"I'm desperate" is probably not the right answer.
April 11, 2015 6:22 PM   Subscribe

Only a few graduate programs have invited me to interviews. One of the programs isn't highly ranked or well-known and isn't in the greatest location (let's just say it would be unusual for someone from my state to go...where? THERE?), but I need to think of a compelling explanation for why I would choose their program over others during the interview. To be frank, they'll probably develop as good a reputation as any other, but there's nothing special about their program that would make people rush halfway across the country. Still, how do I avoid sounding desperate or contrived during the interview?
posted by Seeking Direction to Education (15 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Look into some of the researchers in your field who are working there. Find one you are interested in and then tell them that you are excited at the opportunity to learn from them or be close to their work. Be sure to think of a plausible explanation for why you might have heard of them.
posted by keeo at 6:26 PM on April 11, 2015 [8 favorites]


PhD or Masters?
posted by k8t at 6:40 PM on April 11, 2015


Response by poster: A professional degree, though they do offer a joint master's...
posted by Seeking Direction at 6:53 PM on April 11, 2015


I think I would just tell them something I liked about the program and say that you like the location for X reason and you wanted to be someplace new for this next chapter of your life.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:23 PM on April 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


Well, why was this a school you applied to? Surely there was something that sparked your interest. Explore that and mine that as much as you can. What professional opportunities does this connect you to? What interesting things does the program offer? A specialization in something, interdisciplinary options, an interesting student body, a new context to learn about your degree in (different ethnic groups? Rural vs. urban? Different medical challenges, etc.)?
posted by ChuraChura at 7:29 PM on April 11, 2015 [2 favorites]


you wanted to be someplace new for this next chapter of your life.

Unless this is library school in which case please don't say that :D

I don't think they need to know or think they're your first choice, just that you have a good reason or two why you think you'd be happy there. If it were me I'd go for a combination of what's at the school versus what is at the place. So a project or prof there that you find appealing and/or something you like to work on that they are just fine and dandy in (or got good recent press for, or have a good historical record because of, or even just a lengthy history of). And as far as the location, remember that even if it might not be the perfect destination for you, the people that live there (hopefully) like the location and so finding something that appeals to you about it is a good thing in general and also a good way to establish rapport with them at the interview. This is especially true if you're someone coastal moving to somewhere midwestern. People in the midwest, many of them, LOVE it there and so saying you're looking forward to learning more about prairie lifestyles or the history of Route 66 or whatever it is will be a good way to (usually) find common ground.
posted by jessamyn at 7:30 PM on April 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


If you're around tonight and feel comfortable sharing the name of the degree program as well as the university, I'd be glad to quickly look over it online and help you brainstorm a few specific reasons.
posted by smorgasbord at 7:42 PM on April 11, 2015


If there's anyone there doing good research in the discipline you are interested in, it's always a plus to answer that you are looking forward to either studying with someone at some point, or interacting with them in class, or simply being a part of a community that is making contribution x like so-and-so is. It answers the question pretty sufficiently, but it also shows that you are familiar with the kind of work that is happening there academically.
posted by SpacemanStix at 7:44 PM on April 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


[If you'd prefer to MeMail it, I'll keep it private, of course.]
posted by smorgasbord at 7:54 PM on April 11, 2015


Look at the classes or concentrations they offer, and pick one that you're interested in. I didn't realize this while applying to grad school, but mine actually was home to a cohort of professors who did XYZ in a special way, and a separate cohort of professors who particularly had focused their research on ABC. You might be able to pick out those themes by studying the course catalog and the CVs of the professors in the department, and comparing them to those of another university.
posted by salvia at 7:56 PM on April 11, 2015


You can add that it's a great program and that in addition to that, you're looking forward to being closer to family in the area.
posted by paulcole at 10:40 PM on April 11, 2015


Okay, if the only reason you want to go there is that they are the only school that would accept you, and otherwise they are at the bottom of your list, I'd look through their materials to see what they promote as distinguishing their university from the competition, and choose a few things that you can genuinely highlight. Like maybe they have an interesting museum collection, or offer lots of a particular type of training. Failing that, mentioning faculty members is always flattering to the university, and is by necessity a distinguishing factor.
posted by fermezporte at 10:40 PM on April 11, 2015 [2 favorites]


> let's just say it would be unusual for someone from my state to go...where? THERE?

I've made that sort of move three times, once each for grad school, a job, and love. At first it was like living in a foreign country, then I began to appreciate some of the differences. Each time it was an eye opening and enriching cultural experience. After 2-3 years I knew myself better, and had a better understanding of what had previously been, in hind sight, uncomfortably close to a caricature.

Main downsides were: 1) Climate - one gets used to it, 2) Politics of the locals - one learns to be inwardly amused, or to divert the conversation, or to develop more patience and tolerance, or to find like minded folk, or to not judge a whole person because of what they do in private once every 1 or 2 years.
posted by Homer42 at 11:00 PM on April 11, 2015 [3 favorites]


You might be over-thinking this. The people who will be interviewing you have all chosen to be there in one way or another and likely won't share the belief that the place you are interviewing at is stigmatized geographically or academically to the same extent you do.

If they are interviewing you they have not ruled you out as a candidate unlikely to come so they clearly believe they can draw people from the other side of the country.

They are also not privy to your applications at other schools.
posted by srboisvert at 2:42 PM on April 12, 2015 [3 favorites]


The people who will be interviewing you have all chosen to be there in one way or another and likely won't share the belief that the place you are interviewing at is stigmatized geographically or academically to the same extent you do.

I was going to say that exact same thing. Don't assume everyone shares your prejudices.
posted by sam_harms at 3:45 PM on April 12, 2015 [1 favorite]


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