<p>I'm sure this question has already been asked somewhere on this forum, but most threads I've found seem to be out interview weekends for the sciences rather than for programs in the humanities. Sorry in advance if this post is redundant. </p>
<p>Here goes: I've recently been admitted to a PhD program for English literature. I have also been invited for a campus visit which the program is willing to fund. My acceptance letter also said that decisions regarding assistantships will made at a later stage in the process. Is it pretty safe to assume that some type of funding will be forthcoming? They wouldn't pay for me to come visit if they weren't planning on offering me some type of assistantship, would they? Or will funding decisions be contingent on my "performance" during the visit? Again, it's not framed as an interview or anything, merely a visit. </p>
<p>Also, I will have the opportunity to sit in on a few seminars. Should I feel pressure to participate in class discussions? Should I keep my mouth shut and just observe. </p>
<p>Any advice/opinions would be great. Thanks guys.</p>
<p>They would indeed fund a visit with NO plans to offer financial support. These types of visits are usually seen to be an opportunity for YOU to inform yourself about the ambience of the program, and use that information to make your decision when you have sufficient information about ALL the programs to which you applied at your disposal (including support). IMHO, the opportunity to speak with current students in the program is utterly invaluable. Take every opportunity to do so, and ask them the questions you wouldn't ask the faculty.</p>
<p>Basically, this is supposed to be an informational visit. Your "performance" is certainly of interest to them as well, although this is not an interview. In other words, if you come off as "difficult" or "underprepared," or "cynical," or whatever personal quality peeves influential persons on the admissions committee, this WILL work against you.</p>
<p>Classroom conduct: No pressure. If you want to participate, do, but keep in mind that the others will have read certain materials that you have not.</p>
<p>Bottom line: Go and learn about the program. See if YOU think you fit there.</p>
<p>So, what kind of questions would you ask graduate students that you wouldn't ask from faculty? Since they don't know you, would they really say anything other than the usual yes, I'm pretty happy kind-of-response?</p>
<ul>
<li><p>About the faculty - who is great to work with, who is difficult to work with, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>About the library/labs/research facilities - where are the problems/challenges, if any?</p></li>
<li><p>About placement after degree - what are recent grads doing, where have they gone?</p></li>
<li><p>About money - Are the stipends adequate to live on in that particular area?</p></li>
<li><p>About housing - What are the local options? What are optimal ones and why?</p></li>
<li><p>About your personal concerns - kids, trailing partner in need of job opportunities, good vegan shopping, pets, etc. etc. etc.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>And of course they will answer truthfully! Why wouldn't they????</p>