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[runningthegoodrace]

To those experienced and knowledgeable:

I have been invited to interview at one of my top choices for a social science Ph.D--the program is paying for my visit and expenses. I know that the program has already admitted at least one student. The program told me there would be an 'interview' component where I would meet with faculty, though I'm not sure which faculty (yet?).

How "intense" is this interview going to be? What, aside from my research interests, will I be asked? What are my chances of being admitted? I also am a little miffed at why someone would admit some students and then spend money to bring other students to interview.

Thanks in advance.

[runwithscissors]

I can only give advice from my personal experience, so here goes. I guess that the panel of interviewers probably won't grill you too hard as this isn't a job interview, its a bit more 'exploratory' than that. They'll want to find out about why you choose to do a PhD, why you chose to do this specific PhD over others, why this department was your first choice and what you already know of the research that goes on there etc. If you are crossing disciplinary boundaries and moving into a new area, what research interests and skills do you have that will translate? ... and in the UK at least, where a PhD is just a single piece of research, they'll want to know what previous experience you have in the topic area that you'll be studying. Its also a chance for them to see if you get on well socially, as the supervisor-mentor/student relationship is important for your success, and also will take up a lot of their time and resources (and reflects on their professionalism too if you pass or fail). Simply put, don't sweat it, its not going to be too gruelling. Just study up on the department, the people and have some interesting things to say about the  field you are in; be polite, friendly and look enthusiastic. Good luck!

[runningthegoodrace]

Thank you for your reply. That eases my nerves a bit. I hope others will chime in. I can provide (some) more details if needed.

[olive]

I didn't have to do any interviews when I applied to grad school, so I can't speak from that particular experience.  However, most of my mentors have let me know that one of their primary concerns when meeting new grads/potential advisees is just to ascertain that the new student 'isn't totally crazy' (to use one mentor's phrasing). 

They want to see whether you can articulate why grad school is appealing to you, how much thought you've given to work you've already done as well as work you may take up in a grad program, how well you can get along with others in the department, that sort of thing.  They're probably trying to figure out who they might assign to advise you, so they're checking for fit in terms of interests, grant money available, teaching needs, and so on.  If you're interested in this department, and do some basic research on it as Runwithscissors suggested, you should be fine.

[vardahilwen]

Are you applying on a straight-to-Ph.D. basis with a bachelor's degree?  In my program, those of us with master's degrees were admitted outright, while the bachelor's degree people had to do interviews.

[runningthegoodrace]

To the first response: I'd like to think I'm not crazy...

To the second: No, I am not coming straight from a BA. I have an advanced degree.

[imawakenow]

How "intense" is this interview going to be? What, aside from my research interests, will I be asked? What are my chances of being admitted? I also am a little miffed at why someone would admit some students and then spend money to bring other students to interview.

Like everything else, it will vary by program, although I think the general rule is similar to what has been offered already.

In my experience, one program paid to fly me and other candidates in for a couple of days. We had a series of group and individual meetings, and I felt that once we passed the "crazy test" that the focus then became recruiting us into the program.

I am aware of another program to which a friend was "admitted." I use the quotes because in this case the school paid for all admits to come for a round of meetings and interviews. At the end of the weekend, only certain admits were offered funding. For this program, those not offered funding were essentially told, "Thanks, but you'll probably do better elsewhere."

If you really want to go to this school, contact the DGS for a name or names of current students. Then call one or more, as they will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect.

[runningthegoodrace]

Thanks for the advice. Do you think it is acceptable to contact a grad student w/o going through DGS?

[imawakenow]

Thanks for the advice. Do you think it is acceptable to contact a grad student w/o going through DGS?

Hmm, I don't know. I can't imagine that it would hurt your chances of admission/funding either way, but that's just my thought.

When I've been contacted by prospective students, the DGS always told me to expect to be contacted or asked if I would mind answering questions (or in other cases going for cofeee, drinks with prospective students, etc.).

Anyway, good luck with your decision.

[sirrah]

It might be that they have a limited number of funding spots or maybe a new assistantship is opening and they want to feel you out.  I would also try and have some questions for the interviewers to show your interests in the schools.