good questions to ask phd 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?

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Robby Salveron

Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

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!

Being a new graduate teaching assistant can be a scary but rewarding undertaking – our 7 tips will help make your teaching journey as smooth as possible.

Stay up to date with current information being provided by the UK Government and Universities about the impact of the global pandemic on PhD research studies.

Considering whether to do an MBA or a PhD? If so, find out what their differences are, and more importantly, which one is better suited for you.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Browse PhDs Now

Impostor Syndrome is a common phenomenon amongst PhD students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. How can we overcome these feelings?

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.

Maria is a 1st year PhD student at the University of Birmingham, researching how to employ and exploit the biology of human gamma delta T cells for development of cancer immunotherapy.

Dr Clarence gained her PhD in Higher Education Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa in 2013. She is now an honorary research associate at the University and also runs her own blog about working as a researcher/parent in academia.

Join Thousands of Students

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?

The Best Questions to Ask During a PhD Interview

A PhD interview is not only a chance for the department to determine if you’re a good fit for their program, it’s also an opportunity for you to decide if their program is right for you. Coming to the interview prepared with some questions shows the selection committee you’re serious about their program. Stuck on what to ask? Give these questions a go!

1. Are there opportunities for summer funding or travel grants?

Not all programs pay students during the summer months. If this is the case, you should ask if the program provides financial support for students to do research-related activities in the summer like take language classes or do fieldwork. Are there grants available from the department or university for research-related travel? In a similar vein, does the department or graduate school provide travel grants to reimburse PhD students for conference expenses?

2. What are recent alumni doing now?

Getting a PhD is a big investment of time and money so potential students want reassurance that it will pay off in the future. Before you commit to a program, find out where its recent alumni are now working. Do most alumni go on to positions in academia or are most of them working in industry or alt-ac?           

3. What sort of special resources does the university have for research in this field?

Some universities have resources above and beyond the norm, such as their own collection of papyri or a world-renowned affiliated hospital, which graduate students can access for their research. This can give one program an edge over another.

4. How long does it take on average for students to earn their degree?

The length of a PhD depends on which country you are studying in, however if one program has a longer-than-average time to degree it’s worth finding out why. Does the program require more coursework or have more exams than other similar programs? It’s also work asking what percentage of students don’t complete the program as a high percentage could be a red flag.

5. Will I have the opportunity to teach during my PhD?

If you want to be a professor, teaching will be an essential part of your job. It is extremely beneficial to gain teaching experience during your PhD and many North American PhD programs actually require at least one year of teaching.

6. Will I have the opportunity to publish during my PhD?

Publishing is an important part of academic life, but the publishing expectations of graduate students will depend on the field. If you are interviewing in STEM and social sciences, it is more relevant to ask how many first author papers most students publish by the time they graduate. In the humanities, where graduate publications are rarer, the better question will be if most students publish while they are in the program. In both cases, you should also ask how the faculty helps students learn to navigate publishing process.           

7. What is the funding level of this PhD position?

If the job posting or department website doesn’t go into detail about PhD funding, you can take this opportunity to clarify the funding level and total cost of the program. Depending on your circumstances, you might also want to ask whether the department offers any paid assistantship positions or supports external fellowship/grant applications.

8. What makes this program unique?

The core elements of all PhD programs are the same, so try to ask a question that gets at the differences. What does this program do to differentiate itself from the competition? It can be interesting to hear how multiple faculty members in the same department answer this question.

9. Are there any planned absences in the department in the coming years?

Do any key faculty members (including your supervisor) have sabbaticals planned while you would be doing your PhD?

10. How does the dissertation process work in this program?

It’s helpful to ask questions such as can students choose their own committee members, does the university offer finishing fellowships, and how long on average does it take students in this program to complete their dissertations?

Discover related jobs

Discover similar employers

Accelerate your academic career

How to Be a Career-Minded PhD Student

At the start of your PhD the job market might be the furthest thing from...

Finnish Academic Job Titles Explained

While there will be some differences university to university, here's a ...

What is a PhD?

