Phone call with prof today (not an interview, already accepted)

[DJLamar]

He has made no mention of what specifically he wants to discuss. I'm kind of freaked out.

[OH YEAH]

Probably wants to talk about what kind of research you all will be doing. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about--at this point, it's their job to schmooze you and encourage you to come. You can't mess up.

Edited February 8, 2010 by OH YEAH

[fuzzylogician]

It's more for your sake than the professor's sake. It's not that important what you talk about as much as that you are able to have a pleasant conversation. The professor will probably tell you about his current projects and ask about what you have been doing in the past or are interested in doing in the future. If you have any questions about life in the department - advising styles, course load, requirements - or about the city itself, this is the time to ask. Professors are less likely to be able to tell you how students get along with respect to funding, workload or similar questions, but some do know and it can interesting to find out how involved this professor is in his students' lives.

[katalytik]

I agree with the others. Its now their marketing their program.......to get you to come there.

[DJLamar]

Ok... help me come up with questions to ask! Haha. I already want to ask about the process of selecting an advisor and forming a committee since I can't find any information about that on the school's website. Other than that I'm completely blanking out... would it be impolite somehow to ask about what the stipends will be?

[American in Beijing]

I essentially had one of these the other week (although I haven't been formally accepted to the school yet). It freaked me out too, but then once I started I realized it was mostly me talking and not the other way around. I agree with the others, it's just a way for a prof to try to get you to come to that school. They figure if you see how nice this professor is and how much he/she loves the program, you'll go.

Just make sure you ask questions about what kind of funding is available (not rude at all), what kinds of resources the school has access to, what the exact layout of the program is (from my very limited experience, the explanations on the website can be more confusing than helpful), and if there are possibly any students in your area that you could speak to if you can't make it to admit day.

Remember, you've already been accepted (congrats, btw). This can only be a good thing!

[DJLamar]

Ok, I had my phone call and it went quite well. It was definitely a lot less stressful than I expected after it actually started, and the professor seemed very friendly. Looking forward to my official paper letter (after an unofficial email and an official email) in the mail and visit day in March.