Questions to Ask for Grad School Interview
Make a strong impression in your graduate school interview with these strategic questions that demonstrate your academic curiosity, research interests, and commitment to your field of study.
1What research opportunities are available for graduate students?
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What research opportunities are available for graduate students?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in research while helping you understand what projects and experiences you can participate in during your graduate studies.
2How do you support graduate student professional development?
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How do you support graduate student professional development?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your commitment to growth while helping you understand what resources and opportunities are available for your career advancement.
3What's the most exciting research happening in the department right now?
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What's the most exciting research happening in the department right now?
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Why this works
Shows your enthusiasm for the field while revealing current research priorities and helping you understand what's cutting-edge in the department.
4How do graduate students typically collaborate with faculty?
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How do graduate students typically collaborate with faculty?
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Why this works
Reveals the working relationship between students and faculty while helping you understand how to build productive academic relationships.
5What funding opportunities are available for graduate students?
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What funding opportunities are available for graduate students?
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Why this works
Shows your practical thinking while helping you understand financial support options and how to fund your graduate education.
6How do you prepare graduate students for their future careers?
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How do you prepare graduate students for their future careers?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your career focus while helping you understand how the program supports your professional goals and job market preparation.
7What's the department's approach to interdisciplinary research?
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What's the department's approach to interdisciplinary research?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in collaboration while helping you understand how the department encourages cross-disciplinary work and innovation.
8How do graduate students typically balance coursework and research?
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How do graduate students typically balance coursework and research?
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Why this works
Reveals the program structure while helping you understand the workload and how to manage your time effectively during graduate studies.
9What's the most important skill for success in this graduate program?
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What's the most important skill for success in this graduate program?
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Why this works
Gives you insight into what they value most and helps you understand how to excel in the program if you're accepted.
10How do you support graduate student mental health and wellbeing?
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How do you support graduate student mental health and wellbeing?
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Why this works
Shows your awareness of graduate school challenges while helping you understand what support systems are available for your wellbeing.
11What opportunities are there for presenting research and networking?
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What opportunities are there for presenting research and networking?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in academic engagement while helping you understand how to build your professional network and academic reputation.
12How do you handle graduate student feedback and evaluation?
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How do you handle graduate student feedback and evaluation?
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Why this works
Shows your commitment to improvement while helping you understand how you'll receive guidance and support throughout your studies.
13What's the department's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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What's the department's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
Reveals their commitment to creating an inclusive environment while helping you understand how they support students from diverse backgrounds.
14How do graduate students typically get involved in teaching?
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How do graduate students typically get involved in teaching?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in teaching while helping you understand opportunities to gain teaching experience and develop pedagogical skills.
15What's the most challenging aspect of this graduate program?
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What's the most challenging aspect of this graduate program?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your realistic expectations while helping you prepare for potential challenges and how to overcome them.
16How do you support graduate students in publishing their research?
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How do you support graduate students in publishing their research?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in academic publishing while helping you understand how the program supports your research dissemination and career development.
17What's the department's vision for the future of the field?
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What's the department's vision for the future of the field?
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Why this works
Reveals their strategic thinking while helping you understand where the field is heading and how you can contribute to its advancement.
18How do graduate students typically handle work-life balance?
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How do graduate students typically handle work-life balance?
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Why this works
Shows your awareness of graduate school demands while helping you understand how to maintain wellbeing during your studies.
19What opportunities are there for international collaboration or study?
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What opportunities are there for international collaboration or study?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in global perspectives while helping you understand opportunities for international academic experiences.
20How can I best prepare for success in this graduate program?
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How can I best prepare for success in this graduate program?
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Why this works
Shows your commitment to success while getting valuable advice on how to excel in the program and make the most of your graduate education.
Best Practices for Graduate School Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Academic Curiosity
Demonstrate your passion for learning and research. Ask questions that show you're genuinely interested in advancing knowledge in your field.
Focus on Research and Academic Development
Emphasize questions about research opportunities, faculty collaboration, and academic growth. This shows you understand the purpose of graduate education.
Demonstrate Long-term Thinking
Ask questions about career preparation and future opportunities. This shows you're thinking strategically about your academic and professional development.
Question Sequences
The Research and Development Sequence
The Career and Support Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Basic Academic Information
Avoid questions about fundamental academic concepts or program requirements that you can easily find on the website or in program materials.
Don't Focus Only on Financial Concerns
While funding is important, balance questions about money with questions about academic opportunities and research experiences.
Don't Ignore the Academic Focus
Remember that graduate school is primarily about academic and research development. Show interest in the intellectual and scholarly aspects of the program.