Complicated Situation - "Real" Interview?

[Thumper86]

So to make a long story short...

I'm currently a Lab Manager and I've applied for the Master's program (in psychology) at the institution I work for. My POI is my current supervisor. My supervisor was unable to see my online application because I did not meet the minimum GPA requirement but she told me that she was going to request the hard copy from the Graduate Studies Department.

The other day she sent me an email asking me to come into her office to discuss my application (my meeting with her is tomorrow). A few hours later she forwarded me and her current grad students info on scholarships and encouraged us to apply for them (the scholarships are only for students at our institution).

Before I submitted my application to the school I had a meeting with my supervisor to discuss my ideas for my thesis and I think that the meeting went okay. So my question is... Is this going to be a regular "grad applicant interview"? I'm very confused as to how to prepare for it because it can technically go many ways: 1. she may tell me that she couldn't access the hard copy and I'm not getting in. 2. She may interview me like she has other candidates, Or 3. She may tell me that she's recommending me for acceptance.

My emotions go up and down because I have no idea if the news will be good or bad or if I'm actually being interviewed.

She flat out told me that she prefers to take her current Lab Managers over new applicants but she has also brought in 3 potential candidates to view the lab space.

GAHHHHHH... what would you do if you were me?

Edited February 8, 2012 by Thumper86

[fuzzylogician]

Well, if it's bad news of the "I can't accept you" kind or great news of the "congratulations! we've decided to admit you with a full fellowship!" kind, there is nothing much to prepare for. So i'd say don't worry about those eventualities and spend your time preparing for a regular "we're at an advanced stage of the decision making process and wanted to ask you some questions" interview. Make sure you can answer questions about the contents of your application packet (SOP, writing sample, etc) and about your future research plans. You have a significant advantage over other applicants because you already know your POI and her work. So - good luck, and don't worry too much!

[crazygirl2012]

I agree. Take some time off from trying to interpret it, and just prepare as thoroughly as you can. You'll have plenty of time to worry when it's over! In the meantime, stay calm and confident and treat it like any other interview.

[Thumper86]

thanks for the advice. It turns out that the meeting was to let me know that I will not be accepted because of my low gpa.