<p>I'm applying for UGA's PhD program in infectious disease, and have an interview lined up. However, I got a call from two faculty members (including the graduate coordinator), in which they interrogated me about some of the items on my CV (research experience, background with a particular alumnus of the program, etc.). They also asked for my permission to be nominated for the UGA Presidential Graduate Fellowship.</p>
<p>My question is: does this mean I'm already effectively admitted and that the interview is mere formality? Is this a common situation in other programs? It seems unusual to nominate an applicant for a prestigious fellowship and then turn around and reject them.</p>
<p>It’s a very good sign. You never want to say you’re in until you have a signed letter in your hand, but I would think you are definitely high on their list.</p>
<p>I’m in the Humanities, but I had a somewhat similar situation. I got an email last week from a professor on my department’s admissions committee saying I was considered an “extremely strong candidate” for the departmental fellowship (they only give out a few), but asking how likely I would be to attend because the award is non-transferable to another student should I choose not to enroll. The department’s review committee needs to finalize their recommendations before they send it to the general grad division committee because they’re the ones who make final decisions on funding. </p>
<p>It said that if I did not receive the fellowship, I would still be funded but just with more teaching and less stipend. He never specifically said that I would be admitted either way, but I took it as a strong indication. </p>
<p>I showed it to one of my professors who’s been on those committees today and he said it definitely means I’m admitted but they just want to make sure they’re not wasting time and money on someone who is going to choose another school.</p>
<p>So it sounds like you’re in too It’ll probably be another few weeks before official notification though. Congrats!</p>
<p>OP - there is probably enough funding in that field that fellowship nominations are only made to definite admits, but that is not always true in all fields so be a little cautious. My wife is an archaeologist, and was told by one well-regarded department a few years ago that her offer was contingent on her getting a university fellowship, because the department was so broke that they were not funding ANY new students otherwise!</p>
<p>So you are probably in like Flynn, but don’t bank on it until you actually get the letter.</p>
It’ll probably be another few weeks before official notification though. Congrats!</p>