Phone Calls

[winterman62]

Now that admission season is in full swing, I have a question. I've noticed that some schools decide to let applicants know they have been admitted by calling them on the phone. This might sound silly, but can anyone offer any insight into what these calls are like? Do they interview you in any way, or is it just "congrats, you've been accepted, let us know what you decide" kind of thing? Also what time of day do they usually come at? Thanks!

[Shostakovich]

I'm applying to Stats/Biostats but I'm sure the process is similar. For me it was a professor saying something along the lines of "Just wanted to let you know we're recommending you for admission" with info about the details about their program including their strengths, funding, and how the living conditions will be like. Then I was also asked some questions such as what I'm interested in doing (concentration within the field, academia vs industry) and where else I've applied to.

But overall I'd say the call was fairly informal, and there is no real interview with the purpose of evaluating you. At this point their purpose is more to try to convince you to come to their school.

Good luck!