I'm coming out of my cave!  
As some of you may know, I take my RW career pretty seriously, and I'm constantly pushing for more. So this past 10 days I pretty locked myself in the house and completed all my applications to grad school. Only coming out for tofurky!
I've missed the hobby so much! and I'm very excited to be hosting incalls tomorrow. I'll be making an ad about that shortly, because this isn't one
Anyway, I'll soon begin prep for interviews (as PhD programs require interviews) and would love pointers from you who have experienced the trials of grad school?!?

the end of the tunnel. I'm nearly ten years removed from school. I worked full time and completed my graduate studies at night. Weekends and nights were dedicated to studying. I remember always being tired during that period and never had time for anything. It was such a relief and great feeling when it was complete. Good luck.

...oh..wait...........

but if the interview is anything like a job interview, then there are two key questions you'll be asked, and which you should prepare honest and informed answers to.   These are:

For most companies I would consider the second question pretentious.  Sure if I was applying for a job at NASA, it would be something beyond just wanting a paycheck.  

I went to grad school while working full time. Not a lot of fun. Most important thing for me was time management and resisting the urge to goof off in my free time because I really didn't have much free time - had to study and do assignments.

1)  Choise your faculty advisor carefully. If your school just assigns you one, you can usually interview others and swap early on if you find one more compatible to your style of study.  

In one of my interviews I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up”. I replied “I am grown up”. What a fucking moron.  

has done any research into our company to know if they would be a good fit.   Initiative is always a desired trait.

I hope I never do.

The skills to turn professional as a gigolo. Getting a payoff in your skill set is pretty good, as many of the ladies here will attest.

but I fear losing my amateur status should hobbying ever become an Olympic event.

I was asked variations of those questions when I interviewed for my first real job in the corporate world.

Olympic-worthy sessions, but I was just the one holding the water bottle and sweat towel.  She did all the work.  

Unfortunately it was a hundred Colones, not a hundred dollars, but still enough for me to lose my amateur status. lol

you get what you pay for.   (Sorry, you teed that one up.)

In Scotland one time a lass happened upon a Scotsman who was sleeping off last night's imbibing.

Thank you so much, yes there is a light at the end of the tunnel! No more school after this. God, I'm 7 years deep. When done I'll be 12 deep easily. Nooooo more.  

Why did I laugh so hard!?  
Me and you both babe!

It is great to know you are following your passion. It's very admirable and it gives me a motivational push. Fantastic work and have a wonderful time hosting! Thanks for sharing the good news.

I totally agree. One of my mentors urged me to customize each personal statement I wrote to include faculty from each chosen school.  
To personalize my application and clearly state what I could bring to that program. It sounds like these programs are a little full of themselves. That's because they are. especially at the level I applied, everybody in the room is a doc. Encountering egos is kinda expected

Omg yes! Because I will have that little crappy GA pay, I plan to continue providing. Hopefully it will supplement my income. I imagine lots of studying in between sessions. But being prepared and planning, is a must

Yessss!  
Now I hear there is a sweet spot. Tell me if it's true or not please.  
I hear that: you want to find a advisor that is busy, but not too busy. Cause one that is always available isn't as notable, but one too busy won't give you the attention you need?  
Some one told me that, didn't know how true it is, but I made sense.

Hmmm may be moving to your area, if I get into my chosen schools. I don't take colones, but I do take other things

Welcome to the realm of academia where those pursuing a PhD will be hazed the hell out of. Academically speaking, of course. You asked for some pointers regarding the trials of a doctoral program and interviews. So, while I have not finished my PhD, I'm in my second year, these are my tips.