Will it count against me if I can't attend an Open House or interview?

[csd123]

Hi guys! So yesterday I heard back from a school, asking if we could attend an open house on March 30th or April 6th. The school is super far from me, and I don't know if I can afford a plane ticket in such a short amount of time. However, in the email the said that "Attendance at the open house will count toward the interview portion of the application". Will it count against me if I can't attend these open houses? Will most schools not look down on this and give you a Skype interview? This is my only school with an interview so I don't really know the protocol. 

 

 

[Southwestspeechie]

I am wondering the same thing about not attending an open house. I already visited the school and have been wait listed and I don't have $400 to spend on a plane ticket during my final semester. Hopefully someone can provide insight! 

I would say in your case definitely e-mail them and let them know your reasons on why you cannot attend but that you are grateful to receive the invitation. 

[WesttoEast18]

1 hour ago, csd123 said:

Hi guys! So yesterday I heard back from a school, asking if we could attend an open house on March 30th or April 6th. The school is super far from me, and I don't know if I can afford a plane ticket in such a short amount of time. However, in the email the said that "Attendance at the open house will count toward the interview portion of the application". Will it count against me if I can't attend these open houses? Will most schools not look down on this and give you a Skype interview? This is my only school with an interview so I don't really know the protocol. 

 

 

Normally, I don't think it would count against you not to attend an open house.  However, based on what you quoted it sounds like they do require (or strongly encourage) applicants to attend.  Is it an open house AND interview?

I would email the school and explain that you're out of state and inquire if the open house is mandatory to applicants.  If they are conducting interviews there ask if it can be conducted through Skype.  

I applied to a few out of state schools and unfortunately had to pay to travel to one.  If you haven't heard back from any schools yet I would personally attend, but of course it's personal preference. 

[WesttoEast18]

1 hour ago, Felice said:

I am wondering the same thing about not attending an open house. I already visited the school and have been wait listed and I don't have $400 to spend on a plane ticket during my final semester. Hopefully someone can provide insight! 

I would say in your case definitely e-mail them and let them know your reasons on why you cannot attend but that you are grateful to receive the invitation. 

In your case, I don't think it would be worth it to attend.  If you are admitted there will usually be an orientation of some sort that's more important than the open house. 

[snoves]

If there's an interview I would say yes, you should go. Some schools will pretty much automatically reject you for not going.

For a normal open house? Probably not.

[maoyup]

If they invited you to an open house, shouldn't they reimburse you for any travel arrangements?

[csd123]

I just double checked online and they never mentioned an interview when I applied, so I was pretty confused that it was mentioned in the email. I can't see it hurting their decision because acceptance decisions should come out before the open house, but maybe it will hurt scholarships and assistantships? Ugh. 

[WesttoEast18]

2 hours ago, csd123 said:

I just double checked online and they never mentioned an interview when I applied, so I was pretty confused that it was mentioned in the email. I can't see it hurting their decision because acceptance decisions should come out before the open house, but maybe it will hurt scholarships and assistantships? Ugh. 

I know some programs do not explicitly mention an interview on their website so it's definitely possible they conduct them.  At this point, I would email them to clarify because based on what you quoted it seems like attending is necessary to continue on to the next step.  Good luck! 

[broca's aphasia]

I would just email the department and ask.  I did, told them I was out of state and there was no way I could financially afford to visit for the interview, and they set up a Skype interview and said.  Best way to get your answer is to email them directly.