Post-Interview Rejections: Why? And how to Improve

[Petal]

Hey everyone,

Congratulations to everyone who was accepted to their chosen programs, and sincere condolences to those who weren't. I'm looking for some anecdotal advice or relatable experiences. 

I applied to PhD programs in neuroscience and wound up with some disappointing results. I interviewed at Duke and Vanderbilt, where I had GREAT experiences, but was rejected by NYU, Princeton Yale and Berkeley. Duke was looking very promising, as several of my interviewers told me they were supporting my application. Nonetheless, I didn't end up with an offer. I was also waitlisted at Vanderbilt.

I'm now wondering what could've been improved upon. It's a confusing experience to be invited for an interview, told that you're an excellent fit by multiple interviewers, and then not receive an offer. I assume the other applicants were just especially stellar, and it's my understanding that they typically only admit around 50% of their interviewees, perhaps more.

Anyway, I'm now trying to look forward with positivity and improve upon my credentials for next year's application cycle. I politely asked one of my interviewers for feedback--He said he was shocked by the result because he had a very positive impression from our interview, but that I'd be competitive anywhere I apply.

In retrospect, here were some of the weak points of my applications:

1. I submitted my applications hastily and didn't start them until a few days before the deadline. This resulted in fairly generic personal statements that weren't specifically tailored to each program.

2. I didn't speak with any faculty before applying, except at Vanderbilt, but actually didn't get to interview with any of my preferred faculty there.

For reference, here's a bit of my profile:

Undergrad Institution: Top 5 LAC
Major(s): Neuroscience
Minor(s): A foreign language (double major with neuroscience)
GPA in Major: ~3.6
Overall GPA: ~3.6 (Honors)
Type of Student: Domestic, non-URM

GRE Scores :
Q: 162
V: 165
W: 4.0 (was a little surprised by this)

Research Experience: 1. Yearlong Fulbright Scholarship in neuroscience in foreign country (after graduation), 2. Yearlong neuroimaging internship during junior year abroad, 3. Yearlong bachelor's thesis in neuroscience
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Fulbright Scholar, Honors distinction at graduation; multiple awards totalling ~$15,000
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Language tutor for all levels
Miscellaneous: Varsity athlete

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to improve upon my applications for next year, so any advice is really appreciated!