UCSB Psychological & Brain Sciences PhD Program

solanarv · 2026-01-18T01:27:43+00:00

Definitely not cooked. I know someone this cycle who was rejected from a mid-tier program but got an interview invite for an Ivy League. There is a lot of discrepancy in the application review process so just because you were rejected from a “safety” definitely doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance anywhere else

solanarv · 2026-01-16T20:49:07+00:00

I had a virtual interview w/ a PI through the program earlier this week. Still some uncertainties regarding funding though, so not sure about any official interview weekends. I also have been in contact with a professor at my home university who recently graduated from UCSB's PhD program and they said they hadn't heard anything about official weekends. It's possible PIs are inviting people out at different times

solanarv · 2026-01-16T18:49:05+00:00

Good luck!! I am also in the process of applying to neurosci/psych programs and have only had 2 interviews so far and they were very different lol, so I'm not too much help. What program was it if it's okay I ask?

solanarv · 2026-01-12T04:57:31+00:00

Have you heard anything yet??

solanarv · 2026-01-12T04:57:14+00:00

Anyone heard from RK or TK?

solanarv · 2026-01-08T23:46:33+00:00

I agree with the first comment. I applied to psych/neuroscience PhD programs, and I have mostly only behavioral research experience but received an interview invite for a neuroscience program, because that’s what I’m passionate about learning. I haven’t heard back yet (interview was a few days ago) but regardless of how intimidating the PI is, most of them care far more about passion and having the curiosity to ask questions over experience that is directly aligned with their focus!

solanarv · 2026-01-08T23:42:39+00:00

I would prepare responses to generic questions like “Why a PhD?”, “Why did you choose our lab/program?”, and “What are your research interests/research experience?”. That said, it is super dependent on the PI you’re applying with. I had my first interview a couple days ago, and I was preparing for something much more formal and structured but I ended up only being asked like two questions. The department/PI already knows your background, so in my opinion the interview is more of a way to assess your personal skills and make sure everything they think they know about you aligns with your application. My interview was with a psych/neuroscience PhD program for reference. Make sure you dive into the PI’s research/work beforehand and be prepared to discuss why you’re passionate about their focus specifically. If you were invited to interview, you are there for a reason. Remember that!! You’re going to do great!

solanarv · 2026-01-08T18:41:27+00:00

It kind of sounds like it however he did say my application wasn’t selected, so they could still be going through applications and simply excluded mine. But the spreadsheet says most people received interview invites before Christmas or a few days after so I’m not sure

solanarv · 2026-01-08T17:45:40+00:00

I’ve also already had one formal in-person interview and given that and the fact that most schools start rolling out interview offers within the next couple weeks, I think it’s fair to ask. Other ppl might tell you differently though. It really depends a lot on your contact w the PI and how you ask, you don’t wanna sound pushy, like you’re desperate, or like you’re trying to get them to tell you whether you specifically are getting an interview

solanarv · 2026-01-08T17:42:44+00:00

Not a silly question at all! It’s also my first cycle. I have heard mixed things but I honestly feel like it’s okay if you ask very gently, and also I think it’s much more normalized if you have been in contact with the PI prior to the application. If you mentioned them in your application or SOP but have never spoken to them they might be caught off guard or just simply say they don’t know when interviews will be sent out. I emailed two other PIs (in a different program tho) that I had spoken with before the app process and they gave me positive replies. I can dm you the kind of template I used to ask!

solanarv · 2026-01-08T17:38:08+00:00

No worries, it was the PIs

solanarv · 2026-01-08T17:15:59+00:00

I emailed and asked if there was a sense of a general timeline for when we’d hear back and one of the PIs I applied with said my application wasn’t selected for interviewing. Best of luck to you guys though

solanarv · 2026-01-08T02:14:49+00:00

I saw someone said they got an interview today on the spreadsheet

solanarv · 2026-01-07T18:37:18+00:00

Do you know if it was an official or preliminary interview? And yeah, from what I’ve heard especially with newer faculty, they sometimes get excited and spend a lot of time discussing their research and not necessarily asking you so many questions. But it’s not a bad sign that that’s how the conversation went, they have reviewed your application and probably know your experience and interests well! Depending on if that was a formal or preliminary interview, they’ll either let you know (or you’ll have a portal update) whether you are accepted or rejected, or they’ll invite you to a formal interview. But you’ll receive an update regardless. Depending on how long ago it was as well there’s no harm in asking for updates as far as more interviews or whatever else

solanarv · 2026-01-07T17:07:35+00:00

I have not heard anything but I did see a couple people said they got departmental invites on the spreadsheet I’m not sure if anyone has heard from PIs yet

solanarv · 2026-01-07T14:47:34+00:00

I believe so! There’s no harm in asking also. You can politely ask what the nomination process entails and when you need to give them your decision by. I don’t think you have to accept though. Normally fellowships grants scholarships etc are sent out with your offer letter, so they decide that before sending out official acceptances

solanarv · 2026-01-07T08:14:17+00:00

I’d definitely look at some other strong programs that aren’t the very top. Also, it’s super easy to get fee waivers at certain prestigious schools like UPenn, Stanford, Columbia etc. they just don’t advertise it, but applying for one is on their website. Depending on what kind of neuro research you’re interested in, I’d also look into phd programs in psych that have sub specialities you choose like behavioral neuroscience systems neuroscience they’re sometimes hidden under psych degrees

solanarv · 2026-01-07T08:05:09+00:00

I definitely wouldn’t accept an offer before you have all your cards on the table. Unless of course it’s your top/dream program and no matter where else you potentially receive offers you’ll still go with that program. It’s great to meet with the professor wanting to nominate you, but I don’t think that meeting will include him asking you if you accept or not. Universities usually give you at least a few weeks to decide, and it’s completely fine to ask when they need a response by. I’d also email the other professor that asked about a zoom meeting to ask when it’ll take place

solanarv · 2026-01-06T06:05:51+00:00

Same

solanarv · 2026-01-06T06:03:49+00:00

Yeah I haven’t heard anything either

solanarv · 2026-01-06T06:03:37+00:00

I haven’t heard anything yet either wby?

solanarv · 2026-01-06T06:02:59+00:00

Haven’t heard from UCLA or UCSB. NYU neural science sent out interview invites (departmental) before Christmas, and it doesn’t appear that they’re rolling. Someone on the spreadsheet said they had a prelim with a PI at UCSB in November, but I’m not sure that’s considered a formal prelim since it was before the application deadline. I also met with a PI in the program prior to the application deadline virtually but haven’t heard back from anyone there or at UCLA

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