<p>I was offered a few interviews in the coming weeks for programs in Cognitive Science and Cognitive Psychology. What percentage of interviewed students eventually get denied acceptance to PhD programs? Essentially, how critical is the interview?</p>
<p>It really depends on the program. The easiest way to get a straight answer would be to ask someone you know at the program already. Even when you're there as an interviewee and ask, it's possible they're evaluating you so they might not answer truthfully.</p>
<p>My interviews have all included an informational session in which they address that. They see it fit to keep this kind of information a secret on their website but will share it like mature adult administrators in person. I think that this has something to do with the large numbers of international applicants applying for a relatively small number of spots.</p>