How long does it take to do a PhD? Do you have to be a super genius to d...

Don’t Fall Prey to Predatory Journals

These journals just want your money.

Studying in the US with a J-1 Visa

Are you going to study in the US on a J-1 visa? Here are our tips for pr...

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in Belgium

Academic salaries for Flemish (Dutch-speaking) or Wallonian (French-spea...

Jobs by field

• Electrical Engineering 190
• Machine Learning 189
• Artificial Intelligence 180
• Molecular Biology 149
• Programming Languages 144
• Management 107
• Cell Biology 107
• Electronics 106
• Biochemistry 105
• Materials Engineering 102

Jobs by type

• Postdoc 357
• Assistant / Associate Professor 245
• Professor 167
• Researcher 129
• Research assistant 102
• Tenure Track 96
• Lecturer / Senior Lecturer 96
• Management / Leadership 72
• Engineer 67

Jobs by country

• Belgium 290
• Netherlands 205
• Switzerland 129
• Finland 129
• Germany 114
• Luxembourg 110

Jobs by employer

• University of Luxembourg 108
• KU Leuven 93
• Mohammed VI Polytechnic Unive... 81
• Eindhoven University of Techn... 70
• Ghent University 62
• ETH Zürich 58
• KTH Royal Institute of Techno... 54
• University of Twente 51
• Wenzhou-Kean University 35

This website uses cookies

Machine Learning Blog | ML@CMU | Carnegie Mellon University

Statistics:.

• [ Submissions ]
• Submissions

Categories:

• Educational

[instagram-feed num=6 cols=6 imagepadding=0 disablemobile=true showbutton=false showheader=false followtext=”Follow @Mint_Theme”]

Questions To Ask In A PhD Interview: PhD Interview Questions

Going into a PhD interview? it can be daunting. However, arming yourself with insightful questions is key. This article compiles some of the best questions to ask for prospective PhD students to pose to their interview panel.

From probing about the research project, supervisor’s expectations to discussing the academic environment, our list aims to help you demonstrate your engagement and ensure a good fit with the PhD programme. 

Use this opportunity to clarify aspects of the PhD position and align your academic career path with the prospective supervisor’s vision.

Questions To Ask In A PhD Interview

Why should you ask questions during a phd interview.

Asking questions during a PhD interview is more than a formality; it’s a strategic move. It’s your chance to delve into the specifics of the PhD project you might be working on.

For instance, inquiring about the research group’s dynamics can reveal how collaborative or independent your future work environment will be.

Questions about the supervisor’s advising style can provide insights into the guidance and support you can expect. This is crucial because a strong mentor-mentee relationship is often the backbone of a successful PhD journey.

Asking about the expected career paths of graduates can give you a glimpse into your own future, post-PhD. These inquiries show you’re not just interested in being a PhD student but are actively considering how this program fits into your broader academic career path.

Expectations On PhD Students

In the heat of a PhD interview, asking about the university’s expectations is not just encouraged; it’s strategic. It shows you’re invested in aligning your academic career with the goals of the PhD program.

This question opens a dialogue about what the PhD position entails and how you can contribute to the research group.

Diving into specifics, you might ask, “Could you outline the key milestones you expect a PhD student to achieve within this project?” This direct approach can shed light on the supervisor’s vision for the research project and your role in it.

It’s an insider tip that can reveal the pace and intensity of the work ahead, something that’s often glossed over in standard phd interview questions and answers.

Also, consider inquiring, “What does a successful PhD graduate from your program typically accomplish?” This question can unearth the achievements of past students, giving you a benchmark for success.

It’s like getting a peek into the academic CVs of those who’ve navigated the path you’re about to undertake.

Asking these types of questions can alleviate the imposter syndrome many graduate students face by making your expectations and the university’s transparent.

Discussing funding and stipends during a PhD interview is crucial. It gives you clarity on your financial standing throughout your academic journey.

Asking about this not only shows you’re thorough but also practical. You might start with, “Can you detail the funding package for this PhD position?” This straightforward question can lead to specifics about:

• and any teaching responsibilities attached to the funding.

