Attending a Physics PhD interview when you might not go?

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SUMMARY

Attending a PhD interview at a college where you are unlikely to enroll can be beneficial for gaining experience and improving future interview skills. Engaging with the interview process allows candidates to assess the institution and the potential supervisor, even if it is not their first choice. It is important to approach the interview with an open mind and view it as a mutual evaluation rather than a mere formality. However, if a candidate is certain they will not attend, it may be perceived as misleading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of PhD application processes
  • Familiarity with academic interview formats
  • Knowledge of self-assessment techniques for interviews
  • Awareness of the role of mentorship in academia
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective self-assessment strategies for academic interviews
  • Explore the role of mentorship in PhD programs
  • Learn about the differences between various PhD programs and their faculty
  • Investigate common interview questions for PhD candidates
USEFUL FOR

Prospective PhD candidates, academic advisors, and anyone preparing for graduate school interviews will benefit from this discussion.

ams
Hi everyone,

I have an interview with a potential PhD supervisor scheduled for Friday, but I am not sure I will attend the college even if I get in. However, I want to attend the interview for the sake of experience (because I believe it'll help me identify the areas I need to improve myself in for future interviews). Is it misleading if I attend the interview even though I know I most probably won't be attending? Thanks in advance
 
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How would you feel if you knew that the college has no intention of admitting you, but the professor wants to practice on someone before interviewing the real candidates?
 
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If you're absolutely dead set on not attending then yes, that's a little misleading and a waste of everyone's time.

On the other hand, it's fine to go knowing that this particular college is not your first choice. You're interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. If you go into the interview with an open mind, looking for what this particular place may have to offer that your first choice may not, looking at the professor as a potential mentor, then I would argue you should go.*

* At least, virtually. Right now you should probably avoid any unnecessary travel.
 
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