Is being asked for an interview less than a week after turning in an application a cause for worry?

[M3d3a]

I submitted both of my applications last Friday (1/30/15). About an hour ago, I received an email stating that I had been accepted for an interview from a Professor in the program. While I am excited, the quick turn around time has me worried.... Is it possible that the program is extremely desperate? Or am I really that desirable? 

 

[Eigen]

I wouldn't worry, I'd be excited. 

 

I did have one app with around a 3 hour turnaround back in the dark ages of rolling admissions, which was interesting.

[M3d3a]

Thanks! 

[DaDocStruggle]

I wouldn't worry about it. At the interview give it your best! g luck

[coffeemachine]

A positive possibility is that you are a very good fit for the program. Without more information, its pretty tough to say whether the department is desperate. But what department would want to delay seeking out good students? I would take this early interview as a sign of high energy in the department; they are seeking out the best people to train.

 

I personally was contacted about two weeks after submitting an application, which is still kind of early. In my case, I knew the faculty member who contacted me because I presented to her working group last year, and so it was clear that it was a good fit for them. They just wanted to give me information about how they would be a good fit for me as well.

[MathCat]

I got admitted to one program extremely fast as well. It was a fluke, though - they had a meeting the same day to determine their early acceptance offers, so I just submitted it at a lucky time.

 

It probably doesn't indicate anything bad. It could indicate good things (your application stood out so much that they knew they would interview you no matter what others came along), or could be more of a fluke like mine. Either way, I don't think you should worry, unless the program is bad. Your professors might be able to give advice about that.

Edited February 5, 2015 by MathCat

[iphi]

I agree that the timing may have just been fortuitous. Maybe the prof just happened to set aside that afternoon to look at applications. I would do your best on the interview and meanwhile gather information about the school/program from other sources.

Edited February 5, 2015 by iphi

[Liz113]

I am a part of a program that accepts about 30 students (SLP), and so far I have been the only one accepted. I'm trying to figure out what this means? My application was pretty exemplary, but it's a competitive program. 

Edited February 12, 2015 by Liz113