Questions to Ask Professors
Strategic questions to ask professors to understand their research, teaching approach, and determine if they're the right mentor for your academic and career goals.
1What is your current research focus and what projects are you working on?
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What is your current research focus and what projects are you working on?
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Why this works
Understanding their research helps you evaluate if their work aligns with your interests and if you can contribute meaningfully to their projects.
2What is your teaching philosophy and approach to student learning?
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What is your teaching philosophy and approach to student learning?
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Why this works
Understanding their teaching approach helps you evaluate if their methods align with your learning style and academic goals.
3What opportunities do you have for undergraduate/graduate research assistants?
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What opportunities do you have for undergraduate/graduate research assistants?
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Why this works
Understanding research opportunities helps you evaluate if you can gain hands-on experience and contribute to their work.
4What are your expectations for students who work with you?
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What are your expectations for students who work with you?
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Why this works
Understanding their expectations helps you know what to expect and how to succeed in their research or coursework.
5What is your approach to mentoring students and providing guidance?
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What is your approach to mentoring students and providing guidance?
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Why this works
Understanding their mentoring approach helps you evaluate if they can provide the support and guidance you need for your academic and career development.
6What are the most important skills students should develop in your field?
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What are the most important skills students should develop in your field?
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Why this works
Understanding their perspective on essential skills helps you plan your academic development and focus on what matters most.
7What are the biggest challenges facing your field and how are you addressing them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing your field and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Understanding field challenges helps you learn about current issues and how you can contribute to solving important problems.
8What are your expectations for student participation in class discussions and activities?
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What are your expectations for student participation in class discussions and activities?
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Why this works
Understanding their participation expectations helps you engage effectively and contribute meaningfully to class discussions.
9What are your policies on office hours and how can students get help outside of class?
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What are your policies on office hours and how can students get help outside of class?
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Why this works
Understanding their availability helps you know when and how to get help and support for your academic work.
10What are your expectations for student research and what support do you provide?
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What are your expectations for student research and what support do you provide?
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Why this works
Understanding their research support helps you evaluate if they can provide the resources and guidance you need for your projects.
11What are your policies on collaboration and working with other students?
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What are your policies on collaboration and working with other students?
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Why this works
Understanding their collaboration policies helps you work effectively with peers and build strong academic relationships.
12What are your expectations for student presentations and public speaking?
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What are your expectations for student presentations and public speaking?
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Why this works
Understanding their presentation expectations helps you develop the communication skills you need to succeed in their courses and research.
13What are your policies on academic integrity and what standards do you expect?
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What are your policies on academic integrity and what standards do you expect?
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Why this works
Understanding their integrity standards helps you maintain high ethical standards and avoid academic misconduct.
14What are your expectations for student writing and what support do you provide?
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What are your expectations for student writing and what support do you provide?
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Why this works
Understanding their writing expectations helps you develop the writing skills you need to succeed in their courses and research.
15What are your policies on student feedback and how do you provide constructive criticism?
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What are your policies on student feedback and how do you provide constructive criticism?
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Why this works
Understanding their feedback approach helps you receive and respond to feedback effectively and improve your academic performance.
16What are your expectations for student attendance and participation?
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What are your expectations for student attendance and participation?
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Why this works
Understanding their attendance expectations helps you manage your time and ensure you meet their requirements for participation.
17What are your policies on student accommodations and how do you support diverse learning needs?
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What are your policies on student accommodations and how do you support diverse learning needs?
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Why this works
Understanding their accommodation policies helps you access the support you need to succeed in their courses and research.
18What are your expectations for student professionalism and how do you maintain academic standards?
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What are your expectations for student professionalism and how do you maintain academic standards?
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Why this works
Understanding their professionalism expectations helps you maintain high standards and succeed in their academic environment.
19What are your policies on student research ethics and what standards do you expect?
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What are your policies on student research ethics and what standards do you expect?
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Why this works
Understanding their ethics standards helps you maintain high ethical standards and avoid research misconduct.
20What are the most important things students should know about working with you?
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What are the most important things students should know about working with you?
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Why this works
Getting their perspective on what's most important helps you understand their priorities and what to expect from your academic relationship.
Building Strong Relationships with Professors
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Before Meeting Professors
Research Their Work
Learn about their research, publications, and recent achievements to ask informed questions.
Prepare Your Questions
Create a list of questions that address your specific concerns and help you understand their approach to teaching and research.
Know Your Goals
Identify what you want to achieve academically and professionally to help you evaluate if they can support your goals.
Effective Communication
Be Professional and Respectful
Maintain a professional demeanor and show respect for their expertise and experience.
Ask Specific Questions
Ask specific questions about their research, teaching, and approach to student development.
Listen Carefully
Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to clarify any concerns or confusion.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Avoid Professors Who Don't Listen
If a professor doesn't listen to your concerns or seems dismissive of your questions, it may indicate problems with their teaching approach.
Watch for Unrealistic Expectations
Be wary of professors who set unrealistic expectations or don't provide adequate support for your success.
Consider Your Gut Feeling
Pay attention to your instincts about the academic relationship and whether you feel comfortable and supported.