<p>I applied to Northwestern's PhD in Communications, and they will be flying me down in a couple of weeks, hoteling me, dining me, etc. for a couple of days of visits, meetings, etc. Should I assume that I'm accepted? Are they trying to recruit me now? Or should I still be in hopeful applicant mode?</p>
<p>Its a good sign, but yes it would pay to still advertise yourself in an articulate manner!!</p>
<p>But are there occasions when schools do this kind of thing and don't follow up with an offer of acceptance?</p>
<p>In the sciences they do it ALL the time. It's pretty much a given. A lot of us don't even have a free moment during the months of Feb. and March because we're travelling to so many schools for interviews. Basically the reason they do it is because the school/lab pays your whole stipend so they want to make sure that they're getting their money's worth so to speak. You may seem all right on paper, but in person you could be completely different. Also, they want to better gauge that you're the right "fit" for the school, that you're really, truly, deeply, committed to doing research, and you won't sell out and go into industry once you're done (half joke). Anyways, back to your question. In this case (science programs) they will DEFINATELY make final admission decisions AFTER the interviews. However the percentages can vary between schools. Some schools only admit 50% of people they interview, while other schools are as high as 80%. Some schools like the University of Minnesota (neuroscience) and Harvard (bioscience) have admitted people without even an interview but offer interview dates anyways to check out the place. I'm not sure about communications programs. To be sure, I'd just contact the program and ask. Also, to be on the safe side, I'd bring along nice clothes and act as professional and polished as possible at all times (cuz every minute is an interview, not just when you're sitting face to face with a prof. and ESPECIALLY while you're being wined and dined) Anyways, goodluck and congrats!</p>
<p>tattered...
not in physics or astronomy...
they only invite AFTER you are officially accepted</p>
<p>It might depend on which department you applied to.
I was invited for visiting weekend at NW in the offer of admission letter (for BME).
So, unless directly specified, I would assume that they haven't reached a decision.</p>