Vaguely-Worded Interview Request?

[eaglespirit0]

Hello,

Following the NPR model, long-time reader, first time poster.

I'm currently applying for PhD programs in Anthropology for the 2012-13 admissions cycle. As a brief background, I have an MA in Anthropology from a terminal MA program in a Top 20 School. My GRE and GPA, while not the best, are well above the minimum of what programs require and probably in the Top 30% of most applicants, but, probably somewhere around the 25-30% mark. I currently have a Fulbright Research Scholarship and am based overseas in Southeast Asia doing research on my proposed PhD Statement of Purpose--roughly, heritage tourism, economic development, space-making, so on and so forth. I think my applications were, credentially, solid, but well -- I tend to panic and over-write and noticed after the fact that there were a few (minor) errors throughout all of my applications.

I have been through this process before (thusly picking up the MA) and I absolutely hate wading through the "half-winks," and periods of "cautious, reserved optimism" that plague almost every other decision except a flat-out rejection. Recently, I received a (hopefully) encouraging e-mail from a faculty member at one of the schools I applied to asking for a "conversation" (not interview) about my application and interest in their school's program. While she was not my point of contact/referenced in my SOP, my adviser and I figured that she was more than likely on the Admissions Committee. Because I'm overseas, the interview will take place on the telephone.

I believe I am very well set to discuss my fit into the school's program, my research interests, and, anything else (beyond a curveball) that comes up. However, I have never encountered this situation before (as I do not know if interviews are so common in the Social Sciences?) and was wondering if anyone this cycle (or before) could shed some light/temper some expectations about what this means, especially in terms of chances of acceptance/rejection/waitlisting/whatnot. Of course, nothing is ever solid and I'm still approaching the interview as no one has made a decision yet.

Thank-you so much, and I look forward to your responses! I hope I can help other people too figuring out this process ...

[gabriele]

I've got a similar vaguely worded interview request, but I don't know if this was intentional. I received a mail with a generic "Prof. X wants to talk with you", without mentioning specifically an interview. I've not metioned him in my sop, but I guess that this will be just like an interview.