Questions to Ask Graduate Programs
Choosing the right graduate program is a significant investment in your future. These questions help you evaluate program quality, faculty expertise, career outcomes, and overall fit to ensure you make an informed decision about your advanced education.
1What is the program's reputation and ranking in your field?
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What is the program's reputation and ranking in your field?
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Why this works
Understanding the program's reputation helps you evaluate its quality and how it's perceived by employers and academic peers.
2What are the faculty's research interests and how do they align with your goals?
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What are the faculty's research interests and how do they align with your goals?
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Why this works
Learning about faculty expertise helps you determine if the program can provide the mentorship and research opportunities you need.
3What is the program's curriculum and how does it prepare students for their careers?
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What is the program's curriculum and how does it prepare students for their careers?
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Why this works
Understanding the curriculum helps you evaluate if the program provides the knowledge and skills you need for your career goals.
4What are the program's admission requirements and what makes a strong applicant?
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What are the program's admission requirements and what makes a strong applicant?
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Why this works
Learning about admission requirements helps you understand your chances of acceptance and what you need to prepare.
5What is the program's approach to research and thesis/dissertation requirements?
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What is the program's approach to research and thesis/dissertation requirements?
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Why this works
Understanding research requirements helps you evaluate if the program's approach aligns with your research interests and goals.
6What are the program's career outcomes and job placement rates?
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What are the program's career outcomes and job placement rates?
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Why this works
Learning about career outcomes helps you understand the program's effectiveness in preparing students for their desired careers.
7What is the program's approach to funding and financial support?
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What is the program's approach to funding and financial support?
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Why this works
Understanding funding options helps you evaluate the financial feasibility of the program and available support.
8What are the program's class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios?
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What are the program's class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios?
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Why this works
Learning about class sizes helps you understand the level of individual attention and mentorship you'll receive.
9What is the program's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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What is the program's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
Understanding their diversity approach helps you evaluate if the program creates an inclusive and supportive environment.
10What are the program's networking and professional development opportunities?
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What are the program's networking and professional development opportunities?
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Why this works
Learning about networking opportunities helps you understand how the program supports your professional growth and career development.
11What is the program's approach to internships and practical experience?
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What is the program's approach to internships and practical experience?
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Why this works
Understanding practical experience opportunities helps you evaluate if the program provides hands-on learning and real-world application.
12What are the program's technology and research facilities?
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What are the program's technology and research facilities?
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Why this works
Learning about facilities helps you understand the resources available for your research and academic work.
13What is the program's approach to international students and global perspectives?
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What is the program's approach to international students and global perspectives?
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Why this works
Understanding their international approach helps you evaluate if the program provides global perspectives and support for international students.
14What are the program's alumni network and career support services?
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What are the program's alumni network and career support services?
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Why this works
Learning about alumni support helps you understand the long-term benefits and career assistance available after graduation.
15What is the program's approach to work-life balance and student well-being?
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What is the program's approach to work-life balance and student well-being?
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Why this works
Understanding their well-being approach helps you evaluate if the program supports your overall health and life balance.
16What are the program's research opportunities and collaboration possibilities?
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What are the program's research opportunities and collaboration possibilities?
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Why this works
Learning about research opportunities helps you understand how the program supports your research interests and academic growth.
17What is the program's approach to teaching and learning methods?
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What is the program's approach to teaching and learning methods?
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Why this works
Understanding their teaching approach helps you evaluate if the program's methods align with your learning style and preferences.
18What are the program's requirements for comprehensive exams and milestones?
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What are the program's requirements for comprehensive exams and milestones?
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Why this works
Learning about program requirements helps you understand the academic expectations and milestones you'll need to meet.
19What is the program's approach to interdisciplinary studies and collaboration?
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What is the program's approach to interdisciplinary studies and collaboration?
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Why this works
Understanding their interdisciplinary approach helps you evaluate if the program supports cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.
20What are the program's expectations for student involvement and engagement?
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What are the program's expectations for student involvement and engagement?
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Why this works
Learning about involvement expectations helps you understand how active you'll need to be in the program and what opportunities are available.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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