Fat PhD Applicant

[PsychApplicant18]

I’m interviewing to PhD programs this cycle. I have one coming up and possibly another. I wanted to get insight and opinions on a sensitive topic. I’m overweight. I’m steeped in a rabbit hole of reading articles and a tenuous paper on overweight PhD applicants, that specially came out in 2013, who had lower admission rates if they interviewed in person than thinner applicants. Aside from the obvious “lose weight” comments and anything rude, I wanted to get opinions from anyone regarding bias or judgment regarding the interview process. 

I’m qualified and I believe I interview well, but biases exist and I don’t want the fact that I’m fat/chubby to affect chances severely. Does anyone have an experience or advice?

Edited February 2, 2018 by PsychApplicant18

[BlueberryMerfin]

Hey I think you brought up something very important that isn't talked about too much. Of course, there is a certain level of bias you can't control against. That is just something that every group with stigma unfortunately has to deal with. I think the biggest thing to buffer against some of the unconscious bias people may have to make sure throughout your interviews (whether it be the interviews themselves or casual events) make sure you are dressed very well. Other people may get away with the casual side of business, but unfortunately people often associate fatness with laziness, so make sure your clothes say "sharp, professional, serious." Now for casual events, no need to wear a suit, but I would say dress a tier above jeans-casual. 

Also, make sure the clothes you wear fit you well. As a short person whose weight fluctuates quite a lot, I will sometimes put on a button-up after a month and realize it's snug in the wrong places (still fitting, but not flattering). So just make sure the week before your interview you try everything on to be sure it all looks good. Other than that, be confident! You said you interview well, so that shouldn't be a problem for you. I think with all these things in mind you're chances won't be affected too much.  

[icedamerican0]

I don't think it will affect the admission process as long as you are a competent and qualified applicant.

Don't get overwhelmed by the words on the article. There are many other factors that affect the admission process.

Good luck!

[Clinapp2017]

First off, I’m sorry you read about that in the middle of the cycle. That must cause some anxiety while preparing to interview. 

 

I’m pragmatic, so the sad fact is that weight bias exists in all professions and is well documented. I would assume the sciences would understand there are many causes to being overweight, including thyroid and metabolic issues. Nonetheless, I would imagine weight being something that is biased against comes from the fact that being overweight reflects being unhealthy physically. I can’t say for a fact, but I feel like this subconscious association is what biases people against heavier applicants for jobs. 

 

I wouldn’t let reality discourage you though, as there are people who can see around this and will make the correct choice based off of qualifications. 

[AnxiousNerd]

The bias is real and it's there and it really sucks. I would say try to dress in darker solid colors, and I would try to EXUDE confidence. Just radiate comfort and confidence and kindness and hope that when they think back on you, that's the initial thing they remember. Again, sucks that there has to be tips for this, but that's all I've got. Luckily, my programs don't really interview. 

[Timemachines]

I'm just going to put this here

[topsailpsych]

I am also on the overweight side and in a group interview (a couple of years ago, not this cycle) each person was asked a question by the panel.  Everyone was asked very different questions from each panelist, except me - I was asked by all three slight variations of questions self-care, fitness and what I do when I'm stressed.  Based upon my experience, I would think through and have solid answers for your self-care routine - are you an artist, do you garden, do you read/write fiction, etc.  I can't say this will happen to you, but since self-care is such a hot topic, it may be something that comes up.  As long as you have a solid answer about things you do to take care of yourself that should help. 

And as others have said, you seem confident in your interview skills, so just embracing that and letting others see your confidence will go a long way.

[Sherrinford]

Like many people have eloquently said, unfortunately it is hard to remove these biases that people have. What you can do is maximize your interview day.

Dress smart (make sure your clothes fit well, get them tailored or go in store, it can make a big difference). 

Focus on your research experience and interests, try not to ruminate about your weight when you're there. You need to exude confidence. You got an interview, you belong there and your weight isn't relevant at all to any of the work you'll ultimately be doing. 

I'm not saying I can relate to your experiences at all, but I'm an ethnic minority and I interviewed at several places where the students/faculty were almost exclusively Caucasian. That certainly made me self-conscious and in the recesses of my mind, I wondered if it would hurt my chances. But after the initial thought, I let it go and focused on what I COULD impact - nailing the interviews and being prepared to demonstrate why I belong there.