PhD Admissions Visit | What To Do on a PhD Interview

After your PhD application, you may be invited to an on-site interview, site visit, or open house. What is a PhD onsite interview like, and even if you've already been admitted into the program, how should you approach these events? Here is some advice to both put your best foot forward and to make the most out of it! Who should you be sure to talk to and what kinds of questions should you ask during a PhD interview?
It's also 2021, so... virtual PhD interviews and site visits are probably a thing.
Also before this event make sure you've had a look at my vide on PhD interview questions and what advisors are looking for! • PhD Interview Question...
You may also want to check out this video about PhD funding models, so you know what kinds of questions to ask about funding, stipends, fellowships, etc. • How much does a PhD co...
And also as a reminder: Reasons PhD students are rejected (and not all of these are your fault!): • Reasons PhD applicants...
The next videos on this topic will include: (1) What should YOU look for in a potential advisor? and (2) How do you choose which program to attend if you have options?
Please feel free to ask questions in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer them!

[@kristeljunesartagoda9821]

Dear Prof. Fiesler, Just wanted to let you know that you were a great help during the interview I had early this week. I just got the results, and I got the PhD studentship position in Nutrition! I'll be studying diabetes, CVD, etc. I hope that you continue your channel because you're really an inspiration. Kisses and hugs from the Philippines 🇵🇭❤️❤️❤️

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh I'm so glad, congrats! I'm actually just starting up some work about diabetes and data actually!

[@daphnejoslyn9933]

I'm 41 and finally decided to go back to school for my PhD. I was invited to interview and I'm being flown out to the school next week! Thank you for your videos. The imposter syndrome comment made me laugh because that's absolutely how I've felt these past few weeks. :)

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Good luck!!!

[@erios8687]

I'm a first-generation college student. I have followed your videos since I began the grueling process of introspection and submitting my application for consideration to a Ph.D. program in Education. Thanks, Casey for sharing your knowledge and wisdom through youtube. I was definitely more prepared and confident and received an interview from my top choice program. Your charm, wit, and humor make this process less scary. I will be receiving a notification in mid-February. This year's competition for a spot is more fierce but I made it to the interviewing rounds. Thank you! you are truly making a difference.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh this is so nice, thank you for this! I'm so glad I was helpful, and good luck to you

[@lincolnk6499]

Thank you for yet another helpful video. Your advice makes so much practical sense. Keep on.

[@irisbroken417]

Just got invited for an interview so thanks for dropping this video right on time!!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh congrats! And good luck!

[@chewilliams3795]

Good luck!

[@favoritevideosofLore]

Coming from the future. I'm about to fly to Utah for my PhD Admission Visit and am very excited about it! Your videos were a huge help throughout my application process. Thank you!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Congratulations!

[@jhamdan2012]

I like the rhythm of your speech, very consistent and of moderate speed. That's how all teachers should present their material.

[@adrianaquesada5665]

Casey, your videos are great. I have an interview next week, and they have helped me a lot to prepare. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these videos. I particularly loved how very personal you make them and the tranquility you transmit with them.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh you're so welcome, and also good luck!!

[@xingsu1581]

Thanks Casey! I found your videos extremely helpful as I am preparing for interview right now. Looking forward to your next video about choosing the right faculty to work with!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You're very welcome, good luck to you!

[@stephzerrudo6280]

Thank you, Casey, for your videos. I've been watching them since I started my application and they are all helpful especially for prospective international students like me. Thankfully, I am admitted to my target university (yey)! This weekend I am invited to their recruitment weekend. Though I already watched this video before, I watched it again now. Thank you for your advice! ^^

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Congrats!!

[@mohammadforouzannia4526]

Awsome and so helpful! TNX

[@Mystiverv]

Casey thank you so much for all these videos! I’m a first gen college student and with your help I’ve been accepted into Caltech’s chemistry PhD program! I appreciate all you’ve done ❤

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Congratulations!

[@lizzsszzy7800]

Wow, I applaud you!

[@asifnawaz839]

Thanx a lot Dear Doctor

[@Elaheh_mh]

Thank you 🌺🙏🏻

[@gtjac]

I just completed my applications to six PhD programs. I wouldn’t have completed a single application if it weren’t for your videos. Thank you Casey.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

good luck!

[@flyingjeff1956]

Well done.

[@xzhao3888]

Thanks Casey. Another wonderful video. Though it will definitely be virtual this year, I'm still worried about dressing and appearance in the interview/open house. I work as a research assistant in academia and have never seen anyone dress formal except hosting a conference. I don't want to overdress, which will make me extremely nervous. But as you said, it's a professional occasion.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Don't wear a t-shirt. Also not necessary to wear e.g. a tie... probably in between that is appropriate. :)

[@xzhao3888]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD how about hair and makeup. I've been quarantining at home alone almost a year, so you know that covid caveman look.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@xzhao3888 If someone judges you based on your makeup skills I think you probably don't want to go there.

[@nirsankaroy7614]

Dear Prof. Fiesler, Thank you so much for your tips and tricks, they helped a lot during my interview. I got my acceptance letter yesterday.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Congratulations!

[@nirsankaroy7614]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you so much Professor ❤️❤️

[@HouseofEl]

What an inspiring video! So glad I found your channel!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Thank you! If it's helpful I'm so glad you did too. :)

[@amariadudley4385]

I just found your videos! Thanks so much for them! I just got invited to an interview via ZOOM. My question is, in the email they sent out they attached the emails of current students. What would your advise me on communicating with them before the interview? Or should I wait till after? Thanks so much!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Hmm! I mean, if this is just a conversation with a prospective advisor it's probably not necessary to talk to students before, you might actually have a better sense of questions to ask them after that conversation. But I think that depends on you! If they gave you their emails it's clearly fine to reach out whenever. :) (Though you might also ask the professor WHO would be best to talk to. e.g., based on research interests.)

