<p>Hi. I received a few post-interview rejections for PhD programs (usually mid-lower quality programs), and I am trying to get a feel for why this keeps happening. These schools made the decision immediately after I attended the interview. I think for one of the programs, it may have been that I did not mesh well with the faculty and the school, but I have no clue on the other two (I actually liked the schools). I did receive acceptances from 4 other programs (including some upper level programs).</p>
<p>Does anyone have an idea why this may be happening? Do you think that I may not be interviewing well? I am also wondering if it is because I have been doing dry lab experiences for the last few years, and I want to do more wet lab research in grad school (did this in college). Any one have any ideas or knowledge why this keeps happening?</p>
<p>It is impossible to predict what you could be doing wrong although I have come across some general behaviors that are seriously frowned upon, listed by my own level of importance.</p>
<ol>
<li> Lack of interest </li>
<li> Inability to coherently discuss your research</li>
<li> Blatantly admitting that you are more interested in another school.</li>
<li> Sheer arrogance</li>
<li> Inability to ask intelligible questions.</li>
</ol>
<p>In my recent interview season I came across people that fit every position on this list which astounded me to some extent. Sounds like you have some offers so you must have done something right.</p>
<p>Even if you're doing a fantastic job interviewing with the professors, keep in mind that the current grad students can also have input on the admissions process. This may not be the case for every school, but at least in my program we get to offer our opinions on especially good/bad interviewees. (I guess the profs figure that there's no point in admitting someone if he/she is already shunned by the current students)</p>