Is it a bad sign to not get early (December) interview invites?

[taacc]

Hey everyone,

This is my second cycle applying to PhD programs, but I would say that this is my first "serious" cycle because I was better able to tailor research fit into my applications this year. Since I didn't really understand the ins and outs of the PhD application last year, I didn't pay too much attention to the nuances of the application timeline. This year, I've been checking the results section a lot earlier because I was told by a current mentor that I might be expecting emails or phone calls as early as mid-late December. Unfortunately, I have not been contacted yet, but I see some people from the programs I applied to either get a preliminary phone call/skype interview or an actual invite to the program's interview event (i.e. in-person interviews in mid January). I know December is still considered early, but what does it mean if by now you weren't contacted yet, given that these kinds of phone calls/emails have gone out to other applicants? Does it typically mean that things might be bleak? 

Thanks for your help!

[SocialPsych2018]

I don't think things seriously start ramping up until about Dec 16 - 23. Really, dec 20-22 is when a lot go out (and for the west coast, a lot of invites aren't until January). I know "don't worry" isn't super helpful advice, but I really don't think it means anything yet. Good luck and try to distract yourself!

[hopefulgrad2019]

1 minute ago, taacc said:

Hey everyone,

This is my second cycle applying to PhD programs, but I would say that this is my first "serious" cycle because I was better able to tailor research fit into my applications this year. Since I didn't really understand the ins and outs of the PhD application last year, I didn't pay too much attention to the nuances of the application timeline. This year, I've been checking the results section a lot earlier because I was told by a current mentor that I might be expecting emails or phone calls as early as mid-late December. Unfortunately, I have not been contacted yet, but I see some people from the programs I applied to either get a preliminary phone call/skype interview or an actual invite to the program's interview event (i.e. in-person interviews in mid January). I know December is still considered early, but what does it mean if by now you weren't contacted yet, given that these kinds of phone calls/emails have gone out to other applicants? Does it typically mean that things might be bleak? 

Thanks for your help!

Short answer - no it doesn’t mean things might be bleak. 
 

Before Christmas last year, I had 1 rejection and 1 interview but my interview to the program I’m currently at didn’t come until mid-January. My particular program doesn’t send invites until January so it’s really program/PI specific. I wouldn’t worry yet. 

[taacc]

Thank you for the quick and helpful replies, @SocialPsych2018 and @hopefulgrad2019! I'll try not to think about it too much, at least not until January.

Also,

9 minutes ago, hopefulgrad2019 said:

My particular program doesn’t send invites until January so it’s really program/PI specific. I wouldn’t worry yet. 

I never knew it could be PI-specific-- I assumed that the coordination of the interview invites was a departmental thing that everyone in the program does together. I always wondered if there was another reason why people on gradcafe ask for PI initials when they see other posters get contacted besides just being curious, but if timing of invites depends on the PI I can see why they would wanna know. In any case, thanks for the info! I'll try to be better at distracting myself...

[Clinapp2017]

16 minutes ago, taacc said:

Thank you for the quick and helpful replies, @SocialPsych2018 and @hopefulgrad2019! I'll try not to think about it too much, at least not until January.

Also,

I never knew it could be PI-specific-- I assumed that the coordination of the interview invites was a departmental thing that everyone in the program does together. I always wondered if there was another reason why people on gradcafe ask for PI initials when they see other posters get contacted besides just being curious, but if timing of invites depends on the PI I can see why they would wanna know. In any case, thanks for the info! I'll try to be better at distracting myself...

The PI thing can be nuanced within a few days (not like weeks). Even though all faculty will meet to approve the list of invitees, some faculty like to interview or call their invited students personally. Others will just let a program coordinator handle it. It really depends. I think that's where POI comes from.

[hopefulgrad2019]

3 minutes ago, Clinapp2017 said:

The PI thing can be nuanced within a few days (not like weeks). Even though all faculty will meet to approve the list of invitees, some faculty like to interview or call their invited students personally. Others will just let a program coordinator handle it. It really depends. I think that's where POI comes from.

I second this! My friend and I got interviews to the same program but her PI emailed her the day or two before mine emailed me (it was a terrible waiting game). 

[PokePsych]

No. some schools also don't look at applications till after winterbrea.

[JoePianist]

Worry if you don’t hear anything by the 2nd week of February 

[CatastrophizingNerd]

1 hour ago, JoePianist said:

Worry if you don’t hear anything by the 2nd week of February 

Easier said than done! 

[PokePsych]

5 hours ago, JoePianist said:

Worry if you don’t hear anything by the 2nd week of February 

I do think this is true though. I had my interview invite (Skype) in early Feb

[justacigar]

3 minutes ago, Psygeek said:

I do think this is true though. I had my interview invite (Skype) in early Feb

Is this program dependent, though? Most, if not all, of my programs have interview dates late January/early February

[PokePsych]

18 minutes ago, justacigar said:

Is this program dependent, though? Most, if not all, of my programs have interview dates late January/early February

Could also be because I am an international student. Don't know. I wouldn't stress too much about it. Late interviews can also mean that you are making it of the waitlist

[psychologygeek]

I'm happy someone started this thread. I made the mistake of looking at the interview forum and my heart shattered when I saw that some of my top choices had already sent out e-mails. Sigh. I guess I'll try to distract myself better 

[CatastrophizingNerd]

7 hours ago, psychologygeek said:

I'm happy someone started this thread. I made the mistake of looking at the interview forum and my heart shattered when I saw that some of my top choices had already sent out e-mails. Sigh. I guess I'll try to distract myself better 

Try to insulate yourself from the forum!!! Doesn't help at all to keep checking

[amazingbutternutsquash]

I think the other thing to remember is that plenty of places send out invites in waves. Like, they'll see who accepts the first round and then send out others. I know one of my programs sent out interview invitations over the course of three weeks last year! Definitely don't lose hope!