MPA interview?

[belle00]

I posted this over in the applications forum, but thought it may be a good idea to feel things out here as well. Thanks!

 

 

I'm applying to a large number of MPA/MPP programs, but thus far it looks like only one of them is looking to actually interview applicants (UNC). I got the call this morning and was offered either a phone or in person interview. Here are a few questions I have  that someone may be able to help me out with:

 

Will taking the phone interview over the campus interview realistically deter my chances of getting in? I live in a different area of the country, and I work 60 hours a week. They want to interview in two weeks and taking a day or two off of work would really put my employer in a pickle at this point. 

 

If I do opt to fly down does the university cover the expenses or would I be expected to pay for the flight/hotel?

 

Aside from the obvious (being able to meet professors/students, check out the campus/program in person, etc.) is there anything I should really consider before finalizing call vs. face-to-face?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice. I don't really know many grad students that aren't pursuing PhDs in math/science, so I feel a bit lost on a few things.

 

[MPAallday]

I posted this over in the applications forum, but thought it may be a good idea to feel things out here as well. Thanks!

 

 

I'm applying to a large number of MPA/MPP programs, but thus far it looks like only one of them is looking to actually interview applicants (UNC). I got the call this morning and was offered either a phone or in person interview. Here are a few questions I have  that someone may be able to help me out with:

 

Will taking the phone interview over the campus interview realistically deter my chances of getting in? I live in a different area of the country, and I work 60 hours a week. They want to interview in two weeks and taking a day or two off of work would really put my employer in a pickle at this point. 

 

If I do opt to fly down does the university cover the expenses or would I be expected to pay for the flight/hotel?

 

Aside from the obvious (being able to meet professors/students, check out the campus/program in person, etc.) is there anything I should really consider before finalizing call vs. face-to-face?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice. I don't really know many grad students that aren't pursuing PhDs in math/science, so I feel a bit lost on a few things.

 

Interesting. Quite a few public affairs schools conduct interviews these days -- I know Texas A&M just reached out to me about this just today.

 

I honestly don't think it would make a significant difference. UNC understands that asking people to fly down to a small town in North Carolina for a short interview is not practical for many working professionals and full-time students. They want quality students, not necessarily the ones who have the most flexible schedules. I do believe they cover flight expenses for you if you select that option (I think it explains it somewhere on their website).

 

Good luck!