[@Estefi373]

Grate video , you have an amazing energy. I'm preparing for and interview and I found your videos so useful. But I have a question that I hope you can help me with: the PhD admission director asked me for a list of 5-6 faculty with which I woul like to interview and I don't know if they choose some of them or if I would have interviews with each of them. What do you think about it?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

No idea! But you should just give them a list of whoever you most want to meet with.

[@HimanshuSharma-nv3ev]

I have already been interviewed by a potential Ph.D. supervisor, whose research interests are aligned with mine. The interview went very well, and it's more like an informal chat. He has shown good interest in my profile and told me that my research experience is highly relevant to his work. He invited me to an online Graduate visit day by the department. I just wanted to ask what specific attributes they will be looking in visit days, as my potential supervisor already knows about my research. And also, what are my chances? Any other advice you have? Thank you in advance.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You might find this video helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqWYYnx7m86Gg8k Though beyond this, there's not much more specific I can offer, these things vary greatly. But good luck!

[@user-mm6mg6vm3n]

Hello Dr. Fiesler just wanted to let you know your videos are great! 😊 I have a question - I had received an email from my potential advisor about the graduate recruitment even at their university and it mentioned if I am able to make it to the event I have to contact administrative department before 15th Jan. I missed out this email because of technical issues my university had with the email system. Later they scheduled an online interview. I replied to that email and apologized and mentioned about the technical issues I faced and also mentioned my willingness to come visit the university. The administrative department mentioned that they are at the full capacity and won’t be booking any travel. Did this create a bad impression on my potential advisor?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm afraid I can't answer that for you! But I would hope they would appreciate that it isn't your fault.

[@akhirawatson9565]

Great video! I've been invited to interview at a virtual visiting day. I meet with 3 advisors for 15 minutes each. Is that time normal? It seems very very short. Also for 2/3 advisors I am paired with another student. Do you have any advice on being paired with another student? Like how that interview would be completed?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Different faculty run these differently! I think if you're with another student, that is a great time to ask a broader question that would be useful for both of you.

[@bonnasheehan293]

Hi Casey! I'm returning to this video because I have an interview Monday/Tuesday :) Part of my schedule includes interviewing with the associate director and director of the program. Do you have any specific advice or appropriate questions to ask them? Thanks!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

They're the best person to ask questions about logistical things or big picture stuff (e.g., what kinds of jobs do your graduates get?)! Though they're probably also a faculty member so could be the same as talking to any other faculty too!

[@danielkrupah]

Please I have an interview tomorrow and would you to share your experience with me.

[@dominiquebarnes9327]

Hi Casey, should I send a thank email after the interview weekend?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

It doesn't hurt, but I also don't think it's necessary, so up to you! (And congrats on getting an interview!)

[@oluwakemigegeleso1449]

Hello Casey! Thank you so much for your videos, i have been following them all through my application process and now I have been offered admission to my dream school. i was invited for a virtual open house and I'm completely nervous, i don't know what to expect or if my admission can be withdrawn at this point. i reached out to some graduate students but I'm yet to get a reply from them. Also, i was communicating with a professor and along the line i didn't know what to say , so i haven't replied his mail for over month, does that count as being rude or being a jerk? Do you think i should bring it up at the open house?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I don't think there's any need to bring it up! Just be sure to express your enthusiasm when you're there. Good luck!

[@obcustoms9321]

Am from India I want to do a PhD in Healthcare "the origin cause of cancerous cells" but am from MBA healthcare do u think this will be a suitable topics for me

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

No idea, I don't know anything about that field!

[@formukongnguasangwing8689]

Hi Dr Fiesler, I applied to this university and after a few weeks they invited me to their in-house seminar, interestingly, I was the only applicant who was invited to that seminar. Few days ago, they invited me for a virtual interview. I'm presently nervous as to what the outcome will be when they do get back to me. I'm not sure why I'm writing you right now, but I hope you do understand it's a result of the nervousness in me. Please tell me anything that comes to your mind after reading this. Thank you so much for your time.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I don’t think you’re asking a question here, so I’ll just say good luck!

[@formukongnguasangwing8689]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thank you! I wasn't actually asking. I'm simply nervous and anxious what the outcome will be.

[@PranavkumarEA]

Hello Professor, I am a big fan of your videos. I am in a situation where I need expert help. I have applied for a PhD in 5 universities and I called one of the university and asked them if I can meet the faculty and get a tour of the labs. So the Program director agreed and arranged to meet with 5 professors and later give a tour of the lab. What can I deduce from this situation. Am I shortlisted or they are just being courteous and arranging the meet. Please advice Thanks

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I actually don't think you need advice! There isn't really anything you need to do at this point, right?

[@PranavkumarEA]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD in the video you mentioned that if the university calls me to attend the open house or meet the faculties then they are interested in me. But in my situation what do you suggest. Am I shortlisted or not to think that way??

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@PranavkumarEA No idea! But you still don't need advice, since there's not anything you can do but wait. I know that's hard, good luck!

[@VladyslavKL]

🕊

[@julianstephens]

Hi Casey! I noticed from your CV video that you went to GT and studied with Dr. Bruckman. I'm currently in my last semester of undergrad at GT studying computer science. Dr. Bruckman is my absolute favorite professor and her courses have really influenced my career decisions. Could I reach out to you via email to discuss your work with her?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

That's wonderful! Sure, feel free to reach out.

[@deliacostai4382]

13:43 I love that. Do you love me? 😍💋 💝💖❤️