Admission is based on essays, resume, transcript; for some departments an interview is required and for others interviews are not required. You also get the chance to visit the university in an accepted students' weekend.
Other PhD Student interview reviews for Rice University
I applied online. The process took 4 months. I interviewed at Rice University in Apr 2013
Interview
A professor called me on my landline. She first introduced herself, then talked about Rice and then her own research. After a nice introduction, she asked me several questions on my bachelor studies and the research I had done so far. From her questions, I understood that she was trying to make sure that I had a clear conception on my research objectives. Later she explained what should I expect during a Ph.D. program at Rice University. The interviewer was nice and thorough.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Basic questions on semiconductor physics (since I applied for ECE dept - Nano).
Some concepts on nanophotonics (that was my intended research area).
Details about my 4th year project and my publications. Asked technical questions during my explanations.
Future plan and goals.
Why I chose Rice University?
I applied in-person. The process took 5 months. I interviewed at Rice University (Houston, TX) in Aug 2011
Interview
scheduling an appointment with PI (Principle Investigator) and having a meeting in his or her office. For some departments the PIs will assign a qualification project to test the abilities of students on problem solving, taking challenges and presentation skills.
Interview questions [3]
Question 1
The questions are about the students interest in research groups. Such as any specific projects they are interested into and what abilities they have which is making the interested.