Delving deeper, inquire, “Are there opportunities for additional funding for conferences or research materials?” This shows your eagerness to engage fully with your research project and academic community.

It’s a question many prospective PhD students overlook, but it can reveal insider details about the resources available to support your work.

Another good angle is to ask about the duration of the funding. “How long is the funding guaranteed for, and what happens if my research extends beyond this period?” This question can uncover the financial stability the program offers and the expectations for completing your PhD project.

Remember, your goal is to get a complete picture of your potential financial situation. This will help you prepare for the years ahead and ensure you can focus on your research without undue financial stress.

It also demonstrates to the interview panel that you’re not just academically prepared but also pragmatically planning for a successful PhD tenure.

By bringing up these questions, you also signal to the phd interview panel that you are considering the practical aspects of undertaking a PhD. It shows foresight and a level of professionalism that can set you apart from other candidates.

Career Paths And Potential Academic Career

Asking about career paths during a PhD interview can be a game-changer. It’s not just about securing a position; it’s about envisioning your future post-graduation.

When you pose questions on this topic, it indicates foresight and a strategic approach to your academic and professional journey.

Take the opportunity to ask questions like, “What career paths have graduates from this PhD program pursued?” This can uncover the range of opportunities past students have found, providing a realistic snapshot of your potential future, and what you can add into your CV.

You might also probe into the support system the program offers for career development. Asking, “How does the program assist students in preparing for their career post-PhD?” can reveal the resources and guidance available to you.

It’s an insider query that shows you’re thinking beyond the research project and PhD tenure.

Inquiring about the integration of professional skills training within the PhD program is another smart move. “Are there opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition outside my research field?”

This question highlights your ambition to be a well-rounded professional, ready for various career paths in or outside academia.

These questions do more than just gather information; they show the interview panel that you’re a candidate who is already planning for success beyond the PhD program.

It also gives you a clearer picture of whether the program aligns with your long-term career goals, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your academic and professional aspirations.

Remember, the PhD journey is as much about building a foundation for your future career as it is about your research project. By asking about career paths during the interview, you take a crucial step in ensuring that the program you choose can support your future career ambitions.

Research Focus & PhD Projects

Inquiring about the research focus and projects during a PhD interview is essential for aligning your academic interests with the potential supervisor’s work.  

A savvy question to ask might be, “Can you describe the current research projects within your group and how a new PhD student might contribute?” This not only shows your eagerness to contribute but also helps you gauge the scope and direction of ongoing work.

You could also delve deeper by asking, “How does the research group’s work align with the broader goals of the department or institution?” This question reveals the larger academic context of your potential project, offering insights into its significance and impact.

These discussions during the interview can illuminate the path you’re about to embark on, ensuring it’s a good fit for both your academic career path and personal growth.

They also demonstrate to the interviewer your proactive approach and genuine interest in their research, which can set you apart as a candidate.

Opportunities For Collaboration 

Exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary work during a PhD interview is a strategic move for any prospective PhD student. It opens doors to a broader academic landscape, allowing you to weave various disciplines into your research.

Asking about this not only demonstrates your innovative thinking but also your willingness to push traditional boundaries.

You might ask, “Can you share examples of interdisciplinary projects within the department and how a PhD student can get involved?” This question digs into the practical aspects of interdisciplinary collaboration, showcasing the department’s openness to cross-disciplinary research.

Another insightful query could be, “How does the program support students in exploring interdisciplinary work outside their primary research field?” This shows your proactive approach to learning and your desire to enrich your academic career with diverse perspectives.

These questions help you gauge the flexibility of the PhD program and the potential to tailor your research to include multiple disciplines.

They also signal to the interviewer your ambition to contribute to the research field in innovative ways.

Interdisciplinary opportunities can significantly enhance your PhD experience, providing a rich tapestry of knowledge and skills relevant to various career paths.

By asking about these opportunities, you’re not just planning your PhD project; you’re laying the groundwork for a versatile academic career.

