Pre-Application Interviews: How to Prepare?

[amazingbutternutsquash]

Hi everyone! So, as I've emailed professors that I'm interested in working with quite a few of them have come back and said they would like to skype/talk on the phone with me about their current research, my current research, etc. Since (according to my mentor) this type of interview typically happens after applications are in, I was a little surprised but I'm taking it a.) as a good sign and b.) as a sort of preliminary interview. My thought is that they probably want to get a feel for me as a candidate (and whether I would be a reasonable person to work with). So my questions are these: Have any of you experienced this before? What sorts of questions were you asked? What do you think the purpose of a pre-application interview was in your case? What would you suggest doing to prepare? 

Thanks all! 

[t_ruth]

The best thing to do is to convey enthusiasm. When I have these conversations (think of them that way instead of as interviews), I am looking to see that the student is curious, has good ideas, and that we get along and can just riff off each other in the conversation. Graduate students help faculty explore new ideas and co-create something that neither could create on their own. This kind of conversation gives both people a preview of how well that will work.

[springxsummer]

21 hours ago, amazingbutternutsquash said:

Hi everyone! So, as I've emailed professors that I'm interested in working with quite a few of them have come back and said they would like to skype/talk on the phone with me about their current research, my current research, etc. Since (according to my mentor) this type of interview typically happens after applications are in, I was a little surprised but I'm taking it a.) as a good sign and b.) as a sort of preliminary interview. My thought is that they probably want to get a feel for me as a candidate (and whether I would be a reasonable person to work with). So my questions are these: Have any of you experienced this before? What sorts of questions were you asked? What do you think the purpose of a pre-application interview was in your case? What would you suggest doing to prepare? 

Thanks all! 

I have had a couple of these and I found I did most of the talking... I would personally prepare some questions you would like answered, especially about the POI's interests. Also be prepared to answer basic questions such as about your proposed research and why you want to go to X school.