Interview clash with MSc Exams

[hippyscientist]

I've just received an interview to my second choice school (YAY!), but they are asking me to fly out for interview day. The amount they are willing to reimburse is a lot, but will not cover the majority of my expenses (flights, accommodation etc). Also, the interview day happens to be the same day as one of my exams! What's the best way to handle this? I'm obviously very excited that they want to interview me, but I can't fly for 11 hours to make an interview on the day of my exams! 

If it helps, I have already visited the school, and met with the dean of the department and key faculty members back in September. 

[fuzzylogician]

Dear Prof X, 

Thank you for the interview invitation! I am very excited about visiting Awesome U and the possibility of attending the ABC program next year. Unfortunately, DATE is not a possible time for me to travel, as my MSc exam has been scheduled on that day. Would it be possible to visit on another date? If not, I would be very happy to make myself available for a Skype interview. 

Thank you for your understanding,

piglet33

[fuzzylogician]

It wasn't clear to me from your post if you would consider going even though you'd have to cover at least some of the expenses out of pocket. If this is not the case, then you need to say that in your email too. I think it's totally fair, and they should understand. 

[rising_star]

Yea, I would use fuzzy's suggested email but modify it to indicate that the cost is an issue. So something like "Unfortunately, DATE is not a possible time for me to travel, as my MSc exam has been scheduled on that day.  Would it be possible to arrange a Skype interview for another date?" rather than offering to fly in for a different interview day.

[hippyscientist]

Thank you for your replies. I didn't want to insult them by saying that I couldn't attend but wanted to make sure that a skype interview is okay to ask for! 

Thanks again.