Hertz 2016-2017

[harshilk]

Thought I'd get a Hertz thread started since we will be hearing about the first-round of interviews soon. 

How's everyone feeling?

[Edotdl]

Just heard back about first round of interviews.

[pterosaur]

I just got an email a few hours ago that I got an interview! They're sending me to Philadelphia. I'm not particularly sure why, but since I'm currently overseas they probably picked whatever was most convenient for them.

In the email it said 15% of applicants were offered interviews. I thought I recalled hearing in the past that it was typically 20-25%. Do you think they're cutting back the number of interviews, they had more applicants, or it's just natural variation?

[Edotdl]

I'd guess more applicants but it's impossible to know for sure.

[zorkiv]

Last year's percentage was "slightly less than 18% of applicants."

Make of that what you will. I'd guess it's just more applicants overall.

[Edotdl]

Any idea when we'll hear back about the actual time?

[pterosaur]

Is anyone else still in the running for this? I got an email on Friday that I'm a finalist!

As for the reduced percentage of interviews this year, when I was at my interview they said that their budget/endowment mean they're offering fewer fellowships this year.  Historically, it's been 15, but last year it was 12. Last year there were 50 finalists for those 12 fellowships, and this year there are 40 finalists, so I'm guessing there will only be 10 fellowships. I don't like my chances...