Comments | applyingtograd: Visiting Schools Before Applications

saralinds in applyingtograd

Visiting Schools Before Applications

Nov 07, 2007 22:27

The search function isn't working and I don't remember seeing any recent entries on this topic for this application season ( Read more... )

campus visit, meeting with faculty, admissions

Comments 13

wannaxdisco November 8 2007, 03:45:59 UTC

I planned a trip. I don't know if it'll help but if you can afford it, why not?

kahlan_amnell November 8 2007, 03:46:48 UTC

Usually people wait until after they are accepted, or asked for an interview before visiting. However, if a professor really wants you to visit you should consider doing so.

kahlan_amnell November 8 2007, 03:47:25 UTC

(should have said asked for offical interviews)

obsoletechild November 8 2007, 04:02:53 UTC

I am visiting most of the programs I am applying to before applications are due. These are not visits for interviews, but to get to know some of the people in the program and help determine if I even want to go to these schools. In the process of one of these visits, I met a professors who has been very helpful in keeping me on track in the graduate school application process. I think if you have a prof this interested, it can only help you to go visit if you are able.

mbwahl November 8 2007, 04:12:06 UTC

An interview now is as good as an interview later. The fact that he's asking you now means that he clearly wants you there. Remember, he can push for you with the admissions committee. I'd say that if it goes well you're a shoo-in at that school, so it'd be a good investment in your future to start making travel plans.

saralinds November 9 2007, 05:23:51 UTC

Yeah, the more I'm in contact with him and the more he pushes in his e-mails, I'm starting to feel that I actually have a chance at this. And while asking one of my advisors today, he said, "Well, it's not really your top choice isn't it?" I said, "Well, I think I have a safety school now."

But I'm going to try to go to see if it can change my prenotions about it and the area :)

ravenword November 8 2007, 13:05:19 UTC

If you can't afford to travel, ask if he'd be willing to do a phone interview? I've had several profs give me phone numbers and have me call them to talk about research, the program, and so on. You can talk about more stuff that way than through email.

saralinds November 9 2007, 05:21:29 UTC

I had that done with one of my other programs... I think conversation went well though it was a little *late* at night for her (at 9 PM) but it was the only time that worked for both of us.

How did that work in favor (or not?) for you in the admissions?