The following are suggested questions to ask during an interview:

• Research Opportunities: Inquire about available research opportunities and current projects in the department. This is especially important if looking at rotational programs.

  • • • Are there opportunities for students to propose their own projects?

      • How much flexibility is there to rotate between labs, if the program allows rotations?

      • Are collaborations with other labs, departments, or institutions encouraged?

• Advising and Mentorship: Ask about the advising and mentorship structure within the program.

  • • How is the advisor–student relationship structured?

    • Are advisors hands-on or more independent in their mentoring style?

    • How often do students meet with their advisors?

    • Are there formal mentorship or peer support programs available?

    • Talk to graduate students and lab members about the mentor. This is one of the most important things you can ask.

• Funding and Resources: Clarify details about funding packages, research grants, and available resources.

  • • Are you expected to find funding?

    • How many years are you guaranteed funding?

    • What are funding options in the department?

    • Will you need to teach (TA) for funding?

• Program Structure and Expectations:

  • • What is the typical timeline for completing the program?

    • Are there required courses, qualifying exams, or milestones I should know about?

    • How flexible is the program in supporting interdisciplinary work?

    • Are there opportunities for professional development, such as workshops or conferences?

• Career Support: Learn about career services and support for post-graduation career placement.

  • • What types of career support are available to students (career services, networking events, internships)?

    • How successful are graduates in finding academic, industry, or government positions?

    • Are there alumni networks that students can access?

    • Does the department provide guidance on postdoctoral applications or non-academic career paths?

• Community and Culture:

  • • How would you describe the department’s culture?

    • Are students collaborative, competitive, or a mix?

    • What social or professional events are available for graduate students?

The following are common questions asked during an interview:

• Research Interests and Experience: Be prepared to discuss your past research experiences, including techniques you’ve used, projects you’ve worked on, and what you learned. Faculty often want to know:

  • • What specific areas of research interest you, and why?

    • Can you describe a research project you contributed to and your role?

    • How do your skills and interests align with ongoing projects in the lab or department?

• Motivation and Goals: Interviewers want to understand your long-term objectives and why you’re pursuing graduate school. Be ready to answer:

  • • Why are you interested in this program specifically?

    • What are your career goals after graduation?

    • How do you see this program helping you achieve those goals?

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Faculty may probe how you approach challenges in research or academics:

  • • Describe a time you encountered a problem in research/coursework. How did you handle it?

    • Can you propose a potential research question or experiment related to your field of interest?

• Collaboration and Communication: Graduate work often involves teamwork and presenting your findings:

  • • Have you worked in a team environment? What role do you typically take?

    • How do you handle disagreements in a research setting?

    • Can you explain a complex concept from your field to someone outside your discipline?

• Technical Skills and Knowledge: Depending on the program, you may be asked about specific techniques, tools, or theories:

  • • Are you familiar with [specific lab techniques, software, or methodologies]?

    • How comfortable are you learning new methods or adapting to different research environments?

• Fit and Engagement: Programs also want to assess whether you’ll thrive in their environment:

  • • Why do you want to work with a particular faculty member or lab?

    • How do you plan to contribute to the department’s community?

    • What qualities do you bring that would make you a strong graduate student?