Visit Day

[userforth]

Hi there,

 

I'll be visiting schools in the next couple of weeks and I was wonderind if people had advice as to things people should do when visiting schools. I've already emailed a couple of professor whose work I'm interested in, and hope to talk to some of the grad students there, but are there any other things y'all would suggest?

 

Thanks!

[angellily0330]

Yeah I'd be interested in getting some perspective as well. I received an email telling me to send them a list of the professors I'd like to meet with...now I'm nervous. I know it's not an interview or anything but ahhhhh. 

 

I spoke with a current grad school over email. It was nice and informative. Nothing concrete, but I'm also hoping to meet with current students there. I think I'm going to have a list of questions I want to ask---solid, concrete questions so I don't get vague answers

[lupine]

Here's some things I've learned along the way (just got back from a second visit):

• Reach out to students! Even if the school introduces you to a couple of students, invite individuals out for drinks or coffee - don't hope. They are busy and often won't take the initiative, but many will accept (and bring friends you didn't meet). This is where you get the most valuable information.
• Group drinks lead to individual email addresses, which allows you to set up candid phone conversations a week later when you have more specific questions.
• Talk to as many faculty as possible - they are a department as a whole and your POI is but one pawn in the bureaucratic system.
• Interview them - you are committing to a multi-year job, so you should like your "management" and "coworkers".
• Know yourself - you will be asked about your interests and why this school, so be concise to give you more time to ask about them!

 It was far less intimidating that I had expected - good luck to you!

[userforth]

Thanks so much, this all seems like great advice! I had been worried before about bothering students that may be busy but I probably wouldn't turn down a coffee break so hopefully it's the same for them

[pascal_barbots_wager]

In addition to the stuff mentioned above, if your schedule allows, try and walk around campus and the surrounding area a bit on your own. It's a nice way to explore and you might see some stuff a tour would miss.

[esotericish]

You shouldn't be scared to ask questions, even if you think they are too candid. Think of this as a job interview -- although less formal -- but you're the one doing the interviewing. They want you at this point, so ask all the tough questions to figure out if it's what you want too.

[pascal_barbots_wager]

You shouldn't be scared to ask questions, even if you think they are too candid. Think of this as a job interview -- although less formal -- but you're the one doing the interviewing. They want you at this point, so ask all the tough questions to figure out if it's what you want too.

 

This is true, but at the same time don't be too aggressive about it. Keep in mind, if you're accepted you'll be working with these people for 4-6 years.