Questions to Ask About a Graduate Program
Strategic questions that help you evaluate graduate programs, understand their requirements, and make informed decisions about your academic and career future.
1What are the specific admission requirements for this program, and what makes a strong application?
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What are the specific admission requirements for this program, and what makes a strong application?
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Why this works
Provides clarity about admission criteria and helps you understand what you need to prepare for a successful application.
2What's the curriculum structure and course sequence, and how does it align with my career goals?
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What's the curriculum structure and course sequence, and how does it align with my career goals?
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Why this works
Evaluates the academic content and structure while helping you determine if the program will prepare you for your desired career path.
3What are the faculty's research interests and expertise, and how do they align with my academic interests?
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What are the faculty's research interests and expertise, and how do they align with my academic interests?
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Why this works
Assesses the quality of faculty and their alignment with your research interests, which is crucial for mentorship and academic growth.
4What research opportunities and resources are available, and how can I get involved in research projects?
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What research opportunities and resources are available, and how can I get involved in research projects?
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Why this works
Evaluates research opportunities and resources while helping you understand how to gain hands-on research experience.
5What's the program's reputation and ranking, and how do employers view graduates from this program?
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What's the program's reputation and ranking, and how do employers view graduates from this program?
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Why this works
Assesses the program's reputation and market value while helping you understand the career prospects for graduates.
6What are the funding opportunities and financial aid options, and how can I secure funding for my studies?
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What are the funding opportunities and financial aid options, and how can I secure funding for my studies?
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Why this works
Provides information about financial support and helps you understand your options for funding your graduate education.
7What's the program length and timeline, and how does it fit with my personal and professional commitments?
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What's the program length and timeline, and how does it fit with my personal and professional commitments?
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Why this works
Evaluates the time commitment and helps you determine if the program timeline aligns with your personal and professional goals.
8What are the internship and practicum opportunities, and how do they connect to real-world experience?
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What are the internship and practicum opportunities, and how do they connect to real-world experience?
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Why this works
Assesses practical experience opportunities and helps you understand how the program connects to professional practice.
9What's the student-to-faculty ratio and class sizes, and how does this impact the learning experience?
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What's the student-to-faculty ratio and class sizes, and how does this impact the learning experience?
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Why this works
Evaluates the learning environment and helps you understand the level of individual attention and interaction you can expect.
10What are the career services and job placement support, and how do they help graduates find employment?
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What are the career services and job placement support, and how do they help graduates find employment?
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Why this works
Assesses career support services and helps you understand how the program will help you achieve your career goals.
11What's the program's accreditation and certification status, and how does this affect my degree's value?
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What's the program's accreditation and certification status, and how does this affect my degree's value?
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Why this works
Evaluates the program's credibility and helps you understand the value and recognition of your degree in the job market.
12What are the program's strengths and unique features, and what sets it apart from other programs?
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What are the program's strengths and unique features, and what sets it apart from other programs?
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Why this works
Identifies the program's unique value proposition and helps you understand what makes it special compared to other options.
13What are the program's weaknesses and challenges, and how do they address these issues?
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What are the program's weaknesses and challenges, and how do they address these issues?
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Why this works
Provides honest assessment of program limitations and helps you understand potential challenges and how they're addressed.
14What are the program's alumni outcomes and success stories, and how do graduates typically fare in their careers?
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What are the program's alumni outcomes and success stories, and how do graduates typically fare in their careers?
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Why this works
Evaluates program outcomes and helps you understand the typical career paths and success rates of graduates.
15What are the program's admission statistics and acceptance rates, and how competitive is the application process?
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What are the program's admission statistics and acceptance rates, and how competitive is the application process?
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Why this works
Provides insight into the competitiveness of the program and helps you understand your chances of admission.
16What are the program's research facilities and equipment, and how do they support student research?
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What are the program's research facilities and equipment, and how do they support student research?
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Why this works
Evaluates research infrastructure and helps you understand the resources available for your academic and research work.
17What are the program's international opportunities and study abroad options, and how do they enhance the experience?
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What are the program's international opportunities and study abroad options, and how do they enhance the experience?
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Why this works
Assesses global learning opportunities and helps you understand how international experiences can enhance your education.
18What are the program's networking and professional development opportunities, and how do they connect students with industry?
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What are the program's networking and professional development opportunities, and how do they connect students with industry?
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Why this works
Evaluates networking opportunities and helps you understand how the program connects you with professional networks and industry contacts.
19What are the program's support services and resources, and how do they help students succeed academically and personally?
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What are the program's support services and resources, and how do they help students succeed academically and personally?
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Why this works
Assesses student support services and helps you understand the resources available for academic and personal success.
20What are the program's graduation requirements and thesis expectations, and how do they prepare students for their careers?
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What are the program's graduation requirements and thesis expectations, and how do they prepare students for their careers?
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Why this works
Provides clarity about graduation requirements and helps you understand what you need to complete to earn your degree.
Best Practices for Evaluating Graduate Programs
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Focus on Your Career Goals
Ask questions that help you determine if the program aligns with your career objectives and will prepare you for your desired profession.
Evaluate Academic Quality
Assess the program's academic rigor, faculty expertise, and research opportunities to ensure you'll receive a high-quality education.
Consider Practical Factors
Include questions about funding, timeline, location, and support services to ensure the program fits your personal and financial situation.
Question Sequences
The Academic Assessment Sequence
The Practical Considerations Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Rankings
Avoid making your decision based solely on program rankings. Consider factors like fit, faculty, research opportunities, and career outcomes.
Don't Ignore Financial Considerations
Avoid overlooking the financial aspects of graduate school. Consider funding opportunities, cost of living, and potential debt.
Don't Skip the Research Phase
Avoid making decisions without thorough research. Visit campuses, talk to current students, and gather comprehensive information.