Indeed, thanks very much D. muscipula!
In case it can be helpful, I am making available a slightly different version of the same information that I developed, and which some of my colleagues and I have found useful.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pgl6As_BzEv-jAI8X6zfCaQ
The spreadsheet format allows all programs and available interview dates to be visualized on one screen. This ensured you have all of the information in sight without forward or back clicking as you work on your schedule.
The technique that I have found works well is to:
1) first download the data to excel, and zoom out to a comfortable viewing distance
2) delete or hide the rows with programs you are not applying to,
3) spend some time, with the “fill color” tool to highlight interview dates for each program that would allow you to get to as desired programs as possible, while minimizing unnecessary transcontinental flights. Do this even before you know where you will be invited for interviews. Colors can be changed as you actually schedule interviews, and backup dates can be in yet another color.
Once you have a tentative schedule pencilled in, you can schedule interviews confidently as they are offered, knowing that the next invitation will not generate a rescheduling crisis or necessarily even require another flight, because you already arranged to be in an appropriate part of the country on at least one of the dates offered by each program. With this homework already done, you can respond quickly and ensure you do indeed get the dates you want to make your schedule work!
Good luck!
PS: Info for Utah and Minnesota are “unofficial” estimates communicated to me by the program coordinators, upon my inquiry. Iowa is an extrapolation of their “Whenever you want, MWF in Nov/Dec” clause.
