questions to ask prospective phd students

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A field guide to visit days and choosing a grad school

Written by Kate Salesin Posted on March 20, 2023

If you were accepted into a PhD program in this year’s cycle, congratulations! Now comes the fun period of being wooed by the graduate programs you were accepted to – we spell out how to get the most out of “visit days” and ultimately choose the right program for you.

How should I prepare for a visit day?

A visit day is an opportunity for the graduate program to make its pitch for why you should join their program and the best chance you have to gather any information you need in order to choose a program. It typically consists of many short meetings with different faculty (potential advisors) and possibly their students. Usually, each school will send you an itinerary for your visit ahead of time so that you know who you will be meeting.

Before the visit day...

On the visit day..., after the visit day..., what questions should i ask potential advisors.

While there are many guides with lists of great questions, the best are ones that are personal to you. Set aside some time before the visit day to think about:

Then you can design a list of questions that address your specific preferences and fill in those blanks. We provide some examples below to get your gears turning!

What is “hands-on” or “hands-off” and which one do I want?

Advisors are commonly referred to as “hands-on” or “hands-off,” but it is not obvious what that means in practice!

A more hands-on advisor will typically:

A more hands-off advisor will typically:

However, in reality advisors can’t typically be sorted cleanly into one bucket or the other – they might lean more hands-on with presentation (talks, writing, etc.) and more hands-off with coding, for example. It will also probably change over time – an advisor typically starts more hands-on with junior students and becomes more hands-off as the student progresses through their PhD. Think about what kind of guidance works well for you, so that when you are “interviewing” advisors during visit day you get a sense of their advising style and whether the two of you would work well together. A good advisor will also be willing to flex in the direction that each student needs.

It can be hard to gauge which type of guidance you prefer since you may not have experience with this type of advisor-advisee relationship. You can ask yourself:

Knowing the answers to these types of questions will give you a frame of reference for your discussions with potential advisors.

Can you be my advisor?

First and foremost, if you are very interested in a specific professor becoming your advisor, it is crucial on the visit day that you make that clear to them and come away knowing whether or not that will be possible and under what conditions. For example, a professor may intend to take on only one or two new students next year, but more than that could be interested in working with them, and they may have to choose.

You can ask:

Style and Expectations

Collaborations and funding, lab culture, what questions should i ask students.

Current students can provide a great window into what your life might be like in a specific program and/or research group, and most students are happy to share their experiences to help you make the decision that's best for you. However, keep in mind that these students (1) have likely been told that their role is to “recruit” you, and (2) are being asked to talk openly about people and programs that are a big part of/influence on their life. Because of this, you can generally expect answers that are honest but skew rosy.

To gather an accurate view of the program without putting students in an uncomfortable position, try to ask balanced questions that allow them to convey a holistic picture, including the good with the less-good. For example, you might ask, “What are your advisor's strengths and weaknesses?” rather than a pointedly critical question like, “What is your least favorite thing about your advisor?”

Some other possible questions might include:

Life Outside of Work

Pro tip : To avoid survivor bias, try to talk to some students that started a PhD with your prospective advisor but left the program or changed advisors. Most professors will have students like this so this is not a red flag on its own, but it can help you identify the weaknesses of different advisors better.

But how do I choose?

If you have multiple offers and are really stuck on which one to accept, here are some ways to get unstuck:

Additional resources

For more perspective on visit days and questions to ask before choosing a grad program, check out these helpful resources:

Questions to Ask A Graduate Program

Going for a campus visit or preparing for an admissions interview with a graduate program? Bookmark this page (or  download it as a PDF ) to make sure you ask the right questions that will help you decide if the program is right for you.

Graduate Student Support

• Is there a diverse group of students, faculty, and administrators?
• Is there support for the needs of students from all backgrounds?
• Are there regular followup meetings with graduate students?
• Are there symposia on issues pertaining to graduate students?
• Are there graduate education workshops for undergraduates?
• What kind of social events does the graduate school or university sponsor each year?
• How is the access to faculty and graduate school administrative staff?
• Are there comprehensive wellbeing services with a professional staff equipped to serve a diverse student population?
• How robust is the communication between the graduate school and students (e.g., newsletters, social media)?
• Do the program, the graduate school, and the university focus on mentoring for student success?
• How much professional development programming is there for graduate students?
• Are there active student groups that appeal to me?
• What kind of resources and support are there for students with children?

Financial Support for Graduate Students

• Is the award merit-based or need-based?
• What are the standard eligibility requirements (e.g., citizenship, residency, field of study, career goals)?
• What types of awards are available? (e.g., teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships)
• What is the stipend amount? Does the award cover tuition and fees?
• What is the duration of the award? Is the stipend guaranteed over the life of the award?
• Can the award be held concurrently with another award? Can it be used as a supplemental award? 
• What are the academic requirements? (e.g., student must maintain good academic standing, must make satisfactory progress toward the degree, etc.)
• What are the teaching and research requirements? How many hours per week are expected?
• What are the penalties (if any) if you fail to complete the degree?
• What are the payback provisions? Does the award require anything of you upon completion of the degree? 
• How do you apply for the award and how are the recipients chosen? Competition (nationwide, statewide, university-wide, or departmental) or nomination by the department at the time of admission?
• Is the award available to both master’s and Ph.D. students?
• What kind of dissertation support funding does the university provide?
• What kinds of travel grants does the university provide for conference participation and research?
• Does the university provide funding support for emergencies (e.g., short-term loans, hardship assistance grants)?

For External Awards from Outside the University

• Is the award portable (may be used at any institution to which you are admitted) or institutional (may only be used at the awarding institution)?
• Do you have to be admitted to a school to be eligible for award consideration, or can you apply for the award before seeking admission to graduate school?

Academic Support for Graduate Students

• What kind of formal and informal support networks exist in the department, the graduate school, and the university?
• Does the campus and departmental culture encourage mentoring?
• What research opportunities are there for graduate students?
• What opportunities exist for scholarly discussions among students and faculty in a multidisciplinary setting?
• Do curricula address ethnic, racial, gender, and cultural issues?
• Are there robust English language resources for international students?

120 Questions to Ask Grad Students

Are you thinking about grad school or just curious about what it’s like? You’re in the right spot. I’ve put together a list of questions that get right to the heart of the grad student experience.

From the nitty-gritty of research woes to how they keep their social life buzzing, these real-talk questions are designed to give you the lowdown straight from the grad students themselves. So, grab a coffee and gear up to get the inside scoop!

Table of Contents

Navigating the Graduate Program

• How did you choose your graduate program?
• Can you walk me through your typical day as a grad student?
• What resources do you wish you had known about when you started?
• How accessible are faculty and advisors in your program?
• What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about grad school?
• How do you manage the workload and academic expectations?
• What strategies do you use to stay organized and meet deadlines?
• How does your program incorporate interdisciplinary study?
• In what ways does the program challenge you intellectually?
• How do you find research topics or projects to work on?
• What is the process for thesis or dissertation proposals in your program?
• Can you describe the comprehensive exam process and how to best prepare for it?
• What support does the program provide for academic writing and publishing?
• How has your research benefited from collaborations within your program?
• Are there opportunities for teaching or assisting in undergraduate courses?

Academic Experience and Research

• What drew you towards your current research focus?
• How do you navigate collaborations with other researchers?
• What has been your biggest academic challenge during your grad studies?
• How do you go about selecting your courses each term?
• What research methodologies do you commonly use in your field?
• How is your academic performance evaluated in your program?
• How do you balance independent study with structured coursework?
• How often do you participate in academic conferences, and how do you prepare for them?
• How does your program support innovative or risky research ideas?
• What’s the process for applying for research grants or funding?
• Can you describe a research breakthrough or significant moment you’ve experienced?
• How do you handle setbacks or challenges in your research?
• How often do you meet with your thesis or dissertation advisor?
• In what ways do you contribute to your field beyond just your research?
• How do traditional research dissemination methods compare to new ones in your field?

Financial Aspects of Graduate School

• What types of financial aid are available within your program?
• How do you manage living expenses while attending grad school?
• What advice would you have for someone applying for scholarships and grants?
• Are there opportunities for paid research positions or fellowships?
• How common is taking out loans, and how do students handle repayment concerns?
• Can you discuss the cost of living in the area relative to the stipend provided?
• How transparent is the program about the full cost of attendance?
• What are some unexpected expenses you have encountered?
• Are there on-campus employment opportunities that align with your academic goals?
• How do you budget time and money for educational travel, such as conferences?
• Are there financial literacy resources or workshops offered by the university?
• How have you balanced seeking financial aid with focusing on your studies?
• In your opinion, what is the return on investment for your graduate degree?
• Can you share some money-saving tips for other grad students?
• How does your program assist students with financial emergencies?

Challenges and Coping Strategies

• What has been the most difficult aspect of graduate school for you?
• How do you handle stress and maintain mental wellness?
• What strategies do you use to overcome procrastination or lack of motivation?
• Can you share a time you experienced failure and how you dealt with it?
• How do you stay resilient when faced with academic setbacks?
• Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome, and if so, how do you combat it?
• What have you learned about yourself through overcoming grad school challenges?
• How do you approach seeking help or resources when challenges arise?
• What is your advice for maintaining a positive attitude in tough times?
• How do you manage to keep up with your personal commitments while being a grad student?
• In what ways do peers or mentors support you through challenges?
• How do you balance long-term projects with immediate deadlines?
• What’s your approach to developing a consistent study routine?
• Can you share tips for effective communication with faculty when problems occur?
• How do you adapt to shifting research landscapes or academic trends?

Career Planning and Professional Development

• How has your grad program prepared you for your future career goals?
• What networking opportunities has your program provided?
• Can you describe the career services or professional development resources offered?
• How do you stay informed about job market trends in your field?
• What steps are you taking to build your professional portfolio?
• How does your program facilitate connections with industry or alumni?
• What importance does your program place on internships or practical experience?
• In what ways do you gain leadership experience during your studies?
• Can you discuss the importance of mentorship in your professional development?
• How do you plan to transition from academia to your professional field?
• What role do conferences and workshops play in your professional growth?
• How does your program encourage entrepreneurship or innovation?
• What strategies have you employed for job searching or career advancement?
• How important is teaching experience for your career path?
• Can you share any successes or challenges in finding post-doc positions?

Social Life and Networking

• How do you balance social activities with your academic responsibilities?
• Can you recommend ways to meet new people and make friends in grad school?
• How do you find the time to maintain relationships outside of grad school?
• What role do student organizations or clubs play in your life?
• How important is networking in your graduate experience?
• Can you suggest effective strategies for building a professional network?
• How does your program foster a sense of community among grad students?
• What types of social or networking events have been most beneficial for you?
• How do you utilize social media for networking purposes?
• In what ways do you collaborate with students from different departments?
• How do you stay in touch with peers and collaborators after they graduate?
• Have you participated in any mentoring programs?
• How does participating in group projects enhance your grad school experience?
• Can you discuss the importance of teamwork and interpersonal skills in your field?
• How do you create opportunities for interdisciplinary networking?

Program Specifics and Department Culture

• How would you describe the culture within your department?
• What makes your graduate program unique from others in your field?
• How does your program’s culture influence your academic experience?
• Can you explain how diversity and inclusion are addressed within your department?
• What are the typical outcomes for graduates of your program?
• How transparent is the program about student success rates and placement?
• What sort of values and expectations does your program emphasize?
• Can you discuss any signature events or traditions within your department?
• How does your department support students in their first year?
• Are there any unique facilities or resources that set your program apart?
• How does your program integrate feedback from students?
• What role does collaboration with other departments or universities play?
• Can you provide examples of how your department handles conflict resolution?
• What is the student-to-faculty ratio, and how does it affect your learning?
• Does your program have a formal system for evaluating and improving the curriculum?

Work and Study Balance Techniques

• How do you manage time effectively to balance work and study?
• Can you share some tactics for maintaining focus during intense study periods?
• How does your day-to-day schedule cater to both academic and personal needs?
• What strategies do you use to prevent burnout?
• How do you make time for hobbies or interests outside of grad school?
• Can you share advice for new grad students on establishing a work-study routine?
• How flexible is your program with accommodating part-time work?
• What are your top tips for efficient time management?
• How do you prioritize when faced with multiple tasks and deadlines?
• Can you provide guidance on seeking work-study or assistantship roles?
• How do you negotiate with employers regarding your academic commitments?
• What role has self-care played in your success as a grad student?
• Can you describe any valuable tools or apps for organizing your time?
• How do you keep your energy and motivation levels up throughout the semester?
• How do you set boundaries between your academic life and personal time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i consider when choosing a graduate program.

Research the faculty’s expertise, available resources, the program’s structure, financial aid options, and the department’s culture. Understanding your long-term goals and how a program aligns with them is crucial.

How many years does a graduate program take?

A graduate degree can be earned in many different ways, but it usually takes about two years. There are accelerated programs that can shorten the time to one year or even less, but these are rare. Some fields, such as law or medicine, may take more time.

What are some common traits of successful grad students?

Successful grad students often possess the following traits:

• Self-motivation : Driven to achieve personal and academic goals.
• Resilience : Bounces back from setbacks and persists through difficulties.
• Time management : Balances study, work, and personal life effectively.
• Passion for research : Deeply interested in their field of study.
• Communication skills : Articulates ideas and research findings clearly.

What are the biggest challenges of graduate school?

The biggest challenges of graduate school often include:

• Intense workload : Managing the high volume of reading, complex research, and rigorous academic expectations.
• Financial strain : Covering tuition and living expenses, often on a limited budget or stipend.
• Time management : Juggling various commitments such as coursework, research, teaching assignments, and often personal responsibilities.
• Stress and burnout : Coping with the sustained mental and emotional pressure to perform and produce results.
• Imposter syndrome : Battling feelings of self-doubt and fear of not being intellectually capable or deserving.
• Uncertain career prospects : Navigating the competitive job market and anxieties about future employment opportunities after graduation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to dive into grad school yourself or just wanna understand what your grad student pals are up to, these questions will give you the scoop you need.

Remember, grad school’s a big world with lots to explore, so use these icebreakers to start some genuine, insightful chats with those who are living the grad life. After all, who better to learn from than those hitting the books and living out their academic adventures every day?

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Robby Salveron

20 questions to ask about potential PhD programmes

There usually comes a time in a PhD application process when the candidate can ask the admission committee questions about the programme. If you made it to this stage, you may b e wondering: What questions should I ask about the PhD programme?

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below at  no additional cost to you.  I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, my opinions are my own.

What makes this PhD programme unique?

What are the requirements in terms of coursework, how does this programme structure the thesis writing process, how long does it take on average for phd students to complete the degree, how much flexibility do phd students have to create their unique programmes, what facilities and equipment are available to phd students in this programme, how are phd students of this programme integrated into the wider academic community, do phd students in this programme interact with senior scientists beyond their research group, how common is it for phd students in this programme to co-author academic articles with supervisors and colleagues, what support is offered to phd students in the programme, does the programme offer any financial support, does the phd programme provide grant writing support to phd students, does the programme encourage and support phd students to work as teaching assistants, what happens if there is a problem with a phd supervisor, what are common career trajectories of phd students who complete this programme, what does the programme do to prepare phd students for the job market, does the emphasis lie on training phd students for academic careers, does the phd programme foster industry connections, collaborations with external partners and public outreach activities, does the programme organise networking events or career fairs for phd students, questions to ask about a phd programme’s setup.

A PhD interview is not just an opportunity for you to convince your interviewers that you are a good match for their programme. Your interviewers should also leave a good impression on you! This relatively open question allows them to convince you to choose their programme over any other offers that you may have. It is a good way for you to see what arguments they have to offer.

The amount of coursework can differ from PhD programme to PhD programme. Therefore, it is good to ask about specific requirements in terms of courses to follow, credits to earn, etcetera.

Similar to coursework, the thesis writing process can also differ from PhD programme to programme. Is the process divided into fixed stages (such as data collection, data analysis, and writing up)? Or is the process flexible? How is the thesis supervision organised? It is good to have answers to these types of questions in advance.

Most universities indicate the length of their PhD programmes. However, there can be a difference between the supposed length and the actual one. Potentially, a PhD programme takes 4 years on paper but most PhD students take 6 years to complete it. This information is useful to consider before committing to a programme.

You may have specific requirements for your PhD. Unique interest. And you should be aware that unexpected things can happen. For instance: care leave, illness or simply failed experiments can delay the completion of a PhD programme. Therefore, it is good to test the water and ask about the stance of the PhD programme when it comes to being flexible.

You may also like: 9 smart questions to ask a professor about graduate school

Questions to ask about a PhD programme’s environment

You want to know what the PhD programme offers to PhD students, for example in terms of office space, lab equipment, laptops, etcetera. Think about the type of facilities and equipment that you would need for your specific PhD research.

There can be a huge difference in terms of how PhD students are treated in different universities. In some, they are considered regular students who have limited contact with senior scientists besides their supervisor/s. In others, they are treated as colleagues and/or staff members who are included in department meetings, research exchanges or joint lunches. Try to get a feeling for the situation in the specific PhD programme that you are considering.

As a follow-up to the previous question, you should enquire about the contact that PhD students of a specific programme have with scholars outside of their supervisor/s or small research unit. Being exposed to different perspectives, people and insights can hugely benefit PhD students’ work. Therefore it is good to know whether PhD students in a programme tend to work in isolated silos.

Co-authoring ( when done right! ) is hugely beneficial to PhD students. It enables them to learn the art of writing scientific papers, and how to collaborate effectively. Furthermore, having publications can boost their career. In some universities, it is very common for PhD students to be included as co-authors in joint research papers. In others, it is not.

Questions to ask about a PhD programme’s support mechanisms

It is smart to start with a relatively broad question, to see what support mechanisms are offered in a PhD programme. This can be, for instance, a PhD council, a study advisor, or a mental health counsellor.

Some departments have funds, for instance, to support fieldwork. Some also offer budgets to PhD students, so that they can participate in (international) conferences. You can even think of travel reimbursements if you have a longer commute. It is good to know about possibilities for financial support in advance.

PhD students without full-time funding often rely on grants and bursaries. Additionally, gaining experience in grant writing during a PhD can be advantageous in an academic career, regardless of one’s funding situation. However, grant writing is time-consuming and often requires approval and administrative support from the university. Is this support provided?

Working as a teaching assistant during a PhD has financial benefits, and also improves PhD students’ chances of securing work as a lecturer once they graduate. Try to find out whether the PhD programme helps students to find these positions, and whether they support them (for instance by being flexible with the coursework schedule, etcetera).

A PhD supervisor plays a major role in the success of a PhD student. Unfortunately, not all PhD supervisors are good ones . Without being overly pessimistic, it can be a good idea to ask what would hypothetically happen if there is a problem with a PhD supervisor in the programme.

Questions to ask about a PhD programme’s career training and prospects

Try to get a sense of what PhD students of a programme do once they graduate. This question also helps you to assess what type of career trajectories are highlighted in the programme. Based on this information, you can draw some conclusions about the programme’s outlook on post-PhD careers.

Some universities don’t do anything to prepare PhD students for the job market. Be it the academic or the non-academic one. Others may offer special training sessions, application support and other job-market-related activities. Even though you are only exploring options for PhD programmes, it can be smart to think ahead.

Many PhD students start their degree programmes with the ambition to pursue academic careers and ultimately become professors. The reality, however, looks very different: only a very small percentage ultimately pursues an academic career. New insights about the possibilities to work in a non-academic setting and a highly competitive labour market play a role in this trend. Finding out whether a PhD programme is aware and adjusts their training to this reality can be informative.

Being exposed to job opportunities outside of academia, and conducting practice-oriented research go hand in hand with the relationships that are fostered with industry, community or any other external partners. These connections are also increasingly valued by grant and promotion committees.

A PhD programme is not solely responsible for your career after graduation. Yet, it can be advantageous if a PhD programme actively organises events or fairs that help PhD students to network, and to forge good relationship with external parties.

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Articles & Advice > Graduate School > Articles

10 Overlooked Questions to Ask About Graduate School

A graduate program may seem like a great fit on paper, but don't forget to ask these tough but often forgotten questions during your grad school search.

by Jessica McCann Freelance Writer

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2023

Originally Posted: Oct 26, 2015

It’s easy to get swayed by marketing when you’re researching graduate schools. World-renowned faculty , the brochures scream! Paid internships! Beautiful campus in the heart of the city! Opportunities abroad! While location, faculty, course offerings, and networking opportunities certainly contribute to a unique and wonderful graduate school experience, they’re not the only important components. After all, putting in years of effort to earn a degree won’t be worthwhile if your program won’t help you advance in your research or land a job afterward—or if it leaves you in crippling debt. Once you’ve established an initial list of prospective programs, don’t forget to ask some “tough questions,” especially in the following three categories, to help identify potential deal breakers.

Financial fit: A program’s effect on your wallet

Consider not just the immediate but long-term financial implications of graduate school. You may be giving up a steady salary or taking out additional loans to cover the cost of living in addition to tuition. Before undertaking such a commitment, ask these questions to ensure you’re minimizing financial loss.

1. What types of scholarship opportunities exist?

The admission or financial aid office at your prospective institution should have information on scholarship and grant opportunities readily available. They may have information on scholarships based on merit, field of study, student status, cultural background, or other factors. Don’t be afraid to make a call or schedule a sit-down meeting with your school’s financial services office to find out what type of funding opportunities are available. If you don’t find what you’re looking for at your institution, there are literally billions of dollars available to cover tuition and living expenses through private or foundational scholarships. ( Start with our scholarship search! ) While competition for scholarships can be tough, it pays to familiarize yourself with this information far in advance and apply for as many as you qualify for.

2. What is the median income of students fresh out of the program?

Graduate schools should have average or median salaries for recent grads. If this data is not available through the school website or admission office, you may be able to check in with recent graduates about their experience or speak with a recruiter or hiring manager in your field. Will your potential post-degree salary increase significantly within a few years, or will the costs outweigh the possible financial gains? If it’s the latter, you may want to consider lower-tier schools willing to provide more funding or join a part-time program so you can work to offset the costs.

Related:  Financial Aid for Grad School: What's Different This Time Around?

Career fit: How your program will actually help your job

You might be surprised by the number of people who apply to graduate programs for reasons of convenience (“I can’t get a job right now”) or confusion (“I’m not sure what I want to do”). Before making any decisions, stop to reflect on whether earning a graduate degree will provide a concrete benefit to your career or personal life. Here are some additional questions to consider.

3. What is the measurement of success with this degree?

How do most degree candidates and faculty members in your prospective program measure career success? Is it the same way you do? If your eventual goal is to become a college professor, pursuing a doctorate is a good investment, as PhD curricula are geared toward helping those who want to work in academia. But if you wish to be a legal writer, earning an MA in English may not necessarily be the best use of your time compared to, say, a certificate program in that field. If the majority of those who graduate with your intended degree are striving to do something different than you are, it may be worth re-evaluating your choice of program.

4. What is the competition like?

It’s important to know who and what you’re up against professionally. If your goal is to take on a management position in a growing company, an MBA will probably help you beat out other candidates and would thus be a good investment. However, some fields prioritize experience over education, so earning a degree—when you could be learning in the real world—might actually hurt your career prospects in the long run. Speak with recruiters or arrange informational interviews with businesses that interest you to ask their opinion on what truly makes a candidate stand out and whether a graduate degree is necessary.

5. What does research look like in your field?

Many students enroll in graduate programs with the intent of contributing knowledge to their field through a thesis or dissertation or even kicking off a career in research. However, it’s important to consider the current outlook of research in your field and how your program fits into it before committing. It is a discouraging fact that federal funding for basic research, which normally makes up the bulk of research funding universities receive, has been steadily declining since 2010. Unless researchers can effectively plead their case in the halls of Congress (which, frankly, hasn’t gone well so far), competition for grants will likely remain extremely high.

Start investigating how your school can best support your research interests in the long run: Are there administrators available to help navigate the endless maze of rules pertaining to grant applications? Are there faculty members already doing research in your area of interest, and would they be open to hiring graduate assistants? Talking with sponsored funding administrators or faculty at your prospective institution will give you an idea of how much school money is available, what type of support system students receive when competing for federal grants , and whether faculty members who receive sponsored funds would be willing to collaborate or help you seek independent opportunities.

6. What percent of graduates end up in their chosen field within six months of graduation?

This is a question for the admission officers, student advisors, or faculty members at your prospective school. Are new grads consistently finding jobs in their field soon after graduation, or are they forced to take on other positions to earn a paycheck? Of course, this can vary based on field and program; however, it pays to speak with your school about this, especially if you expect to start in your field just after you complete your studies.

Related:  Choosing the Right Graduate Degree for Your Goals

Program fit: Details that matter

You’ve been in school long enough, so by now you know your own learning style and what type of graduate program would fit you best . Do you need a part-time or flexible program that will allow you to work while in school, or are you looking for a full-time master’s that will allow plenty of time for networking and internships? Are you looking for an independent experience, or do you need more guidance? A fruitful grad school experience depends on you being a good fit for your program and the program being a good fit for you. Here are some questions to ask admission offices or currently enrolled students.

7. Did my undergraduate degree prepare me for grad school and this program specifically?

With the competitive nature of graduate programs, it would seem that an admission committee would only accept students they believe have the tools to succeed. However, this isn’t always the case. Research has shown that students often underestimate their grades and credentials when applying to schools, which can result in them “settling” for lower-tier schools that may have fewer resources and opportunities; in other cases, schools may overestimate students’ experience and award them merit-based scholarships that are difficult to maintain. In addition, graduate courses can involve a very different set of organizational and motivational skills than undergraduate ones do.

The best way to see how your skills match up is to contact current students and recent alumni. They are in the best position to be informed—and honest—about what it takes to do well in the program. Check admission and alumni websites; chances are they can put you in touch with someone who has a similar background to your own. Ask students about their daily workload, the biggest challenges they’ve faced, and what’s surprised them most as a graduate student. They will likely be willing to talk about their grad school experience and can share organizational tips or prerequisite courses they feel might help you succeed.

8. How will my real-world experience help me?

Or alternatively, would I be better prepared for this program with real-world experience? Think about your past work and life experiences: How can these benefit you in the program? If you don’t feel you have enough to bring to the table, consider internships, travel, or freelance work you could undertake to boost your application and help you narrow your research interests. Beef up your portfolio by joining online freelance communities or searching job boards for gigs or unpaid internships. Try volunteering with a local organization related to your field. You could even participate in a trip or short study abroad program to make your résumé more interesting. Ask faculty members, program advisors, and admission officers if they have any suggestions on how to make your application unique.

9. Is the program all coursework or are independent or research opportunities available?

Of course, part of the reason you’re in graduate school is to connect with faculty. However, the biggest opportunities for networking normally come outside large lecture classes, and your opportunity to really stand out and make progress in your field may lie in independent work. Does your prospective program offer extensive opportunities for research and individual work? Are assistantships available with faculty members, or could you take on individual academic jobs? Taking on additional research projects in graduate school will make you stand out from the crowd, so investigate how much support your prospective institution can offer outside of the classroom.

10. How long does it take students to finish the program?

Last but not least, the all-important question: How long does it take to finish this thing? While many full-time MA programs will likely take about two years, accelerated programs could be finished in one. PhD students normally don’t walk away with a degree until five to seven years later. Ask not just about the ideal length of time of your program but the average actual length of time students take to finish, as well as the dropout rate. Based on this, consider whether the pace of your program is too fast to be comfortable, too slow to endure unemployment throughout, or just right.

Related:  Helpful Answers to Your Questions About Grad School

Pursuing a graduate degree is a big commitment with many considerations to think about. If you go into your grad school search prepared to ask the right questions about how it will affect you financially, professionally, and academically, you’ll be that much closer to finding the right program for you.

Still looking for your best-fit graduate program? Explore the grad schools featured on CollegeXpress .

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Questions to Ask During Your PhD Interview

• By Zebastian D.
• August 22, 2020

As someone applying for PhD positions, you’ll no doubt be thinking of and preparing for the interview with your potential supervisor(s). You’re absolutely right to be doing this and planning your answers to some of the PhD interview questions that they’ll probably ask you; make sure you’ve read our guide on this to help you prepare.

Remember though that the PhD student-supervisor relationship works both ways; as much as the potential supervisor is interviewing you for a PhD position within their lab, you should also have the mindset that you’re also interviewing the professor for the role of supervisor, and be ready to ask questions! Ultimately the key thing you want to know after your PhD interview is you are both a good fit for each other.

With that in mind, I’ve prepared a common list of questions that you should consider asking to help you decide if the supervisor and the research lab is the right fit for you. You don’t need to ask all these questions but instead use this list as a guide for picking what feels most important to you.

I should also note that some of the answers to these questions can usually be found through a quick Google search of the potential supervisor or looking at their university profile. So do think about which questions in particular you want to bring up in person at the PhD interview.

Now on to the questions….

How many PhD students have you supervised previously, and did they all gain their PhDs?

You’re asking this to firstly work out how experienced the professor is at supervising students, based purely on the numbers previously supervised. The reason to ask the second question of how many students gained PhDs is to get an idea of the supervisor’s track record of successful supervision. The lower the percentage of students that went onto complete their PhD under his or her supervision (and not leave the program early ), the more alarm bells that should be ringing for you. This of course shouldn’t be your only data point in the decision-making process, and you should try and find out more about why those that left their PhD program before completion, did so. Equally it’s also a possibility that some students have been successful in their PhD research in spite of a supervisor’s lack of support. A good way to get a truer sense of this is by speaking to the supervisor’s current and past students.

Whilst a supervisor’s successful track record can be reassuring, don’t be put off if they haven’t supervised many (or even any) students before, particularly if they’re still fairly new in the job. There are many other ways in which you can get a sense of the supervisor-student fit.

How many years does a PhD project usually take in your lab?

If you’re in the UK, a full time PhD should normally take you 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by most funding grants for PhD research being for this time frame. You want to know and have some reassurance that most students in this lab do finish within this time frame. Asking this question will also help you better understand the supervisor’s attitude towards completion time frames; is this someone that would have no issue with a student that’s been working on their PhD for 6 years or are they driven to help students complete ‘on time’.

What are the key milestones for progression that you expect from students?

This is a good follow on from the previous question. Some supervisors can be very ‘hands off’ and set no expectations on their students about deliverables and if this is the type of student-supervisor relationship you’re after (which some are), then perfect!

However, whilst a PhD project is an independent body of work, that doesn’t mean you have to do it in isolation. Having a supervisor that also acts as a mentor is important; a key aspect of this is to help keep you on track to complete your project ‘in time’, which is most effectively done using regular milestones.

The actual milestones will vary between supervisors but what you’re looking for in their response is some indication that they’ve actually thought about them. Examples of milestones may be the completion of the literature review within the first 6 weeks of starting, first experimental data captured by month 3 and first paper published by the time you end year 1.

How many other students do you supervise?

You ideally don’t want your supervisor to have too many (>5) other PhD students under his or her supervision at any one time, simply because of the dilution of their time that will naturally occur. Being part of an active research lab is a big advantage however, so you don’t necessarily want to be the only student under their supervision either. Remember that the professor may also be responsible for several Master’s and undergraduate students too so you just need to know what to realistically expect from him in terms of available time to meet with you regularly.

How often do you meet with your PhD students?

You don’t want a supervisor that’s too prescriptive in how you run your project, but you do want someone who you know you can rely on to meet with regularly. Some professors set weekly one-on-one or group research meetings that occur at the same time, day and venue; you know exactly what you’re getting here. Others tend to meet less frequently but still at regular intervals. A good balance would be to have catch up meetings every 2 weeks but it’s important to know upfront what the expectations are from both sides about how often to meet.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How flexible is the direction of the PhD project?

At the PhD level of higher education, the supervisor is there to provide mentorship and guidance to help you avoid going in a completely wrong direction with your research. You should however expect to have the freedom to take your project in any direction you want to (within reason). This should be the case even if it means deviating from the original research questions that were proposed at the start; you and your supervisor should be in agreement before you start about how much flexibility there can be. Remember too that sometimes the project may have to stay closely aligned to the original plan if it’s required by the industry funder, so this decision may be out of the supervisor’s hands to some extent.

What funding is available for this project?

You should know by the time you come to interview if the project is to be self-funded or if there is specific funding associated with it. It may feel like an awkward question to ask but you need to be very clear on how much of a living stipend you should expect and if there is any additional funding for things such as conference travel, paying for journal publication fees or other bench fees; you don’t want any unpleasant surprises about finances when you’ve already started the PhD.

Do you expect there to be any changes in funding during the course of the project?

Specifically, you want to find out if there’s any risk that the funding associated with the project could be removed. Most often, funding bodies don’t transfer the entire monetary amount of the agreed funding up front in one lumpsum (which can be in excess of £75,000 for a 3-year studentship). Instead, payments are made in instalments and may be done so on the basis that certain milestones are met. For industry funded projects, for example, there may be a service work element (such as specialist analysis using university-based equipment) associated with the funding which will need to be delivered on time for the university to continue to receive money. In reality a complete loss of funding is unlikely to happen, but you should find out if this is at all a possibility of happening.

What is the source of the funding?

It’s important for you to understand how your project will be funded. As discussed in the previous question, the specific funder may place certain requirements on the university that need to be fulfilled to receive the funds. Don’t let this put you off applying or even impact your decision to take on the specific project, but it’s an important factor to be aware of.

Are there any opportunities to earn additional money as a PhD student?

Even if you will receive a stipend during the course of your research project, it comparatively won’t be a lot of money to live on. If you want it, the opportunity to earn extra money can make a big difference in managing your finances. This may in the form of one day/week working as a research technician or paid work preparing and delivering lectures to undergraduate students. It’s useful to know if these opportunities will exist to help you manage your expectations about your finances. Make sure you don’t let yourself feel obligated to take on this additional work however, even if it is paid; the priority will be ensuring your research progresses on schedule.

Will I have the opportunity and be expected to publish papers?

In the UK there is no requirement for you to have published any journal papers before you are awarded a PhD. Doing so however can go some way towards making your final viva that much easier, and also giving you a ‘head-start’ on your publication track record if you continue on into academia after your PhD.

You should get a sense of if your potential supervisor sees an opportunity for you to publish your research, if this is something that you want to do. Equally you should be aware of the supervisor’s expectations about publishing to avoid any potential conflict between your supervisor wanting you to publish work during your PhD and you wanting to wait until you’re in the post-doc stage before writing papers.

How many papers have previous PhD students published with you?

Knowing the answer to this should give you a good idea about the expectations and opportunities of publishing papers during your PhD. It’s certainly a positive sign to know that previous students have successfully published their research and is often a sign of a good supervisory system being in place.

How often does your research group present at academic conferences?

Having the opportunity to present your research at an academic conference is a key experience to have obtained during your time as a PhD student. Some supervisors actively encourage this and ensure that all funding applications include allocations for paying for conference related fees. Others are less convinced about the value of students going to conferences, particularly due to the additional expense of doing so, and may therefore not be as supportive of conference participation.

It’s useful to know what the norm is within the supervisor’s research group so that there are no surprises further down the line.

Is there funding support available for attending conferences?

Again, to be clear on expectations of funding and support for conference attendance, you should find out if there are funds specifically allocated for this purpose. If there aren’t, does the supervisor actively provide support to their students in applying for additional funding for this?

Are there courses and training sessions available for PhD students?

Find out if there are extra resources available to you should you want to use them. For example, do the supervisors students go on paper writing courses, or workshops on how to perform literature reviews? There are lots of new things that you’ll be doing during your PhD, especially at the beginning so it’s good to know that there’s external help available if and when you need it.

What are your past PhD graduates doing now?

This is an interesting one to find out from the supervisor. Are most of their graduates continuing their career development within academia or have many moved into industry work or even to a field completely different to their area of research? Ideally, you’d want this to align with your own career options. If most PhD holders have gone into industry whereas you want to pursue an academic career, you should try and find out why they ended up leaving academia. For example, did these graduates initially have aspirations of becoming professors themselves but were not able to do so or does your particular field normally open up more opportunities within industry?

What kind of support do you or the university provide for helping with jobs after?

In particular, what role does the supervisor play in helping their recent PhD graduates find their next job role? Do they have any connections within industry that they’d be able to help you network with? Or have any of their past PhD students stayed on in the lab as post-docs and are there resources in place for you to potentially do the same?

Will there be opportunities to teach undergraduate students?

The opportunity to give lectures to undergraduate students or lead tutorials with them can be a good way to earn some extra money during your PhD (note though that not all universities/departments formally pay PhD students to do this). Getting teaching experience is also important if you’re planning on continuing on down an academic career path at a university so it’s useful if you can gain some of this during your PhD.

Do you as a lab do any team activities together?

This will help you get a sense of the environment you’ll be working in for at least the next three years. Is this a lab with several PhD students and post-docs that make up an active ‘research family’? Does the team ever go out for lunch together or day trips away together to unwind? This can be a great way to build a sense of comradery in a research job that can often feel like you’re working alone in. Some supervisors actively encourage and get involved in nurturing a team environment whilst others are more hands-off, leaving the students to do their own thing.

What is the work environment like? Do students work in a shared office space?

Be clear on what your daily workspace will be like at the lab and university. Do all PhD students sit together in an open space or are there smaller office spaces for one or two students to work in? Some people prefer the buzz of an open space whilst others like the quiet of lone working. Either way, you should know what your work environment will look like for the next three years and plan accordingly (e.g. buy some noise cancelling headphones if you need some quite time in the open plan office).

I’ve given you a number of different questions to think about and ask your potential supervisor at your PhD interview. Not all of them may be relevant, or even appropriate to ask, so do think carefully about which ones you do want to bring up at the interview and which answers you could find out independently by either speaking to other students or looking online. Your research project and your experiences at the university will be so much more enjoyable if you can make sure you and your supervisor are a good fit for each other. The best way to do this is to ask questions!

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Is it really possible to do a PhD while working? The answer is ‘yes’, but it comes with several ‘buts’. Read our post to find out if it’s for you.

Do you need to have published papers to do a PhD? The simple answer is no but it could benefit your application if you can.

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• Applications

Questions to ask current students in PhD programs

By hejduk July 1, 2010 in Applications

Recommended Posts

This forum helped me to realize that a great way to get true insight into a program is to email grad students at the schools I'm interested in. You can usually find grad students listed on the program's website, but sometimes I've had to email admins to get students emails.

The questions I ask are:

What is the atmosphere of the department?

Are people (faculty, staff, etc) friendly and collaborative?

What are the teaching assignments like?

While teaching, are you still able to properly attend to your coursework?

is there a strong support network for students' spouses? Monthly "potlucks"?

Is there a specific focus of the department (political, digital media, etc)?

Are students supported in pursuits in publishing and conference attendance?

What are the department and library facilities like?

Any strengths/weaknesses of the program that stand out?

Anyone have any questions or suggestions to add to this list?

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socialpsych

Those are great questions. Now that I know a bit more about grad school, I'm trying to think of other things that might be important but that people might not think to ask...

Advisor questions:

- How often do you meet with your advisor? Is your advisor fairly accessible to you?

- Do you publish together with your advisor? Do you get to be first author?

- Do you work primarily with one person or can you work with multiple people?

- In case of an unforeseeable personality mismatch, is it possible to switch advisors? Do people ever do that?

- Are there any PhD research seminars/workshops that are focused on explicitly giving you research skills, or do you primarily learn by doing?

(if applicable:) - Are there opportunities to collaborate with faculty in other programs/departments?

Funding questions:

- Where does research funding come from? What grants (if any) do students apply for? Are they generally successful? Does it ever feel like your research is limited by the amount of funding you have available (rather than how much research you can or choose to take on)?

- Is your funding tied to your advisor or does it come from the department/program, or from the school?

- Do you spend a lot of time worrying about/searching for/applying for funding?

- Is your stipend sufficient to live in the city where campus is located? (I think I avoided asking this as an applicant because I thought it would be awkward, but a few applicants have asked me now that I'm a grad student, and it's totally fine)

- How long does it typically take to finish the program? If longer than the guaranteed funding, where does your funding come from?

Location questions: What's the city/town like? safe? fun? expensive? Where do students typically live?

Do you feel stressed about finding a job after graduation?

What is the hardest part of grad school for you?

Is there a particular type of student who does well in this program? A particular type who does poorly?

What percentage of students leave the program, and why?

Family/lifestyle questions (if applicable): Are there students in the program who have kids? Do the faculty understand and support family obligations? Is the atmosphere generally family-friendly?

...I could probably think of more, haha.

fuzzylogician

Feel like an idiot now! I had been emailing specific people from different programs websites, specifically those with similar research interests. I didn't end up having much luck in getting responses back, so I just decided to email 10-15 students I could find at each program I'm interested in.

I got an email back from one of my "blanket" emails, with the responder informing me she had been out of the program for a year, and to contact the admin office for current students emails. When I contacted the admin and told them I had emailed 10-15 students, they recommended I not continue doing that.

I take criticism quite well, but I felt so embarrassed! This whole application process is so confusing, and I hope that I didn't burn any bridges. I apologized for the mistake I had made, and while the conversation ended good, I still can't help but feel like I'm a candidate sticking out in a bad way.

No more mass emails for me...

American in Beijing

Feel like an idiot now! I had been emailing specific people from different programs websites, specifically those with similar research interests. I didn't end up having much luck in getting responses back, so I just decided to email 10-15 students I could find at each program I'm interested in. I got an email back from one of my "blanket" emails, with the responder informing me she had been out of the program for a year, and to contact the admin office for current students emails. When I contacted the admin and told them I had emailed 10-15 students, they recommended I not continue doing that. I take criticism quite well, but I felt so embarrassed! This whole application process is so confusing, and I hope that I didn't burn any bridges. I apologized for the mistake I had made, and while the conversation ended good, I still can't help but feel like I'm a candidate sticking out in a bad way. No more mass emails for me...

Don't feel bad. I honestly wouldn't worry about it. I don't think people are going to consider it a bad thing that you wanted to be well-informed about the program before you apply. Maybe next time you should just e-mail the administrator and ask if there are any students who are willing to field such questions.

Everything socialpsych said.

Degree requirements questions:

- How many classes are students required to take? How much choice, how many required classes?

- Are required classes offered on a regular basis or do students sometimes find themselves taking a required class in their 5th year b/c it wasn't given earlier?

- Are there language requirements? How long does it usually take students to meet them?

- How long does it take students to pass qualifying papers / exams? Do students feel that the load is reasonable and that they have enough time to prepare?

- How long does it take students to become ABD? How long do students usually take to write their dissertation?

Cohort / student body questions:

- Do you collaborate with your cohort on assignments?

- Have you published with anyone from your cohort / other students?

- Do you go out with other students after class? are there regular activities organized by the students for the students?

- How do you choose offices? can you change offices after some time?

Do you get enough sleep? Do you have free time to engage in hobbies?

What would you change in the program?

What is the program's best feature?

Are you happy?

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