Questions to Ask During a Grad School Interview
Make a strong impression in your grad school interview by asking thoughtful questions about the program, faculty, and opportunities. These questions demonstrate your interest and help you evaluate if the program is the right fit for your academic and career goals.
1What makes this program unique compared to other graduate programs in this field?
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What makes this program unique compared to other graduate programs in this field?
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Why this works
This helps you understand the program's distinctive features and shows you've done your research about different options in your field.
2What are the key research areas and projects that faculty are currently working on?
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What are the key research areas and projects that faculty are currently working on?
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Why this works
Understanding current research helps you assess if the program aligns with your interests and provides opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
3How do students typically choose their research advisors, and what is the advisor-student relationship like?
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How do students typically choose their research advisors, and what is the advisor-student relationship like?
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Why this works
This reveals the program's approach to mentorship and helps you understand how you'll be supported in your academic and research development.
4What are the program's expectations for graduate students, and how is progress typically measured?
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What are the program's expectations for graduate students, and how is progress typically measured?
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Why this works
Understanding expectations helps you assess if the program's requirements align with your goals and ensures you can meet their standards.
5What funding opportunities are available for graduate students, and how competitive are they?
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What funding opportunities are available for graduate students, and how competitive are they?
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Why this works
Understanding funding options helps you plan for your financial needs and ensures you can afford to complete the program.
6How do students typically balance coursework, research, and other responsibilities?
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How do students typically balance coursework, research, and other responsibilities?
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Why this works
This helps you understand the program's workload and ensures you can manage the demands of graduate study effectively.
7What are the program's requirements for theses, dissertations, or other capstone projects?
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What are the program's requirements for theses, dissertations, or other capstone projects?
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Why this works
Understanding these requirements helps you plan your academic path and ensures you know what's expected for program completion.
8How do students typically prepare for their careers after graduation, and what support is available?
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How do students typically prepare for their careers after graduation, and what support is available?
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Why this works
This reveals the program's approach to career development and helps you understand what support you'll receive for your future goals.
9What are the program's policies on academic integrity, and how are students supported in maintaining high standards?
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What are the program's policies on academic integrity, and how are students supported in maintaining high standards?
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Why this works
Understanding these policies helps you ensure you can meet the program's ethical standards and receive appropriate support.
10How do students typically handle academic challenges and setbacks, and what support is available?
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How do students typically handle academic challenges and setbacks, and what support is available?
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Why this works
This helps you understand the program's approach to student support and ensures you'll receive help when needed.
11What are the program's requirements for teaching or other professional development activities?
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What are the program's requirements for teaching or other professional development activities?
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Why this works
Understanding these requirements helps you plan your professional development and ensures you can meet the program's expectations.
12How do students typically network and collaborate with peers and faculty?
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How do students typically network and collaborate with peers and faculty?
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Why this works
This reveals the program's approach to community building and helps you understand how you'll connect with others in your field.
13What are the program's policies on academic progress and what happens if students fall behind?
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What are the program's policies on academic progress and what happens if students fall behind?
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Why this works
Understanding these policies helps you ensure you can meet the program's requirements and receive appropriate support if needed.
14How do students typically handle the transition from undergraduate to graduate study?
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How do students typically handle the transition from undergraduate to graduate study?
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Why this works
This helps you understand the program's approach to student transition and ensures you'll receive support during this important change.
15What are the program's requirements for academic writing and research, and how are students supported?
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What are the program's requirements for academic writing and research, and how are students supported?
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Why this works
Understanding these requirements helps you plan your academic development and ensures you can meet the program's standards.
16How do students typically handle academic stress and maintain work-life balance?
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How do students typically handle academic stress and maintain work-life balance?
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Why this works
This helps you understand the program's approach to student well-being and ensures you can maintain your health and happiness.
17What are the program's policies on academic freedom and how do students explore different research directions?
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What are the program's policies on academic freedom and how do students explore different research directions?
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Why this works
Understanding these policies helps you ensure you can pursue your research interests and receive appropriate support for your academic exploration.
18How do students typically handle academic disagreements with faculty or peers?
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How do students typically handle academic disagreements with faculty or peers?
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Why this works
This helps you understand the program's approach to academic conflict and ensures you can navigate disagreements constructively.
19What are the program's requirements for academic presentations and how are students supported?
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What are the program's requirements for academic presentations and how are students supported?
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Why this works
Understanding these requirements helps you plan your academic development and ensures you can meet the program's expectations.
20How do students typically handle academic setbacks and what support is available for recovery?
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How do students typically handle academic setbacks and what support is available for recovery?
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Why this works
This helps you understand the program's approach to student support and ensures you'll receive help when needed to succeed.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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