Is a graduate school less likely to accept someone who does a phone interview?

Question

I have applied to a group of top schools to get my Ph.D. in school psychology. I am also a full time teacher and taking masters classes. I have been invited to interview at an out of state school, but with my workload it is difficult for me to travel so far. I can do a phone interview, but will the school lean in favor of applicants who interview in person, or will they understand my circumstances and not hold it against me?

Answer 1

Although admission committees try to be completely objective, and would not intentionally prefer in-person candidates, there is always the chance that the candidates the committee meets in person might make a more substantial and lasting impression. Being a student of psychology, you are surely aware of this possibility. I must say, however, that in my experience, telephone interviews are not "held against" a candidate.

However, if the university has offered to defray your expenses to visit in person, and you have declined their offer, they might begin to think you are not serious about their program.

Answer 2

I don't think they will hold it against you. If you are currently in school with a full time job, they should understand that it would be difficult for you to travel.

However, it is hard to get a true understanding of a person from just a phone interview. There is not as strong of a personal connection over the phone as is seen in a face to face meeting. This might sway the application committees to favor those who they have personally met.

Answer 3

Was is a formal invitation? Almost everyone I know has been to graduate school, and none has ever mentioned being invited to interview. In fact, it is commonly accepted that most graduate students do not have enough money to drive across town, let alone out-of-state (I had to borrow $60 to cover the exit fees when I got my MA).

If the university is picking up the tab, then you should find the time because they obviously have more money than 99.9% of the colleges and universities in the US. If they are requesting an interview and expect you to pay, then blow them off – as they as probably jacking you around, anyway. (The late Lane Kirkland once remarked to a friend of mine that Academics were more vicious than the union leaders and communists he fought with when he was working his way up through the AFL-CIO.)

It is routine in the business world to do a phone interview (or 2 or 3) prior to being brought in for an interview, so there should not be an issue if you suggest that option.

Answer 4

if the school is honestly looking for quality student material and not just cash cows they will not have a problem with your schedule I interviewed several of my eventual students by phone and had no problem If you have a good likeness of you .. you can include that when you send in the application so they have a person in mind with a face instead of just a voice that might help but all in all most interviewers who are worth their salt will take into consideration that you have a heavy workload and can not just take off anytime that you wish. good luck with it

Answer 5

If you want to go to that school.......make the effort to get there and interview in person. A phone interview is to screen people ONLY and you will be ruled out most likely if you're not there. They don't care about your schedule.

Answer 6

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