How did my meeting with POI go?

[paulwece]

It lasted about 30 min. I can't remember everything said, but here is the gist...

<shake hand>

POI: Thanks for coming down here. I really appreciate it.

Me: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

POI: Where else are you applying to?

Me: I'm only applying to <this school>  not only because it has a top program, but also because I'd like to stay in state. I also like the Spring admission, which very few schools offer.

POI: <smiles> I see in your email that you are interested in innovation, I want you to know that most of what I do is theoretical. I want to make sure our research interests are aligned.

Me: When I speak of "innovation," I don't mean just product innovation, but new ways of doing things from a theoretical perspective, and I believe most of the innovations in this field will be in software/new methods. I was especially impressed with <this article> of yours that <did this and that> and I feel my <whatever background> would do well in this field. <I also mentioned something specific to his lab, such as an one of a kind device his lab has>

POI:That's good. I really appreciate you reading the article of mine. Are you going to go for a PhD after you get your masters? Because I'm more interested in PhD candidates. However, you can join my group and just write a MS thesis and take 2 courses of mine, but you have to get admitted first.

Me: DGS told me that admission is not by a committee, but by faculty. Currently, I'm applying for MS, but I wouldn't rule out a Phd.

POI: I see, how are your grades?

Me:  TBH, I feel my GPA are the weakest part of my application, due to <briefly explains my setback> and mentions how great I'm doing now. I also have a very strong background in mathematics and problem solving in general, which I believe which be of benefit in this field.

POI: It's okay, I'm more interested in the courses you've taken than grades. It's good that you are gifted in math. A lot of our members are good at math. (something like that). Now, do you think you'll get a PhD later (2nd time he asks me this)?

Me: While I can say for certain I will get a Phd later, I am very passionate about research. This is why I applied for MS (with thesis) as opposed to the M.Eng program the department is starting.

POI: Oh yeah, the M.Eng is not for you

 

... can't remember anything else, I also asked what I can do in the mean time to better prepare myself (like skills to pick up etc...) but it ended with him saying he'll look over my file and if he likes what he sees then he'll recommend me for admission. 

How did I do overall? At least I told him the strength/weakness of my application so he won't be surprised when he see it.

 

Sorry, had to post this and ask. This is what happens when you are in the dreadful waiting period, just want to hear different opinions. It's interesting he brought up the PhD thing twice. But I think I might've shot myself in the foot by saying no to the question "will you continue on to a Phd after getting MS" in my application. Ouch. I thought admission standard would be more strict if I included PhD, and also I wasn't sure at the time.  However, my SOP is very research oriented and I did not rule out PhD in my SOP, only saying "upon the completion of the graduate program...blah blah blah..."

I'm also surprised the DGS told me there is no admissions committee. 

Edited October 7, 2015 by paulwece

[Need Coffee in an IV]

This is my first post! I think you did great and I wouldn't be too nervous. I also wouldn't worry how you mention stopping at a masters on your application. I'm applying this Fall but I'll use my boyfriend as an example. He wrote in his applications that he was interested in the project track of geological engineering and not a thesis. However, he was in constant contact with his now adviser. She offered him a RA position, which covered tuition, health insurance, and provided a stipend if he switched to the research track. My boyfriend of course switched and is very happy at grad school. So basically if they really want you, they will accept you. Good luck!

[paulwece]

Thanks,

It's been 2 weeks since I visited (and since my LORs were all in), still haven't heard anything. Should I follow up with my POI and ask about the status? Or is this too soon/inappropriate?

From reading Gradcafe, it seems one is discouraged from contacting POI in this stage, so I'm not sure I should. But wouldn't it be an indication of interest and shows you care if you followed up? For example, it's typically encouraged to follow up after job interviews...

[Dedi]

Thanks,

It's been 2 weeks since I visited (and since my LORs were all in), still haven't heard anything. Should I follow up with my POI and ask about the status? Or is this too soon/inappropriate?

From reading Gradcafe, it seems one is discouraged from contacting POI in this stage, so I'm not sure I should. But wouldn't it be an indication of interest and shows you care if you followed up? For example, it's typically encouraged to follow up after job interviews...

I think after two weeks, you should follow up. Just don't bombard the prof with emails!

Edited October 12, 2015 by Dedi

[paulwece]

Thanks, but keep in mind that I have already submitted my application on 9/1. All my LORs were in by 9/29, which is the day I visited the school and met with POI.

I don't want to be seen as trying to "gain advantage" in the admission process by contacting POI at this time. Perhaps this is why some ppl on Gradcafe discourage it. I guess I can wait until the end of the month/ early Nov as that's when all will be notified. But the earlier I find out, the better it is for me, as I have some backup plans as well. 

I just want to be really sure before I go ahead with this. I don't want to sabotage my application, but I also don't want to miss out on something in case a follow up from me can help. I also read a lot of people had "bad luck" when they ask the admissions office of their application status, although in my case, I'm not planning to contact admissions, but my POI.

 

[Dedi]

Thanks, but keep in mind that I have already submitted my application on 9/1. All my LORs were in by 9/29, which is the day I visited the school and met with POI.

I don't want to be seen as trying to "gain advantage" in the admission process by contacting POI at this time. Perhaps this is why some ppl on Gradcafe discourage it. I guess I can wait until the end of the month/ early Nov as that's when all will be notified. But the earlier I find out, the better it is for me, as I have some backup plans as well. 

I just want to be really sure before I go ahead with this. I don't want to sabotage my application, but I also don't want to miss out on something in case a follow up from me can help. I also read a lot of people had "bad luck" when they ask the admissions office of their application status, although in my case, I'm not planning to contact admissions, but my POI.

 

Sorry, I misunderstood the situation (I edited the post).

But if you're going to be notified soon, maybe it's best to hold off. Some programs take 4-5 months to notify everyone, in which a follow-up email would make more sense.

[Komugi]

Haha...Well done on your interview! You handled the questions well to your favor. I hope you got admitted in the end. I am currently also waiting for a decision, so I can relate to your recalling the interviews you've had, and doubting whether you could have done any better. But in the end it's not the end of the world or something like that. At least, that's what I try to convince myself of.