humanities recruitment visit

Professor_X
Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:05:41 +0000

They would indeed fund a visit with NO plans to offer financial support. These types of visits are usually seen to be an opportunity for YOU to inform yourself about the ambience of the program, and use that information to make your decision when you have sufficient information about ALL the programs to which you applied at your disposal (including support). IMHO, the opportunity to speak with current students in the program is utterly invaluable. Take every opportunity to do so, and ask them the questions you wouldn’t ask the faculty.

Basically, this is supposed to be an informational visit. Your “performance” is certainly of interest to them as well, although this is not an interview. In other words, if you come off as “difficult” or “underprepared,” or “cynical,” or whatever personal quality peeves influential persons on the admissions committee, this WILL work against you.

Classroom conduct: No pressure. If you want to participate, do, but keep in mind that the others will have read certain materials that you have not.

Bottom line: Go and learn about the program. See if YOU think you fit there.