Questions to Ask Grad School Programs
Critical questions to ask graduate school programs during visits, interviews, or information sessions to make an informed decision about your education.
1What is the typical time to completion for this program?
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What is the typical time to completion for this program?
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Why this works
Sets realistic expectations for how long you'll be in school and helps with life planning.
2What is the job placement rate for graduates, and where do they typically work?
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What is the job placement rate for graduates, and where do they typically work?
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Why this works
Reveals the program's track record in preparing students for careers in the field.
3How is the program funded, and what financial support is available?
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How is the program funded, and what financial support is available?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether you'll receive assistantships, fellowships, or need to self-fund through loans.
4What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
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What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
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Why this works
Indicates how much individual attention and mentorship you can expect.
5Can you describe the program's approach—coursework-heavy or research-focused?
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Can you describe the program's approach—coursework-heavy or research-focused?
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Why this works
Helps you assess whether the structure matches your learning style and career goals.
6What research opportunities are available, and how are students matched with advisors?
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What research opportunities are available, and how are students matched with advisors?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding mentorship and whether you'll work on projects that interest you.
7What is the attrition rate, and why do students leave the program?
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What is the attrition rate, and why do students leave the program?
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Why this works
High dropout rates signal problems with support, funding, or program quality.
8How collaborative or competitive is the program culture?
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How collaborative or competitive is the program culture?
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Why this works
Reveals whether students support each other or if it's a cutthroat environment.
9What professional development and career services are offered?
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What professional development and career services are offered?
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Why this works
Shows whether the program prepares you for the job market beyond just academic training.
10Are there opportunities for teaching experience?
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Are there opportunities for teaching experience?
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Why this works
Important if you're considering academic careers or want to develop teaching skills.
11What is the comprehensive exam or thesis/dissertation process like?
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What is the comprehensive exam or thesis/dissertation process like?
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Why this works
Prepares you for major milestones and helps you understand what's required to graduate.
12How diverse and inclusive is the program?
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How diverse and inclusive is the program?
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Why this works
Assesses whether you'll be in an environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.
13Can I speak with current students about their experiences?
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Can I speak with current students about their experiences?
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Why this works
Provides unfiltered perspective on day-to-day realities that admissions won't tell you.
14What is the program's reputation in the field?
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What is the program's reputation in the field?
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Why this works
Rankings and reputation affect job prospects and how employers view your degree.
15Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary work or collaboration?
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Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary work or collaboration?
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Why this works
Shows flexibility to explore interests outside your primary field.
16What support services exist for mental health and wellness?
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What support services exist for mental health and wellness?
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Why this works
Grad school is stressful; knowing support systems exist is crucial.
17What is expected in terms of work hours and work-life balance?
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What is expected in terms of work hours and work-life balance?
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Why this works
Sets realistic expectations about time commitment and lifestyle.
18How does the program support students who want to pursue non-academic careers?
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How does the program support students who want to pursue non-academic careers?
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Why this works
Important if you're not sure about academia or want industry options.
19What happens if my relationship with my advisor doesn't work out?
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What happens if my relationship with my advisor doesn't work out?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether you can switch advisors or if you're locked into a potentially toxic relationship.
20What makes this program different from competing programs?
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What makes this program different from competing programs?
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Why this works
Forces them to articulate their unique value proposition and what sets them apart.
Best Practices for Evaluating Grad School Programs
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Visit If Possible
Nothing replaces seeing the campus, meeting faculty, and talking to current students in person.
Ask Tough Questions
Don't be afraid to ask about attrition, funding, and job placement. Good programs will answer honestly.
Talk to Current Students Privately
Get their honest take away from faculty and admissions staff. Ask about struggles, not just successes.
Compare Multiple Programs
Visit at least three schools to get a sense of what's standard versus exceptional.
Question Sequences
The Outcomes Assessment Sequence
The Financial Reality Sequence
The Culture and Support Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Choose Based on Prestige Alone
A highly ranked program with poor advising or toxic culture isn't worth it. Fit matters more than name.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
If students seem unhappy, faculty are evasive, or funding is unclear, take those warnings seriously.
Don't Commit Without Visiting
The website and brochures don't tell the full story. See it for yourself before deciding.
Don't Forget to Negotiate
If you have multiple offers, you can often negotiate better funding packages.