<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I'm a Fall 2008 biomedical sciences applicant, who has been invited to quite a few interviews. I have already interviewed at three places, the latest one being last weekend, but haven't yet got a decision from any one of them. I haven't been rejected either. But considering that schools usually accept within a week and considering that a few other people interviewing in the same weekends have already heard, I'm obviously doing something wrong. Which one of the following reasons sound logical?</p>
<ul>
<li><p>I'm from a small, unknown school and the only "substantial" research experience I have had has been a summer experience at a top 5 research institution, under a well-known PI. But then, why did they invite me to the interviews?</p></li>
<li><p>I don't ask too many questions at the interviews.</p></li>
<li><p>I'm international.</p></li>
<li><p>The pool of interviewees is strong with pretty strong backgrounds.</p></li>
<li><p>I have also applied to the place I did research over the summer and all of the above institutions kind of "know" that that institution is my first choice. The professors at all these places actually asked me if I had applied there and I didn't lie, although I didn't really say that it was my first choice.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Considering that the interview at my first choice is yet to come in a couple of weeks, I appreciate any input. I really think I have the potential to do well in grad-school and not hearing from these schools yet really disappoints me. :( Well, maybe I'm just being paranoid too early.</p>
<p>Depends where you're applying, but the competition for international candidates is stiffer simply because of the limitations on allocating funding. </p>
<p>They don't know where your first choice is unless you tell them, or make it clear of that. If you're giving that vibe, then you're not giving a good interview and they will look at your profile with that kind of attitude.</p>
<p>If you think you're not asking enough questions, then ask more!</p>
<p>Structure, one thing that can make a difference is sending thank-yous. Paper thank-yous are very sincere, but sending by e-mail makes more sense because the committees meet to discuss the interviews a few days after the weekend, like you said. Thank the organizers, the department/program heads, the people you interviewed with, your student host, profs that hosted you for dinner, and the profs you want to work with that you met at happy hours/presentations - all by e-mail. Make it a long thank-you, and remember to express your interest in the program in addition to thanking them for their time. When they have the e-mail in hand at the committee meeting, they'll know that you're still taking them seriously and had positive impressions from the weekend.</p>
<p>How did you feel about the actual interviews? Were they relaxed or did you feel like you were being grilled? You don't need to ask a lot of questions, usually the PI will start talking about their research after you've explained yours, with little time for specific questions. (You should always have some question about the dept. or lab or qualifying exam or something lined up though, just in case.) If the interviews felt like they went well, then they probably did.</p>