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Neuroscience: News and Discussions.

Full History - 2012 - 02 - 08 - ID#ph3u9
4
Grad school interview coming up, any suggestions? (self.neuroscience)
submitted 11y ago by lac_operon
I was recently selected for an interview at uconn for their phd program in physiology and neurobiology. Needless to say I'm a bit nervous. Any suggestions on dos and don'ts? Questions I should ask or be expected to be asked of me?
Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
ImNotAWhaleBiologist 2 points
Research all the faculty to find out 1) who you're most interested in working with, and 2) to be able to ask good questions. Make contact with those who meet criteria number 1. Be yourself; don't kiss ass, don't dress up preppy if that's not what you normally do, be polite, and mostly just be really interested. If you're not, you shouldn't go there anyway. If you are, you've got a great shot at getting in. If you've made it this far, you've got very good chances.
aranon17 2 points
I've been on admissions committees for the last three years. What I can tell you is that if you have an interview, then you look good on paper. Therefore, they are going to want to learn more from you. Be able to talk about the research you've done. Not just the techniques you did, but also the hypotheses, implications and future directions, but especially hypotheses. Also make sure to ask your interviewer about their research, even if it isn't within your area of experience or interest. You can also ask questions about the school or the program, even if you've heard about it from other people before.

Make sure you are polite to everyone, and get to know some current grad students. Word gets around, especially if someone comes off as abrasive or says something inappropriate.

Try your best not to be nervous. There aren't going to be any trick questions. Good Luck!
lac_operon [OP] 2 points
Thank you! That is all very helpful and I am going to work this all out on paper before I go up.
One question if you have the time though:
I have been in contact with one professor from the school in whose lab I want to work, should I expect that it will be him interviewing me or is it done according to availability of the professors?
[deleted] 2 points
[deleted]
aranon17 2 points
I would expect them to send you a schedule of who you will be interviewing with. Our school does 4-6 interviews, including some members of the admissions committee, but it could be different.
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