Grad School Interview

[JM]

So I am being interviewed for my Grad Program. I was actually rejected but I requested an interview with the head of department and I got one so I scheduled the interview for 24th but the University is 5 hours drive away. Is it okay to call and reschedule because its not feasible for me to drive on the 24th.

Thanks

[meridionale]

Why can't you drive? I drove 11 hours for an interview I requested.

I think they are doing you a favor to let you come an interview after you were rejected, so I wouldn't rock the boat. If you don't have a car, I'd rent one; if you don't have a lisence, I'd find someone to drive me. If you have to work, I'd beg and plead to take off.

[JM]

Oh I am totally okay with driving even if it was 24 hours but I just cant get that day off from work so I want to move it to the 27th instead of 24th. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Besides when the ldy was scheduling my interview she asked me my preference and I said after 20th but I cant get 24th off. Ugh- why does this have to suck SO much!

[JM]

Hi Public Policy people! I got an interview scheduled for this monday, I am taking a train 5 hours away. But what kind of questions can I expect?

JM

[meridionale]

I think you can probably expect the "big" ones - Why MPP? Career Goals? Why Here?

[JM]

Oh I thought I posted already. So basically my statement of iinterest but more broad? Thanks Meriodale

[meridionale]

Well, think more upfront and personal. You don't want to sound like you're reading from your SOP, but it's more of wanting to hear it from the horses' mouth without a word limit. They also want to see how you are in person probably and how you'll fit in to the department.

I think the most important thing is to know yourself. Know why you're there and what you want to do, and give them a good idea of your personality. That way if you don't get in, at least you know it was based on probably not fitting in to their department (which would be good for you as well).

[running_circle]

Regarding interview, I have mine next week. I know from other people that I'm going to be asked "Why PhD and not Masters". What would be a good answer to that?

[xnormajeanx]

shouldn't you be concerned if you dont already know the answer?

[unknownscholar]

it seems reasonable that you would want to mention/speak toward certain limitations of a master program. You could affectively argue such "limitations" if you had a topic in mind.....one that you want to explore such that the classes and in-the-field opportunities offered wouldn't necessarily give you more insight. You'll have to take classes anyway, but maybe there aren't enough relevant ones to fill out an entire master program that matches and/or contribute to with your interest. [and if they dont contribute to your topic interests at all, then you have to ask yourself why you applied to that particular school/program.]

Overall, you'll want to speak toward the qualifications you have that are well in advance of those who fill out master programs...qualifications that are well in advance of what a master program could provide you in your anticipated career field. You'll want to answer the question. " what makes me just as/more qualified than individuals with a master's degree?"

Like the above poster noted, you should know what makes you qualified. Therein lies your answer.

It's like arguing why you deserve to be associate as opposed to the assistant.

[jmoney]

shouldn't you be concerned if you dont already know the answer?

Let's be helpful here.

The most obvious argument in favor of choosing an MA over a PhD is the kind of work you envision yourself doing. Generally speaking, an MA is a professional/practitioner degree and a PhD is research/academia degree. It's really that simple.