Interview help.

[1000Plateaus]

So I have a phone interview for a PhD program coming up. While I have secured letters of reference, my MA advisor has refused to write on my behalf. This fact is vaguely mentioned in one of the letters, but I am wondering if I ought to mention it in the upcoming interview? I figure that if I put things into context, then the admin committee won't be surprised when they see that my ex advisor is absent. Thoughts?

[Angua]

I wouldn't call attention to it, though I'd be ready to explain it if asked.  I assume that they already have your letters of reference, in which case they already know that your advisor is absent.  Since you got an interview anyway, they apparently aren't that worried about it. If it comes up, I'd suggest giving a minimal (non-evasive) explanation and then moving on.  Whatever the reason is, try not to sound overly negative, anxious, or defensive about it.  After giving the reason, you could also point enthusiastically to the people who were willing to write for you.

 

Good luck!