Advising Style

Understanding the advising style of a prospective supervisor during a PhD interview is crucial. It can significantly impact your research journey and overall experience in the program.

You ask questions such as, “How would you describe your approach to mentoring PhD students?” This question opens up a conversation about their: 

• expectations,
• feedback style, and
• level of involvement in your research project.

Getting into specifics, you could inquire, “Can you provide an example of how you’ve navigated challenges with PhD students in the past?” This gives you a glimpse into how they handle difficulties, offering insight into their problem-solving methods and support mechanisms.

Knowing the advising style helps you assess if it matches your preferred way of working and learning.

It’s about finding a good fit that fosters a productive and positive academic relationship, which may be important when writing research proposal, papers, and thesis.

This understanding can also alleviate imposter syndrome, as you’ll have a clearer idea of the support you can expect when facing challenges.

Asking about advising style shows the interview panel that you’re proactive in ensuring your success in the program. It demonstrates that you value the mentor-mentee relationship and are looking for an environment where you can thrive.

Research Group Dynamics And Culture

Inquiring about group dynamic and culture during a PhD interview is a wise move. The vibe of the research group you’ll be joining can significantly affect your day-to-day life and overall success in the program.

A thoughtful question to pose could be, “Could you describe the culture within the research group and how members typically collaborate?”

This not only helps you get a feel for the working environment but also indicates the level of teamwork and support you can expect.

Digging deeper, you might ask, “How does the group handle challenges and setbacks in research?” The answer can provide valuable insights into the group’s resilience and problem-solving approaches, key factors that contribute to a healthy and productive research environment.

Understanding the group’s dynamic is crucial for assessing whether you’ll fit in and thrive. It’s about more than just the research; it’s about feeling valued and supported.

This aspect of the PhD experience is often overshadowed by the focus on academic achievements, yet it’s equally important.

Asking about the group culture shows that you’re looking for a place where you can not only contribute academically but also grow personally.

It signals to the interviewer that you’re considering all facets of the PhD experience, from the research project to the interpersonal relationships you’ll be building.

So, take this opportunity to delve into the social and collaborative aspects of the group you may join. It’s an investment in your future happiness and success in the program, ensuring that you’re not just a good academic fit but also a good cultural fit.

Common PhD Interview Questions And Answers

Asking the right questions during your PhD interview is a powerful tool to assess the fit with your prospective supervisor and research group.

It demonstrates your commitment to your academic career and the specific PhD programme. This dialogue is your chance to explore the research field, understand the expectations of the PhD project, and envision your future career path.

Remember, the interview is as much for you to evaluate them as it is for them to evaluate you. Use this opportunity to ensure the program supports your aspirations and aligns with your academic journey.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• Grad School Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

Grad School Interview Question & How to Answer Them

Published on March 29, 2021 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on June 1, 2023.

Grad school interviews are the last step of the application process , so congratulations for making it to this stage! Getting this far is a big accomplishment—graduate schools only conduct interviews with those applicants they are seriously considering accepting.

Grad schools conduct interviews to assess your “fit” with their program and faculty, as well as your interpersonal skills. In many cases, they may also be attempting to match you with a supervisor.

Before the interview, you should prepare by doing your research and reflecting on how you’ll answer these common questions.

Table of contents

How to prepare for your interview, questions about your background, questions about your interests and motivations, questions about your post-graduation plans, what to ask your interviewers, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about grad school interviews.

First, read the website of the program you’re interviewing for. They’ll usually have information on job placement, curriculum, and expectations of graduate students.

If possible, talk to previous students about their experiences interviewing. Although no two interview experiences are exactly alike, they may be able to provide you with valuable tips for preparing.

You should prepare answers for certain, very common questions. You don’t need to memorize your answers—you don’t want to sound scripted, but you should have a sense of what you’ll say.

Don’t be afraid to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts before answering a question. Remember, the substance and quality of your answer are far more important than the quantity of words.

Tips for specific programs

If you’re interviewing for a research program, you should try to read as many research papers in your field of interest as possible. Reading others’ research helps you generate ideas of your own. You’ll also be more prepared to answer questions about the topics you’re interested in researching, which could come up during your interview.

