Official Business School Representative
Joined: 08 Oct 2015
Affiliations: INSEAD PhD
Posts: 19
Given Kudos: 12
Location: Singapore
Re: do any phd programs interview applicants?
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Updated on: 31 Aug 2018, 01:50
It depends on the PhD program, and Sandy is right, it can also be country specific.
Generally, top tier programs will make sure to interview shortlisted candidates before making an offer. An interview will help programs get to know the applicant beyond the paper (materials), how the applicant articulates his ideas, his communication skills, and also get to see indications that the applicant can integrate smoothly with the existing PhD community. Not all applicants would think about the last point since everyone will be focused on their research ideas or interests. To me, this is as important as your research interests and value add to the program since a full-time PhD is at least 4-5 years. In those 4-5 years, you will be interacting with your peers and faculty members in order to discuss your ideas, get their feedback on your research, etc. To integrate smoothly and well into the program is one of the many and important ways to maximize your studies. PhD is also very social where you need to get out there and test your ideas!
Hope these few points will help you in understanding and preparing for a PhD application.
Ann Marie
Passion with a Mission. Dream chaser.
Twitter @AnnMarieJulaton / @INSEADPhDTeam