Schedule Conflict

[zomg]

Hi,

 

I need some advice on interview scheduling conflicts. The interview weekend of Vanderbilt is the same as for Johns Hopkins. Vanderbilt sent the interview invitation much earlier and I accepted and chose this weekend because it worked best at that time. So I can't change it with them. Johns Hopkins contacted me very recently and they have only one official interview weekend. They had mentioned their dates on their website. I really want to interview with both and in terms of a school, right no I would lean more toward Johns Hopkins. I am afraid that if I ask for alternative interview arrangement there, they will not take me seriously, while the other option is to cancel with Vanderbilt, which will probably result in my rejection. Anyone have some advice and perspective on such issues?

[jujubea]

You haven't actually tried to change the Vanderbilt one, right? So I would try that option first. Just explain to them the situation. "Another school offers only one interview weekend, and it's that weekend. Is there any way to change ours?" Of course be very courteous, and of course they don't owe you any favors, and of course you should be polite and humble about it. 

But that's what I'd first do.

[zomg]

I did try to change the Vanderbilt one, but the coordinator said she had already sent the booking info for accommodations, so it is too late to change that weekend.  

[Zhiwei]

I've met some conflicts as well. It's not uncommon for applicants to ask for another day to get the interviews arranged. Just email John Hopkins, provide your other available dates, and let them pick some day to give you the personalized interview. Good luck!

[fuzzylogician]

Email Johns Hopkins, tell them that you've already committed to attend another interview at that time and it can't be rescheduled, and ask for another date. This can't be the first time that they've dealt with a scheduling conflict, and since they are the ones that came later it makes perfect sense that you have to honor your already existing obligation.