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2 years ago in PhD Admission Interview By Matt

Should I bring a printed copy of my research proposal and CV to an in-person PhD interview?

My interview is on-campus. Everything is already submitted online. Would bringing hard copies seem overly formal and clumsy, or would it be seen as prepared and professional? I don't want to be fumbling with papers.

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By Rubbaiyya Answered 1 year ago

Yes, bring them—but use them strategically. Having a clean, printed copy in a simple portfolio shows forethought and organization. It’s not for handing out unprompted, but as a personal reference. If you need to recall a specific detail, you can glance at it gracefully rather than racking your brain. It also signals you take your work seriously. However, do not read from it verbatim. Know your proposal by heart. The physical copy is a safety net and a professional prop. In my observations, candidates who have one appear more composed and detail-oriented. Just ensure it's neatly organized so you're not shuffling pages nervously.

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