Questions to Ask Graduate Admissions
Strategic questions to evaluate graduate programs, understand admission requirements, and determine if the program is the right fit for your academic and career goals.
1What makes your graduate program unique compared to other programs?
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What makes your graduate program unique compared to other programs?
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Why this works
This question reveals the program's distinctive features and strengths, helping you understand what sets them apart and whether their approach aligns with your goals.
2What's the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
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What's the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
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Why this works
Understanding the learning environment is crucial for your academic success. This question helps you know what level of individual attention and interaction you can expect.
3How do you support students who are struggling academically?
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How do you support students who are struggling academically?
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Why this works
This question reveals their commitment to student success and what resources they provide for academic support, which is crucial for your success in graduate school.
4What's the program's approach to research and thesis/dissertation work?
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What's the program's approach to research and thesis/dissertation work?
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Why this works
This question reveals their research philosophy and how they support students in their academic work, which is often central to graduate education.
5How do you prepare students for their careers after graduation?
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How do you prepare students for their careers after graduation?
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Why this works
This question reveals their commitment to career preparation and what resources they provide for professional development and job placement.
6What's the program's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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What's the program's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
This question reveals their values around diversity and how they create an inclusive environment for all students, which is important for your learning experience.
7How do you handle student funding and financial aid?
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How do you handle student funding and financial aid?
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Why this works
Understanding their approach to funding is crucial for your financial planning. This question reveals what support they provide and how they help students manage costs.
8What's the program's approach to student mentorship and advising?
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What's the program's approach to student mentorship and advising?
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Why this works
This question reveals their commitment to student guidance and how they support students in their academic and professional development.
9How do you handle student feedback and program improvement?
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How do you handle student feedback and program improvement?
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Why this works
This question reveals how the program values student input and whether they create opportunities for students to contribute to program development.
10What's the program's approach to interdisciplinary learning and collaboration?
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What's the program's approach to interdisciplinary learning and collaboration?
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Why this works
This question reveals their commitment to cross-disciplinary education and how they facilitate collaboration between different fields and departments.
11How do you support students with different learning styles and needs?
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How do you support students with different learning styles and needs?
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Why this works
This question reveals their approach to inclusive education and how they accommodate diverse learning needs and abilities.
12What's the program's approach to technology and digital learning?
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What's the program's approach to technology and digital learning?
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Why this works
Technology is increasingly important in graduate education. This question reveals how the program incorporates modern tools and digital learning into their curriculum.
13How do you handle student mental health and well-being?
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How do you handle student mental health and well-being?
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Why this works
Student well-being is crucial for academic success. This question reveals their approach to mental health support and student wellness programs.
14What's the program's approach to international students and global perspectives?
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What's the program's approach to international students and global perspectives?
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Why this works
This question reveals their commitment to international education and how they support students from diverse backgrounds and global perspectives.
15How do you handle student transitions and orientation?
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How do you handle student transitions and orientation?
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Why this works
This question reveals their approach to helping new students adjust and feel welcome in the program, which is important for your success.
16What's the program's approach to student leadership and involvement?
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What's the program's approach to student leadership and involvement?
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Why this works
This question reveals opportunities for student leadership and how the program encourages student voice and participation in program life.
17How do you handle student conflicts and peer relationships?
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How do you handle student conflicts and peer relationships?
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Why this works
This question reveals their approach to conflict resolution and how they support positive peer relationships and collaboration.
18What's the program's approach to student creativity and innovation?
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What's the program's approach to student creativity and innovation?
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Why this works
This question reveals their commitment to creative thinking and how they encourage students to explore new ideas and approaches.
19How do you handle student feedback and suggestions for program improvement?
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How do you handle student feedback and suggestions for program improvement?
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Why this works
This question reveals how the program values student input and whether they create opportunities for students to contribute to program development.
20What questions do you have for me about my goals and expectations?
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What questions do you have for me about my goals and expectations?
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Why this works
A good program should be interested in understanding your goals, interests, and expectations to determine if you're a good fit for their community.
Best Practices for Evaluating Graduate Programs
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research Thoroughly
Investigate the program's reputation, faculty, and recent performance. Check rankings, read reviews, and talk to current students and alumni if possible.
Ask About Both Academics and Culture
Balance questions about academic programs with questions about program culture, student life, and support systems.
Consider Your Long-term Goals
Think about your career aspirations and how the program can help you achieve them. Ask questions that help you evaluate the fit for your future.
Question Sequences
The Program Assessment
The Culture Explorer
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Academics
Remember that graduate school is about more than just academics. Ask about program culture, support systems, and the overall student experience.
Avoid Making Assumptions
Don't assume all graduate programs are the same. Ask specific questions about their unique approach, values, and what makes them different.
Don't Ignore Your Gut Feeling
Pay attention to how you feel during the conversation. Trust your instincts about whether the program feels like a good fit for you.