speaking with potential programs?

[damequixote]

Hey all,

I rarely post, but I probably check this forum hundreds of times a day.

I've been reading through last year's jan-april threads (which both mollifies and exacerbates my anxiety!!) and have noticed that many people ended up speaking to potential professors on the phone upon/before acceptance. Generally speaking, are appointments made for these phone calls or should we be prepared for impromptu calls with dazzling talking points and well-informed program-specific questions?

I guess since I'm done with my applications, I'm looking for more things to freak out about.

Thanks for any advice.

[sing something]

If you receive an impromptu call, graciously thank the caller for reaching out to you, briefly express your eagerness to speak with them further, and ask if you can schedule a better time to talk. This way you can be sure to accept the call in a quiet place where there will be no interruptions and you can prepare any talking points. This is what my adviser said.

[damequixote]

That's awesome advice. Thanks so much!

[asleepawake]

Let the answering machine get it so that you can freak out briefly, calm down, and call back. Right? This what I do for all calls anyway, because I get so many weird sales calls, and whenever I answer them it causes them to call back more.

[pinkrobot]

Let the answering machine get it so that you can freak out briefly, calm down, and call back. Right? This what I do for all calls anyway, because I get so many weird sales calls, and whenever I answer them it causes them to call back more.

I ended up doing this by accident for most of the calls I received--most of them either came in while I was at work or, uncannily enough, at precisely the times when I was in random places that had no reception--but it worked out really well. As it turns out, when I receive good news, I make odd squeaking noises, hyperventilate, and say "Thank you" a lot. At the university I ended up attending, I did actually pick up the phone, so, to speak to your question about "upon acceptance," rest assured that, from personal experience, they do not automatically revoke that acceptance if you sound like a deranged raccoon, and there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions later.

[damequixote]

@asleep awake: I'm out of upvotes for today, but thanks. That makes total sense!

@pinkrobot: Thanks! I am seriously not unlike a deranged raccoon when I'm not prepared, so I do now feel a little less freakishly stressed about this future and possibly nonexistent problem.

[t1racyjacks]

LOL deranged racoon :lol: I think I sound like that most of the time anyway. I thought they might email? confusing. especially since I'm like, 12-16 hours ahead of the schools which I'm applying to due to time zone differences. Well, not something to worry about anyway...

[thestage]

if they're calling you, you've been accepted. short of threatening them, at that point I think you're past the how-can-I-fuck-this-up stage of things.

[damequixote]

Fair enough, thestage.

[Sparky]

if they're calling you, you've been accepted. short of threatening them, at that point I think you're past the how-can-I-fuck-this-up stage of things.

Or calling to offer you an interview, as happened to me. I advocate voice mail. Because I am a wuss.

Some programs do interviews over the phone or Skype as well, but for something formal like that they would set up a time in advance. The other situation where it seems phone calls are likely is an early January scenario in which the department is sending out feelers to gauge top candidates' interest in their program, tease out who is likely to accept the offer and who not.

Edited December 16, 2012 by Sparky