7 Graduate School Interview Questions & Tips to Prepare
You’re applying to grad school and you’ve got questions! Have you tried asking your graduate admissions counselor? Your go-to contact at a university is also a trained, experienced and invaluable source of key information and individualized advice.
Here are a few questions to get the conversation started.
1. How Do I Compare to Other Applicants?
Discuss student body demographics, admission requirements and the general acceptance rate in light of how many people apply. Well-versed in the caliber of previous applications, your admissions counselor can give you an idea of where you stand based on your academic achievements, experience and other qualifications.
2. What Can You Tell Me About the Program Curriculum?
Your counselor will be able to tell you about the program coursework and time to complete and answer any specific questions you might have. You can also ask for course descriptions to help you get a feel for what the degree entails. Based on this information, you can evaluate whether or not the program meets your interests, and if it will prepare you for the career you desire in the future.
3. Who Are the Faculty?
Not only will you learn from these individuals–you will also participate in research opportunities with them. Inquire about the faculty’s backgrounds, accolades, credentials and research. It’s a great idea to ask if you can meet some of the individual professors, if possible. You can also ask the counselor to connect you with current students, who can give you an honest glimpse into the professors’ availability and accessibility.
4. What Options Do I Have to Obtain My Degree?
Is the program in-person only or are there online and hybrid possibilities? Can you take your classes on a part-time basis? Your counselor can help you understand and assess a degree program’s time commitment and the costs associated with each option.
Benefits of an online program include learning at your own pace, setting your own schedule and holding a job while in school. A part-time program will enable you to maintain an income while earning your degree, where full-time study will allow you to devote your total attention to the program. Using this information, you can determine the program that best meets your needs and strengths.
5. What Financial Resources Do You Offer?
Your counselor will walk you through the many options that can affect the bottom line of graduate education, financial aid, scholarships and compensated research and teaching assistant positions. Some programs also have incredible graduate assistantship opportunities, so be sure to ask about how those are awarded. The admissions counselors are very familiar with these resources and can point you in the right direction, saving you time and effort.
6. Where Are Your Alumni Now?
Knowing what professional accomplishments other graduates have achieved can give you an idea of the possibilities available to you after graduation. This information can also serve as motivation and inspiration during your degree. Graduates of these programs also frequently form professional networks, a huge benefit to alumni of the program.
7. What Makes This School Unique?
If you ask only one question, make it this one. Graduate admissions counselors can showcase the very best the school and program have to offer. Don’t overlook this opportunity to determine whether the unique aspects of the program harmonize with your own equally unique needs and aspirations. Among similar schools, the aspects that the admissions counselor highlights can give you insight into the program’s core mission and values.
At Sacred Heart University, small class size means individualized attention from professors and a great chance to prepare for your career through mentoring and one-on-one faculty research projects. Our excellent location in Fairfield County, Connecticut, means you’ll be close to the Fortune 500 companies and top media and health care facilities where key networking and internship opportunities abound. As well as interview prep, job fairs and résumé advice, SHU’s Center for Career & Professional Development offers grad students access to our exclusive online job search tool–Handshake, which houses over 3.5 million jobs and internships around the globe.
Think a graduate program at Sacred Heart University might be for you?
Sacred Heart University's doctoral, master's and certificate programs–as well as education sixth-year degrees and certifications–offer the forward-thinking academic instruction required to be successful in today’s marketplace along with the flexibility and support to help you accomplish your goals.
SHU’s Graduate Admissions team is here for you!
Take advantage of one-on-one appointments virtually or in person, as well as time with admissions counselors at open houses, also offered both virtually and in person. Reach out to Graduate Admissions at 203-365-7619 or gradstudies@sacredheart.edu or schedule a visit today!