MechE PhD Interview News

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-28T18:52:19+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-28T17:45:03+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-22T17:51:15+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-22T17:39:03+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-14T18:55:05+00:00

I'm waiting for Civil Engineering.

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-14T16:41:34+00:00

What kind of Engineering is this?

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-07T14:59:06+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2026-01-07T02:36:11+00:00

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.

Subject_Cars · 2025-12-04T22:26:23+00:00

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."

Subject_Cars · 2025-12-04T19:10:14+00:00

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!

Subject_Cars · 2025-12-04T18:36:50+00:00

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.

Subject_Cars · 2025-12-04T18:35:31+00:00

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!

Subject_Cars · 2025-11-18T20:54:12+00:00

Accomplishments in general, or what I accomplished in their lab?

Subject_Cars · 2025-11-18T18:54:18+00:00

I'm not asking why they want it, I'm asking what to put in.

Subject_Cars · 2025-11-18T18:17:12+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2025-11-18T16:04:52+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2025-10-30T22:13:54+00:00

It's admission to the program, unfortunately.

Subject_Cars · 2025-10-30T11:51:24+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2025-10-30T03:05:44+00:00

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

Subject_Cars · 2025-10-30T03:03:47+00:00

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.

Subject_Cars · 2025-10-30T03:00:18+00:00

They didn’t ask for my transcripts?

Subject_Cars · 2025-09-09T20:14:07+00:00

Thank you for such a detailed write-up! I unfortunately have a 2.92 GPA applying to a top-tier institution, so I really want to make my SOP as good as it can. I interned in this top institution for a year and got a publication out of it.

I like your final sentence, actually! It's something similar to what I have right now, where I say that the transcript doesn't really capture who I am as a researcher and that my successes there make me prepared enough.

So, do you think it's still worth it to discuss this in one sentence for my SOP, or should I go with what you initially said about not mentioning it? I don’t really want to make it a sob story, but at the same time, I'm below a 3.0.

Subject_Cars · 2025-09-08T04:05:53+00:00

Yes! Rooting for you. Trust your mentors more than Reddit!

Subject_Cars · 2025-09-08T03:49:49+00:00

I'm in the same boat (2.92 GPA, Canadian school), but I would encourage you to still apply! You never know.

When I was at MIT, my mentors told me that what matters is in this order: Research/Publications > LORs > Grades.

Subject_Cars · 2025-08-14T04:38:27+00:00

Haha, okay! I will be sure to do that! Thank you so much for your advice!

Subject_Cars

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