What does this mean?

[manchee]

I recently returned from an interview weekend that I think went pretty well (yay). However, my POI said that the program committee (who were the interviewers/potential PIs) make recommendations to the department committee. From this list the department committee then makes official decisions based on funding and other criteria. Does this mean that the departmental committee makes their decisions more based on our paper-based applications rather than interviews? And is it likely that the departmental committee will at least try to take all the program committee's recommendations?

[CarlieE]

From my understanding this means that your POI can put in his/her 2 cents about you, but that all the interviewers weigh in their thoughts and if you get a majority of good recommendations then you'll get an offer, but if you get less than the minimum number of recommendations you won't (or you may be wait listed). This sounds like what the program committee does...

Then the PC tell the Dept committee who they want and then the DC will meet and see how much money the department has, how many applicants are wanted and 1) see if there's enough money for everyone and 2) depending on the number of "votes" you get they'll decide how much money you should be offered.

I think this is how it works... but I could be wrong..

[manchee]

From my understanding this means that your POI can put in his/her 2 cents about you, but that all the interviewers weigh in their thoughts and if you get a majority of good recommendations then you'll get an offer, but if you get less than the minimum number of recommendations you won't (or you may be wait listed). This sounds like what the program committee does...

Then the PC tell the Dept committee who they want and then the DC will meet and see how much money the department has, how many applicants are wanted and 1) see if there's enough money for everyone and 2) depending on the number of "votes" you get they'll decide how much money you should be offered.

I think this is how it works... but I could be wrong..

That makes sense. I was hoping that at this point paper applications wouldn't be a priority, so I hope you're right. Thanks!