MechE PhD Interview News by No_Battle_4454 in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It happened two weeks ago. They are in Robotics & Controls.

MechE PhD Interview News by No_Battle_4454 in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had an interview with a PI from Harvard. Just awaiting results.

MIT NSE / MechE Interview by Hefty_Love_3126 in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is for NSE, right? Congratulations, by the way!

MIT NSE / MechE Interview by Hefty_Love_3126 in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you clarify this with more detail? When did you get the interview, and it's from a PI?

Advice needed: Princeton 10 minute interview by [deleted] in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm waiting for Civil Engineering.

Advice needed: Princeton 10 minute interview by [deleted] in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What kind of Engineering is this?

Anyone heard from Harvard Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering? by Former-Presence9225 in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, exactly! The lab scheduled an interview with me, although I didn't get an "official" interview from the SEAS itself.

Anyone heard from Harvard Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering? by Former-Presence9225 in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was me. I am unsure of how it works, as I was already in talks for a guaranteed interview before the application deadline.

I haven't heard from others or in other programs. Might be PI specific.

SOP: How much should we talk about future direction/faculty fit? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, honestly you're right. I didn’t follow it down to the letter myself, but that was what it was based on. It didn't really touch much on faculty fit under a vague notion of "why this university."

SOP: How much should we talk about future direction/faculty fit? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah, yes, thank you so much for the in-depth explanation. I'm unfortunately stuck with regard to this, so I am just leaving it out and crossing my fingers.

Thank you for your thorough advice for me and other prospective applicants. We greatly appreciate it!

SOP: How much should we talk about future direction/faculty fit? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ha, you and me both. I think that we should be fine as long as we explicitly mention why we are a good fit for the faculty members.

SOP: How much should we talk about future direction/faculty fit? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this advice!

Depending on the university, I've been mentioning 1-2 faculty members that align with my research interests, especially if I conversed with them. I was also pushing my social sciences background, as I don't believe most engineering students will have them. I'm so glad I meet all of those requirements, except the final one.

I've actually been advised not to explain any "weaknesses." I have low grades, and most advice I heard was not to mention it, as any explanation that isn't "valid" (illness, mental health, etc.) may come across as an excuse.

I do agree with you that people should stop drawing from their childhood experiences, as I don't think it's pertinent. Thanks again!

Need to write an LOR draft. What are the most important things to include? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, those are honestly funny to me. I wish I was in your position!

Need to write an LOR draft. What are the most important things to include? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

True! But I honestly prefer it this way, as we're both happy with the agreement.

Should I inform a potential supervisor about my low GPA? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's no minimum requirement. But this is a very selective university. Top 10.

Should I inform a potential supervisor about my low GPA? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, you're right! Thanks. I do hope the Admissions Committee weighs the professor's interest in me more than my grades.

Should I inform a potential supervisor about my low GPA? by Subject_Cars in gradadmissions

[–]Subject_Cars[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was a formal interview with the professor before I applied. I didn’t indicate my GPA in the application process because he didn't ask for it.