Questions to Ask Grad School Programs

Sets realistic expectations for how long you'll be in school and helps with life planning.

Reveals the program's track record in preparing students for careers in the field.

Clarifies whether you'll receive assistantships, fellowships, or need to self-fund through loans.

Indicates how much individual attention and mentorship you can expect.

Helps you assess whether the structure matches your learning style and career goals.

Critical for understanding mentorship and whether you'll work on projects that interest you.

High dropout rates signal problems with support, funding, or program quality.

Reveals whether students support each other or if it's a cutthroat environment.

Shows whether the program prepares you for the job market beyond just academic training.

Important if you're considering academic careers or want to develop teaching skills.

Prepares you for major milestones and helps you understand what's required to graduate.

Assesses whether you'll be in an environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.

Provides unfiltered perspective on day-to-day realities that admissions won't tell you.

Rankings and reputation affect job prospects and how employers view your degree.

Shows flexibility to explore interests outside your primary field.

Grad school is stressful; knowing support systems exist is crucial.

Sets realistic expectations about time commitment and lifestyle.

Important if you're not sure about academia or want industry options.

Clarifies whether you can switch advisors or if you're locked into a potentially toxic relationship.

Forces them to articulate their unique value proposition and what sets them apart.