Questions to Ask Graduate School Admissions
Strategic questions to ask during graduate school admissions conversations that demonstrate your academic potential, research interests, and commitment to advanced study.
1What research opportunities are available for graduate students in my field of interest, and how do students typically get involved?
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What research opportunities are available for graduate students in my field of interest, and how do students typically get involved?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the academic side of graduate study and demonstrates your interest in research, which is crucial for most graduate programs.
2What is the typical timeline for completing the program, and what factors influence how long it takes students to graduate?
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What is the typical timeline for completing the program, and what factors influence how long it takes students to graduate?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the commitment involved in graduate study and shows you're thinking practically about the program duration.
3What funding opportunities are available for graduate students, and how competitive are they?
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What funding opportunities are available for graduate students, and how competitive are they?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the financial aspects of graduate study and demonstrates your interest in making the program financially feasible.
4What is the faculty-to-student ratio in my department, and how accessible are professors for mentoring and research collaboration?
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What is the faculty-to-student ratio in my department, and how accessible are professors for mentoring and research collaboration?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of faculty relationships in graduate study and shows you're thinking about mentorship opportunities.
5What professional development opportunities are available for graduate students, and how does the program prepare students for their careers?
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What professional development opportunities are available for graduate students, and how does the program prepare students for their careers?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about career outcomes and demonstrates your interest in how the program will prepare you for your professional goals.
6What is the program's approach to interdisciplinary study, and are there opportunities to work across departments?
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What is the program's approach to interdisciplinary study, and are there opportunities to work across departments?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the value of interdisciplinary approaches and shows you're thinking about broader academic connections.
7What support services are available for graduate students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources?
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What support services are available for graduate students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of support systems in graduate study and demonstrates your awareness of the challenges students may face.
8What is the program's approach to teaching and pedagogy, and are there opportunities for graduate students to gain teaching experience?
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What is the program's approach to teaching and pedagogy, and are there opportunities for graduate students to gain teaching experience?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in teaching and shows you're thinking about how to develop your skills as an educator.
9What networking opportunities are available for graduate students, and how does the program connect students with professionals in their field?
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What networking opportunities are available for graduate students, and how does the program connect students with professionals in their field?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of professional networks and demonstrates your interest in building connections in your field.
10What is the program's approach to diversity and inclusion, and how does it support students from underrepresented backgrounds?
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What is the program's approach to diversity and inclusion, and how does it support students from underrepresented backgrounds?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your awareness of the importance of diversity in academic settings and shows you're thinking about creating an inclusive environment.
11What are the program's expectations for graduate students regarding publications, conference presentations, and other scholarly activities?
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What are the program's expectations for graduate students regarding publications, conference presentations, and other scholarly activities?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the academic expectations of graduate study and demonstrates your interest in scholarly productivity.
12What is the program's approach to comprehensive exams, thesis defense, and other milestone requirements?
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What is the program's approach to comprehensive exams, thesis defense, and other milestone requirements?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the academic requirements of graduate study and shows you're thinking about how to prepare for these challenges.
13What opportunities are available for graduate students to present their research at conferences and publish in academic journals?
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What opportunities are available for graduate students to present their research at conferences and publish in academic journals?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of academic visibility and demonstrates your interest in sharing your research with the broader academic community.
14What is the program's approach to international students, and what support is available for students from other countries?
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What is the program's approach to international students, and what support is available for students from other countries?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your awareness of the diverse student body in graduate programs and shows you're thinking about the needs of international students.
15What are the program's expectations for graduate students regarding work-life balance, and how does it support students' well-being?
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What are the program's expectations for graduate students regarding work-life balance, and how does it support students' well-being?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the challenges of graduate study and demonstrates your awareness of the importance of maintaining balance and well-being.
16What opportunities are available for graduate students to collaborate with faculty on research projects, and how are these collaborations typically structured?
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What opportunities are available for graduate students to collaborate with faculty on research projects, and how are these collaborations typically structured?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in research collaboration and shows you're thinking about how to work closely with faculty members.
17What is the program's approach to technology and digital resources, and what tools are available to support graduate students' research and learning?
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What is the program's approach to technology and digital resources, and what tools are available to support graduate students' research and learning?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of technology in modern academic work and demonstrates your interest in using digital tools effectively.
18What are the program's expectations for graduate students regarding community engagement and public scholarship?
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What are the program's expectations for graduate students regarding community engagement and public scholarship?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the broader impact of academic work and shows you're thinking about how to connect your research to the community.
19What opportunities are available for graduate students to gain experience in grant writing and other forms of academic funding?
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What opportunities are available for graduate students to gain experience in grant writing and other forms of academic funding?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of funding in academic careers and demonstrates your interest in developing these crucial skills.
20What is the program's approach to career placement, and what support is available for students transitioning to academic or non-academic careers?
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What is the program's approach to career placement, and what support is available for students transitioning to academic or non-academic careers?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the diverse career paths available to graduate students and shows you're thinking about your long-term career goals.
Best Practices for Graduate School Admissions Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the Program Thoroughly
Before the conversation, research the program's faculty, research areas, and recent achievements. This will help you ask informed questions and show you're genuinely interested in the program.
Demonstrate Academic Potential
Use your questions to show you understand the academic expectations of graduate study and that you're prepared for the rigors of advanced academic work.
Show Interest in Research
Ask about research opportunities, faculty collaboration, and scholarly activities. This demonstrates your commitment to the academic aspects of graduate study.
Question Sequences
The Research-Focused Sequence
The Career-Focused Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Could Answer with Research
Avoid asking basic questions about the program that you could easily find on their website or through other research. This shows you haven't prepared adequately for the conversation.
Don't Focus Only on Your Own Needs
While it's important to understand the program and opportunities, make sure your questions also demonstrate your interest in contributing to the academic community and the program's success.
Don't Ask About Salary or Job Placement Too Early
While career outcomes are important, focus first on the academic aspects of the program and your research interests. Save questions about job placement for later in the conversation.