Turning down an in-person interview

[wootar]

I am having a difficult time figuring out how, and if, I should turn down a recent interview invite.

I have been fortunate this year to receive four interviews already. I applied to twelve schools, thinking I would be lucky to hear back from three. I have paid for, and made travel arrangements for all of them. I did not think I would hear from anymore schools, except maybe my alma mater, which is local. Over the weekend, I received an additional invite from a school that is relatively far away and the plane ticket is not cheap. There was the possibility of a skype/phone interview mentioned in the initial e-mail.

After making other interview plans, and having a completely unexpected car problem that cost a pretty big chunk of change, I am finding myself in a pretty tough spot financially. Furthermore, I will be traveling 14 days over the next three and a half weeks already.  So, since I already have four invites, I had e-mailed and mentioned that I was unsure if I would be able to make it to the in-person interview, but remained very interested in the program and should know more about my situation soon (did not mention any reason why), and that if I am unable to make it, I would love the chance for an alternative phone/skype interview.

The POI responded and said just to let them know as soon as possible, but also said he'd like the chance to speak over the phone more informally about the program and interview arrangements if that would help me decide whether I'd be able to travel or not. So, now I am thinking even though an alternative interview was mentioned, that they probably do not treat it equally.

I'm not sure if I am overthinking the situation or not, but I am feeling a little guilty and don't want to come off as if I am uninterested or 'hurt anyone's feelings' so to speak. But, I don't want to regret taking the 'alternative' interview if that looks bad, especially if I do not get an offer of admission from the other interviews.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Is it a huge faux pas to decline an in-person interview? I feel like four interviews is enough, but don't want to miss an opportunity either.

[ejs813]

It sounds like you have all the reason not to go in person. I think if you just explained the car situation and that you are traveling a lot this month (don't have to mention for interviews, I'm sure they can put 2 and 2 together) but you can't go into debt before you even start school haha.

If they are open to skype/phone interviews just do that! I had to decline an in person interview for my top choice school which killed me but I had already committed to another interview and wasn't given much warning. It happens but thank goodness for technology!

[ihatechoosingusernames]

Thank goodness for technology, indeed! I just got off a phone interview where I was told that if I declined an in person interview they wouldn't hold it against me at all. They know we have limited funding as students, so it's no big deal to turn it down.

1 hour ago, wootar said:

The POI responded and said just to let them know as soon as possible, but also said he'd like the chance to speak over the phone more informally about the program and interview arrangements if that would help me decide whether I'd be able to travel or not. So, now I am thinking even though an alternative interview was mentioned, that they probably do not treat it equally.

I see they want to discuss interview arrangements. Do you know if they're offering to pay for part of your trip at all? If they are, and if that weekend isn't already taken up with another interview, you might consider giving it a shot. I don't think turning down an interview would automatically disqualify you, but it's important for both you and the school to get to know each other. They don't want to pick someone who has obvious character flaws that are only apparent once they meet someone in person, and they don't want to invest time/money into someone who may hate the city and leave a year down the road. It's a gamble for them to extend an offer of admission, and I'm sure it calms them somewhat to meet prospective students in person.

But don't sweat it too much! If you really don't have the time/money/whatever, just tell them you're broke and take the Skype interview  

[lewin]

2 hours ago, wootar said:

I had e-mailed and mentioned that I was unsure if I would be able to make it to the in-person interview, but remained very interested in the program and should know more about my situation soon (did not mention any reason why), and that if I am unable to make it, I would love the chance for an alternative phone/skype interview.

Stop beating around the bush. Saying, "might not be able to make it," without any explanation has high potential to be interpreted as a lack of interest.

Just directly ask whether they're able to provide travel funding for interviews because you've already committed to several out-of-pocket trips. "I'd be really excited to visit, are you able to provide any travel funding?" They will understand this.

 

 

[rising_star]

Agreed with @lewin. Just ask if they have any funding to support travel for an in-person interview. I can't even fathom paying for 3 interviews out of pocket unless I was going to be reimbursed >75% of my expenses.

[communityhopeful]

I'm not sure whether this will help you, but I remembered seeing a discussion about this in the Norcross and Sayette "Insider guide to graduate programs in clinical and counselling psychology." Their response (p. 105 of the most recent book, if you want to check it out yourself) is that if you have interviews scheduled with other schools, say so directly and often an alternate date of a phone/skype interview will work out, and schools understand this and don't hold it against you. If you really don't have the money, then explain that to the program and often an alternative interview (phone/skype) can be also be worked out, but in some cases this does hurt your chances of admission. I guess that means if you really don't have the money, explain the situation honestly and see how it goes, but if you can swing it and you're interested in the school, you should do attend the interview. Good luck, whatever you do! 

[Analyticchic]

I would do the skype interview/phone interview because it is better than no interview at all. You already have legitmate reasons why you can't make the trip out there. So just tell them asap or you will lose you're going to lose your chance if you keep being indecisive

[wootar]

Thanks for all of the advice! I definitely should have just been more up-front in the first e-mail, I don't want to come off as uninterested at all. I took the advice, and just e-mailed him back and said I was honored to have been invited, and that an informal phone conversation to learn more about the program (which he had mentioned) sounded like a great opportunity. I then just aid that my ability to travel was only hindered by cost at this time and asked if he knew whether or not the department would be providing any type of assistance with travel expenses. I e-mailed back yesterday evening and still have not heard back, so I hope I didn't say the wrong thing or come off as being too complicated. If so, I do at least have other interviews to look forward to, but don't want to discount any offer at this time.

Anyways, thanks for thoughts, comments, and advice. Really helpful!!