Research programs may ask you about a current topic in your field and what methods you would use for tackling it. Make sure you know some of the current open questions in your field and think about how you would answer them, including dealing with any obstacles that might come up. One potential tip is to talk to older students or professors that you know about these questions.

Focus on the CVs or biographies of professors that you’re particularly interested in working with. Read any research they’ve authored and jot down questions that come to mind when reading. Try to come up with a good argument for why they would be a good fit to supervise or work with you.

Business schools are also interested in your interpersonal skills, so your interview performance is an essential part of the application process.

Business school interviews will focus particularly on your career—both your past work experiences and your future goals. Go through your resume and prepare stories that illustrate the challenges and successes you had at each major work experience. Focus especially on any experiences you’ve had managing others, since an MBA is ultimately a management program. Identify the unique contributions that you’ll bring to the school.

In addition to your professional background, don’t be afraid to bring in experiences from beyond work and the classroom, such as from volunteering or extracurricular activities you participated in undergrad or afterwards.

Medical schools are looking for more than just academic ability—they want to find candidates well-suited to the unique demands of medicine. As such, they look for integrity, empathy, reliability, ability to interact with the general public, and motivation for a career in medicine. Ensure you have your answer to why you want to be a doctor down pat.

Medical school interviews sometimes ask about “ethics questions” that are designed to assess your thoughts about ethical dilemmas that you may face as a physician. To prepare, think about a general ethical framework that you can apply to any ethical question. What are some ethical considerations that you, as a physician, will have to keep in mind when treating patients? How important is a patient’s autonomy? Should equity or efficiency matter more?

Many undergraduate universities do mock medical school interviews with their students and graduates—take advantage of this opportunity if you can.

Law schools might ask about your opinions on current events, especially those with a legal angle. You may also be asked about your future career plans.

Many people apply to law school because they see it as a natural next step, without really knowing if they actually want to practice law. Interviewers know this and will be on the outlook for such an attitude. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the career and know why you want to pursue this path. Ask current lawyers you know about what they actually do in their daily work life and the best and worst parts of their jobs.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Interviewers want to know how your previous experiences will serve you in this program and ensure you have the relevant skills and knowledge to succeed.

What will you bring to this program/why should we admit you?

This is one of the most important questions you’ll be asked to answer. Focus on the skills and background that you will uniquely bring to the program. Be prepared with specific anecdotes that demonstrate your abilities.

You should also tailor your answer to the type of program you’re applying to:

• If you’re applying for a research-based master’s or doctoral program, you will want to focus particularly on your academic and research background.
• If you’re applying to medical school, your academic background is important, but so is your personal motivation.
• Business schools will want to hear about how your professional experience has prepared you to manage others in a rapidly changing and increasingly global business climate.

Tell us about the research you’ve completed or contributed to

Because future potential as a researcher is difficult for graduate programs to assess, they will be particularly interested in the background that you already have. Oftentimes resumes do not make it clear what exactly someone did as a research assistant, so you should be prepared to discuss your work and what you learned.

As part of Dr. Jane Smith’s class on religion in politics, we were required to complete an independent research project, so I looked at the influence of right-wing authoritarianism in anti-Semitism. To measure anti-Semitism, I used an implicit bias test, which has been shown to measure racial or gender bias in other studies. I found that tendencies towards right-wing authoritarianism were associated with worse performance on the anti-Semitic test. The project was my first introduction to performing independent research, writing literature reviews, and performing statistical analysis using the coding language R.

I’ve also assisted Dr. Hannah Wilson on her research on the impact of globalization and job losses on voting patterns in the United States. I wrote literature reviews and aided in data analysis using R. I was a co-author on her latest paper, which used the recent tariffs on steel as an instrumental variable to demonstrate that increased globalization led to a higher increase in votes for political populist parties, since the choice of instrumental variable was originally my idea. The paper has been accepted to a top journal of political science. I am currently completing an independent senior thesis expanding our methodology to the United Kingdom and France, for which I have received a competitive research grant from my university.

