Interviews, campus visits, etc. for Philosophy programs

[Duns Eith]

Context: after applications are in, not recruitment fairs or prospective student days

 

Have you been encouraged by any departments to visit the campus? Which schools are more known for flying you over to their school to check them out?

 

Are interviews common (or at least, not uncommon) for philosophy PhD programs? If so, do they normally give you a chance to talk with someone who would likely become your faculty advisor? Or are you usually connected with current grad students? Do they give you a chance to sit in on classes?

Edited January 15, 2015 by Turretin

[overoverover]

From what I know, interview days are not common (some schools have them, but few and far between). However, some schools (the ones with serious $$$) fly out not just those admitted to the program, but also those who are reasonably high on the waitlist. 

I have in mind, e.g., Princeton. 

Edited January 15, 2015 by overoverover

[isostheneia]

From what I know, interview days are not common (some schools have them, but few and far between). However, some schools (the ones with serious $$$) fly out not just those admitted to the program, but also those who are reasonably high on the waitlist. 

I have in mind, e.g., Princeton. 

 

This seems overall right. I think most programs, or at least most top 50 programs, pay to fly out admitted students. (I certainly hope so, anyway - it'll be hard for me, and plenty of other people, to visit schools if they can't help with the cost of visiting.) There are a few who also have money to fly out applicants high on the waitlist, and there are perhaps a few (though I've only heard of one or two cases) which have interviews.

 

Generally, applicants don't seem encouraged to visit prior to being accepted. Most schools don't have the resources to house, give extended tours, or setup meetings with faculty for applicants in general, so I believe that visiting is primarily for admitted students. For admitted students, though, I've heard that they're quite welcoming - you can often meet with professors of interest, meet and mingle with grad students, attend a few classes, etc. Hopefully all of us will get to experience this at a few places, as I've heard that it's enjoyable to be welcomed and sought after at departments to which you've been admitted.

[psm1580b]

Given my international applications--I think I'd better get my passport!

[Infinite Zest]

I would like to add that my friend, who applied to grad programs last year, had some very crazy, bizarre experiences while visiting the PhD programs which he got into.

 

In other words, his 8 pm cocktail party didn't go until 10 pm . . .

[overoverover]

I would like to add that my friend, who applied to grad programs last year, had some very crazy, bizarre experiences while visiting the PhD programs which he got into.

 

In other words, his 8 pm cocktail party didn't go until 10 pm . . .

Philosophers don't waste opportunities to drink.