PhD interview

No on the scrubs. Wear your best professional suit.

I thought that would be the best idea. Thanks for confirming!

In case anyone can use this info...I wore a suit jacket. I'm glad I did. I was asked about how I felt that certain faculty could help me with my specific research topic, to describe my research topic in more detail than was asked in the application, who/what inspired me to further my education, and what I want to do/where do I want to work after graduation. I"m still kind of in a daze of nerves from it so I can't remember everything else. I asked them about how they support their students, what their alumni are doing 6 months after graduation, and what is their graduation rate. I think it went OK? I should know by December 22nd. 

It did go OK! I got accepted! For anyone else who may be preparing for grad school to get a PhD, you will most likely feel unprepared for your interview. A few students and faculty members have told me that no one feels prepared for those. Feel free to message me for any questions and if I can help, I will!

On 12/17/2021 at 8:23 AM, achriswell said:

It did go OK! I got accepted! 

Congrats on your acceptance! 

On 12/17/2021 at 8:23 AM, SkiingRN said:

It did go OK! I got accepted! For anyone else who may be preparing for grad school to get a PhD, you will most likely feel unprepared for your interview. A few students and faculty members have told me that no one feels prepared for those. Feel free to message me for any questions and if I can help, I will!

Congratulations!

Are you there now? Mind if I pick your brain a bit? New to this board—not sure how to message you!

Hi!

I have orientation next week, and I start classes the week after. Feel free to pick my brain!

Awesome! How exciting! Are you doing the BSN-PhD route or do you have an MSN? What made you decide to go with this school? How specific was/is your research interest? Did you find a faculty member beforehand that aligned? Sorry--just starting to look into all of this, and I don't personally know a single soul who has this degree!

I'm doing the BSN-PhD route. I chose the University of Arizona because I felt like they actually wanted me there, and their research aligns with mine. I only applied there and the University of Utah, but I felt like I would get more support at Arizona. I felt like they wanted me as a student, not just my tuition money. THat's how my undergrad university felt, and I didn't want to deal with that again. So far so good! I want to study Palliative Care and starting it early on in a chronic disease diagnosis vs starting it when hospice is more appropriate. I did find and speak with a faculty member who aligned with my research before I applied. I think schools like it if you can mention a faculty member in the application or in the interview. I only have research experience in clinical research trials, and I've been at the bedside for pretty much my entire career. I was doubtful I'd get in anywhere because my GPA was only 3.2, but I did get in!

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That’s great to hear that they were personally invested in you! Do you know if they offer full tuition/stipends to some students? I’m in the opposite boat—I have two bachelors degrees with a 4.0 for my BSN, but as a military spouse and mom of 4, I haven’t been working in the field in over 8 years. My only research experience was as an undergrad at Hopkins. I’m not quite sure if any program will take me, but I figured I should at least gather as much information as possible. Thanks for sharing your experience!

On 8/10/2022 at 6:03 PM, SkiingRN said:

I'm doing the BSN-PhD route. I chose the University of Arizona because I felt like they actually wanted me there, and their research aligns with mine. I only applied there and the University of Utah, but I felt like I would get more support at Arizona. I felt like they wanted me as a student, not just my tuition money. THat's how my undergrad university felt, and I didn't want to deal with that again. So far so good! I want to study Palliative Care and starting it early on in a chronic disease diagnosis vs starting it when hospice is more appropriate. I did find and speak with a faculty member who aligned with my research before I applied. I think schools like it if you can mention a faculty member in the application or in the interview. I only have research experience in clinical research trials, and I've been at the bedside for pretty much my entire career. I was doubtful I'd get in anywhere because my GPA was only 3.2, but I did get in!

 

How are you liking your program so far? What makes the University of Arizona unique in your opinion? I am actually applying this month! 

I like it so far! We're only halfway through the first semester, so ask me again in December :)

I'm not sure if this is unique, but I still feel like I'm valued as a student, not just a tuition machine. All of my professors have been really supportive and flexible. No one makes me feel stupid for misunderstanding something. The grading seems pretty lenient, which I'm OK with. When I make a mistake, they correct me and give me good advice, not just tell me I'm wrong. I think one of the main things was they knew my name when I walked in on our first day of orientation. Everything is online, except for one week a year we have to go in person. I walked in the door not knowing anyone, or having any clue where to go, and the director of the program said hello and knew exactly who I was. 

We are also given a lot of funding opportunities. I was really worried about paying tuition, but I got a job right away as a graduate research assistant, and if I can work 20 hours per week I'll get tuition reimbursement. They are always sending us other funding opportunities as well. 

Good luck! I like it a lot, so far!