<p>i'm attending a grad weekend this weekend and i'm wondering if anyone has any tips for me - they told me it wasn't an interview at all, even though i haven't been accepted and i am meeting individually with professors the day before. aside from reading up on the professors research, what should I do to prepare? </p>
<p>another semi-related question, are there often technical interviews on paid graduate visits/interviews, or is the focus their mainly on finding out whether or not you fit with the school/vice versa?</p>
<p>Relax and have good clean scientific fun! This is based off my own personal experience:
Most profs will ask you about your research and ask questions during your spiel. You should be able to clearly explain your project and purpose.
They'll talk about their research. Don't be afraid to ask them to clarify a point. You should be able to show that you listen and understand what they're saying.
They may also ask you why you are interested in science or a particular field. I think this cropped up more in my interviews with profs that were in a diff field than I am currently working in.
None of my interviews assumed I knew anything about their work. I did read through their lab projects online, but they all explained things well enough that I didn't need to do so. The closest question that assumed I knew anything about their work was "why are you interested in this __ department". </p>
<p>I'm not sure what you mean by technical interview. Again, I can only speak for my own experience but most schools seem to just want to find the right fit (both ways). Hope that helps a bit!</p>
<p>glad u bought it up. I had a similar question. Ive recently received an email saying I was accepted at this university and they would like me to visit during OPEN HOUSE. They are covering all expenses. I dont really know what to do, except go and check the place out! I mean she sent me the entire weekend's plan and it seemed like there was a lot of meeting with PI's and touring labs. Should I read up and prepare just in case? I mean i'm already in, so what possibly could they be testing me on! Do you think this could be an opportunity to see if I fit in as a RA or TA?</p>
<p>sadsong if u havent received the official acceptance, I would treat it like an other interview weekend.
good lcuk</p>