Requesting Alternate Interview Date

[psychlifer]

Good afternoon all,

I am currently experiencing a (good) dilemma of having to choose between two schools who have their interview date scheduled for the same day. At first, I was contemplating just asking for a phone/skype interview, but I am now thinking (after reading some threads here) of requesting an alternate interview date. How do I do this while staying professional and committed? Also, any feedback on how to respond if they say no?

 

Thank you!

[pataka]

I'm interested to see others' responses to this too, since this is my first year applying so I've never dealt with this situation before.

I think you should decide which school to prioritize over the other in case you have to. Then tell the other school that you are very interested in the program and are excited to have received an interview invite; however, you have a scheduling conflict and are inquiring about the possibility of scheduling an interview for a different day. Let them know that rescheduling would be the most ideal option for you since meeting them in person would be the best way to truly express your interest in the program and learn more about the people and environment there, but if rescheduling isn't an option, you would like to know if a video or telephone interview is possible.

[MarineBluePsy]

This is not unusual and schools know that applicants apply to multiple programs.  If you've already accepted one of the interviews then contact the other school and ask if there are any other interview dates because you have a schedule conflict.  You do not have to disclose what other school you will be interviewing at if you don't want to.  If they say no, which is always possible, then ask if there is the option to interview via Skype or phone.  Personally, I wouldn't want to attend a program that wasn't willing to be a little bit flexible this early in the game.