Offered an interview from someone I didn't identify as POI?

[Attempted_Academic]

Hi all,

I'm in an odd circumstance. I applied to a school and identified three POI's. One has already invited me to their open house. But today I got an email from someone at the school who is from the program I applied for offering me an interview. I don't know how to respond because I have NO knowledge or interest in her field. I wouldn't have a clue what to say during the interview. But I also don't think I should pass it up as this is my third year applying and I really want to get an offer somewhere. 

How would you respond? She's asked to set up a time next week.

[pomegranateleaves]

This PI might be changing their research interests to your field of interest! You don't know until you talk with them

[cannonfodder]

I am applying for PhD programs this year and if I get an interview from someone in an unrelated field, I would gladly take it up! My thinking is that I can always turn down the school if I find a different PI with whom I am actually interested in working.

[illeaaa]

On 1/21/2021 at 4:36 PM, Attempted_Academic said:

Hi all,

I'm in an odd circumstance. I applied to a school and identified three POI's. One has already invited me to their open house. But today I got an email from someone at the school who is from the program I applied for offering me an interview. I don't know how to respond because I have NO knowledge or interest in her field. I wouldn't have a clue what to say during the interview. But I also don't think I should pass it up as this is my third year applying and I really want to get an offer somewhere. 

How would you respond? She's asked to set up a time next week.

@Attempted_Academic Can I ask how it went? I am in the exact same position you were in and I'm not sure how to even prep for the interview. I reviewed their profiles and it doesn't appear they're changing their research interests to be something similar to mine. I'm not sure if I should be blunt about what I want to research or seem easy going to try and better my chances of acceptance.

[maddypatty123]

I was accepted by a POI that I had never heard of or applied to and it was because she was a new faculty member to the university. Looking her CV and past research, I was confused as to why she accepted me, but met with her anyway. It turned out she was hoping to start researching in the field of my interest! So I definitely think you should at least interview and give them a chance.