One on One Interviews with faculty

[Curlygrrl]

I was admitted into a program with funding for 4 years and invited to the recruitment weekend in March. Very excited to go meet possible cohort, current students, faculty and see the campus.

Was informed there will be one on one interviews with some of the faculty. What is that all about? What should I expect in these personal sessions? Is this the norm? How should I prepare myself, do I even need to?

[green8715]

Congratulations! I've been to a few of these recruitment events - in my opinion it is the university's way of trying to sway you to actually accepting their admission offer. For the 1:1 faculty interviews I tried to get a sense of what everyone is doing research wise. It's also helpful for asking questions and seeing if you get similar answers.

To prepare I would gather a list of questions that would help inform your decision on attending the university. Definitely try to talk with current students - this has been the most helpful for myself. Like others have been saying, these will be the people you will be surrounded by for a few years, so you want to be sure they will provide a good support system for you.

and definitely relax! you're already admitted, this is their chance to try and woo you over to their program - a lot of the pressure is finally off : )

[neuropsych76]

I agree with green8715. Relax, first off, you're in!

This is your opportunity to really see if you want to work with these faculty members and go to the school so try and learn as much as you can. I don't think you have to prepare that much. But it would be a good idea to do some background research to ask more specific questions about the program, school, research ect.

[newms]

It might be a good idea to do a little reading on profs who you could be interested in working with, and having a few questions that you could ask them about what they're doing. The one-on-one interviews are really an opportunity for you to see how you would fit at that department. It's a recruitment event, so try not to feel any pressure about it - they'll be trying to convince you to accept them!

[Curlygrrl]

Thank you all for the advice! Yes I should stop worrying.