I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA) in Jan 2009
Interview
Had to communicate with individual professors separately, and see if I am a good fit for their research lab, and vice versa. Usually through emails. In many cases, there is no reply or a short reply, and the professors have very busy schedules.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
In my case, getting into the lab wasn't difficult. Mostly it's performing after I got in, and whether the professor thinks he should fund me or not based on my performance after a semester or two. It seems almost contractual every semester. I do not know for sure whether I will be kept as GRA, or whether I will be paid a different amount, each semester.
Application to get into the lab and school. Meeting with potential lab mates and professors. Written responses and statement of purpose based on my background and research. Visited campus to see if it was a fit
It was online with the lab PI. The atmosphere was casual and friendly, and I did not feel nervous at all. The interviewee actually talked a lot and it was more of a conversation than an interview. He really just wanted to make sure I actually was interested in the research.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about why you are interested in the lab? Do you have any relevant experience?
We had multiple faculties interview prospective students interviews back to back. It was a very streamlined process, however very limited time to make a decision. Although the entire recruitment period was planned very well by the staff, the short time window made it very stressful to talk to as many faculties as possible
