Graduate recruiting weekends

[mintless]

I received an e-mail from the communications M.A. program at the University of Cincinnati today saying they are "able to invite three students to travel to Cincinnati to get to know the campus and department" and I was one of them. The e-mail also tells me to let them know if I can go so they can "make flight and other arrangements." They also said they would put me up in an on-campus hotel. I'm not sure exactly how to take this or what it means because I feel like the wording is a little ambiguous in terms of money, like, it kind of sounds like they will pay for this visit but I don't want to get my hopes up! I'm also unsure of how to take this because I haven't heard from the school since I applied and to my knowledge they haven't accepted me yet. Ah! How do I take this?! I mean, I'm assuming it is a good thing, but maybe someone here has more experience and can help me understand exactly what it means?!

[MediaMom]

My best guess is that they are paying for it; otherwise they would just extend an invitation to visit and expect you to make your own travel arrangements. Plus, they're only "able to invite three," which makes me believe there is a budget involved.

It's possible that you've been accepted already and that someone dropped the ball in notifying you, but the "able to invite three" wording makes me lean toward this being an chance for them to interview you.

I think your best bet is to ask for clarification. Call or send an email and say, essentially, that you're very grateful for the opportunity and interested, but that you'd like to clarify the purpose of the visit so that you can prepare effectively. Ask them if you'll be interviewing during this visit, and if they can give you a general timeline for how admission decisions will ultimately be made. They are obviously interested in you, and I can't imagine they'd have a problem answering these questions (if they give you a hard time about it, then you may have just found out all you need to know about them).

Good luck

[allocate]

I'm also about to do one of these things and the school is paying up front for everything. Honestly, just ask — it's not rude. Sometimes the school will pay up front, and sometimes they'll reimburse you.

I have pretty extensive experience as interviewee and interviewer in situations where people are transported to, and given housing for, interviews. It's not really a decision that's made lightly even for billion dollar corporations. Most likely someone's made a decision that as long as you're not a terrible fit, you'll get an offer.

Good luck.

[Squideesha]

I'm going to this recruitment weekend at UC, as well. Everything is paid for, and you're being invited because they've accepted you.

 

Congratulations!

[Don't Stress]

I am visiting a PhD program for their graduate open house this weekend. The agenda includes individual meetings with the faculty members. Any advice on what to ask/discuss?

[Tazo11]

Hi, 

 

I was in your boat several weeks ago. Northwestern University invited me to a similar weekend--I hadn't received and acceptance or rejection. They invited there top 8 students, those that essentially made the short list. They paid for everything, airline, taxi/shuttle, and hotel (Hilton). Nonetheless, it was a jammed pack three days. The first day we mostly met with faculty and committee members and on the second day we mingled with grad students and faculty. Our days were filled from like 8-5pm. Remember, none of us had been accepted yet; however, we were the top 8 candidates out of roughly 90 applicants. We later found out the visit was to get familiar with the program and also for them to gauge us off of paper while checking for fit. 

 

Ultimately, out of the 8 students that visited, they only accepted 5 students, myself and four other students. The only scary part about the visit was when we had our 20-minute faculty meetings. 

 

All this to say, when you visit, be on you p's and q's, as you haven't been officially accepted yet. This can be the final process before final decisions are made. Be yourself though but remember as you are checking them out they are also checking you out. If you go out to have drinks, drink light beverages, only to keep conversations going. 

 

 

Oh and know your stuff!! I can't stress that enough. Have a couple of key-terms that describe what your research interest are. This is extremely important. Also, have questions for them about the program (also, this will give you a little control of the interview/meeting). 

 

Lastly, be happy, being selected is a big deal!!! Good Luck!

Edited March 13, 2013 by Tazo11

[Don't Stress]

Thanks Tazo11. I've already been accepted, but they do have individual meetings with the faculty-- this is the part I'm worried about. I don't want to sound like an idiot. I have some general questions about the program but would like to have an arsenal of potential questions. Any other advice or questions you asked would be so helpful!

[Joavi]

I found this thread helpful, in terms of things that I should consider and ask about: