Questions for grad student in a program of interest
I know that many of us have been wondering what kinds of questions to ask grad students at programs we are interested in, and I have compiled a list of questions I am planning to ask a student in a program I have been admitted to. I have also listed a few extras here and I hope this can be a resource that helps with the blocks that we sometimes face when we are so excited, anxious and overwhelmed that we don't know where to start. :)
- What are the relationships like between students and faculty? How are graduate students treated?
- Is there any negativity or tension/rivalries in the department? What is the overall atmosphere like?
- How many students are in the program? How closely do students work together, and what are the relationships like among students?
- Are there any additional funding opportunities available (TAships, etc) once you are at X university?
- Is it distracting going to school and living in town X? How do students effectively manage their time (and finances) in such an environment?
- I have read that there are many fascinating events, seminars, conferences, etc. on campus. Do students often participate in these and present their work? What are the eligibility requirements to do so?
- Do you have any reading recommendations that might better prepare me for the program? Is there anything you wished you would have known prior to entering the program?
(Optional ideas to get an idea of the type of students in the program)
- What kind of school and program (and location) were you in prior to entering this one? What was your transition like?
- What are you researching, and how do faculty research interests contribute to your work and vice versa? Who is your advisor?
- What are your academic, professional or career goals, and how is this program (and university) preparing you for them?
Suggestions and revisions are welcome and appreciated! :)
- What are the relationships like between students and faculty? How are graduate students treated?
- Is there any negativity or tension/rivalries in the department? What is the overall atmosphere like?
- How many students are in the program? How closely do students work together, and what are the relationships like among students?
- Are there any additional funding opportunities available (TAships, etc) once you are at X university?
- Is it distracting going to school and living in town X? How do students effectively manage their time (and finances) in such an environment?
- I have read that there are many fascinating events, seminars, conferences, etc. on campus. Do students often participate in these and present their work? What are the eligibility requirements to do so?
- Do you have any reading recommendations that might better prepare me for the program? Is there anything you wished you would have known prior to entering the program?
(Optional ideas to get an idea of the type of students in the program)
- What kind of school and program (and location) were you in prior to entering this one? What was your transition like?
- What are you researching, and how do faculty research interests contribute to your work and vice versa? Who is your advisor?
- What are your academic, professional or career goals, and how is this program (and university) preparing you for them?
Suggestions and revisions are welcome and appreciated! :)