh, I hate the name issue. It never ends! I'm from a small liberal arts college in the Midwest too, so I'm accustomed to calling a lot of my professors by their first names as well. As far as I can tell, it's okay to use a first name when they either introduce themselves that way (just their first name, no last name) or sign an email with just their first name. Initials as a signature or first name + last name still mean that you should call them doctor or professor. It's possible that the grad students weren't using her first name because they assumed that she didn't want you to use it. That happened at my last interview. I was never given any indication that I should use first names for professors at that school, so I don't. The students would call them by their first names unless they were speaking directly to us prospective students, in which case they would refer to professors using their titles and last names. A professor at a different school signed her emails to me with her last name until she invited me for an interview, when she immediately switched to first name. When she switched, I did too. Her grad students use her first name and her undergrads use her title and last name, so I think it was a nice gesture to switch to first name with me. My point is, it meant something. Definitely be careful with the name thing, in all contexts! I think that students like you and I have to be particularly aware of it because we come from schools where first name is the norm.

I have a small stud in my right nostril, and most people don't even notice it's there. I forgot to take it out for my first grad school interview and I would be very surprised if anyone there was secretly bothered by it. The only problem I had with it was in food service, and even then, it was only when we got a crazy manager. She made me put a band-aid over my nose, because a band-aid is clearly inconspicuous and unlikely to fall off.

So you had an interview two days ago and you got invited to recruitment day in March? Was the first interview a phone one? Do you know if they sent out all of their interview invitations already? Sorry for all the questions. I applied to their Social, Abnormal, & Personality Psychology Ph.D. program. I doubt I'll get an interview, but I got one at my other "reach" school, so I'm not giving up just yet! My app status still says "under review."

Hey everyone-- I just returned from my first interview day, and I wanted to share some of the questions I was asked in my individual meetings. I know it differs by program, but it can't hurt to be prepared, right? This was for an experimental psychology Ph.D. program. 1. What are your research interests and ideas? 2. Tell me more about [anything on my CV]. 3. Based on your interests and mine, what kinds of projects do you see us working on together? 4. What kind of career do you want in the future?* *This topic came up more often than I thought it would. Make sure you have an answer prepared for whether you see yourself in industry or academia, and if academia, whether you want to focus more on research, teaching, or a mix of both. Know what size and type of university would be ideal for you. And the number one question: "Do you have any questions?". Everyone will offer to answer your questions all day. Have some prepared, and pace yourself! If you forget to ask something, don't worry, they'll ask again later if you have any questions.

You stayed with a faculty member? That was really nice of them, but it sounds stressful even though you had already been accepted! I'm glad you had a good experience. I'm leaving tomorrow for my first interview. They only have things scheduled for us on Friday, but it looks like it will be a very long day! I'm looking forward to it, I think.

The expenses suck, yes. The part where I'm still an undergrad with a full course load? I keep conveniently forgetting.

I want a live webcam at an AdCom meeting so I can hear what they actually say about us. Wait... no... no I don't. Oh, and I love the signature. So much researchy nerdiness.