I believe that I have demonstrated strong research skills through my work with Dr. Wilson, in addition to my strong academic performance. It is very rare for undergraduates to co-author with professors at my university, let alone write a paper accepted by a top journal.

Specific questions about classes you took or skills you have

This depends on the program you’re applying to. Medical programs may ask about weak grades that you’ve received in science or math subjects or about your personal experiences shadowing doctors.

Business schools might want you to discuss any management experience you’ve had—particularly experiences where you overcame obstacles or a difficult interpersonal interaction.

You’ll be asked questions designed to assess your knowledge of the program and how well it fits with your academic or professional interests.

What interests you about this program?

This is probably the most common question that you’ll be asked, so you should be sure you have your answer down pat.

Stay away from answers like “because you’re a good program” or “I want to attend a prestigious school.” While prestige matters, graduate programs want to hear more about why you think you’re a good fit for their particular program.

If the program has a particular speciality that interests you—say a medical school that’s particularly well known for their research on Alzheimer’s or a business school whose marketing program is top notch—be sure to bring it up. This will demonstrate to the interviewers that you have a genuine interest in their program.

Mention any professors you are especially interested in working with or any resources that the school may have special access to. Perhaps they run an internship program in an area you’re interested in or have strong connections in a particular industry.

My experience working in marketing at X Marketing Agency has shown me that my future career path lies in this field. Your program is arguably the best in the world for marketing, so you are my top choice of business school.

I am particularly interested in taking classes under Dr. Jennifer Adams—I’m greatly interested in her work showing that many companies use marketing to demonstrate a personal lifestyle brand that customers want to align with. I would also love to participate in the semester-long San Francisco internship program that you have, which I think would allow me to explore my interests in marketing in the technology industry.

What topics are you interested in researching?

Graduate schools know that what you’ll end up researching is not yet set in stone, particularly if you are applying to a doctoral program. However, they like to see that you have some idea of what you would like to do, mostly as a way of demonstrating your seriousness in pursuing research and knowledge of the field.

You should therefore come up with a few topics, preferably ones that are strengths of the school’s faculty, to discuss during an interview.

Who would you like to work with in our program?

Most graduate programs, particularly those in research, will assign you some sort of supervisor or advisor . You should have a few ideas of who you’d like to work with in this case. Ensure that it’s not just a single person—faculty can and do often leave their universities for other opportunities, so you’ll want to have a few back-up options.

Interviewers may also ask about how this program fits into your longer-term goals.

What career are you interested in pursuing after graduation?

Be honest but realistic in your answer to this question. Importantly, you should not indicate your interest in a career that doesn’t fit with the program—if you don’t want to be a lawyer, don’t mention that in an interview with a law school!

Ideally, I’d like to start off by gaining experience in a law firm, then move to a company where I can work as an in-house lawyer. I’m not entirely sure which branch of law I’d like to pursue yet, but I’m planning on taking classes in bankruptcy and corporate law to see if they interest me.

If you’re applying to a doctoral program, you will most likely be expected to continue in a career in academia, although this may vary based on the program. If you don’t have a perfect idea of what you want to do, don’t panic—that is part of what the program is intended to do! Just answer with your current thoughts.

I’m interested in becoming a researcher in applied microeconomics, hopefully as a tenured professor at a research university. I am particularly interested in applying the methodology of behavioral and experimental economics and the rigor of econometrics to issues like the political economy of housing policies and voting.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

Interviews are a two way street. Interviews will almost always ask if you have questions for them—make sure you have some good ones! Here are some examples of things you can ask about:

• Funding opportunities : do they have funding available for research or projects you might want to carry out? How accessible is it?
• Access to advisors : How often do advisors meet with their students? How hands-on are advisors?
• Other access to resources : if you need computing resources for your projects, will you have access to them? Do they have a library of books or academic articles that will be available for you as a student?
• Placement record (if not available online): How do students normally place after completing this program? What sort of jobs do they take? How long do they require to find a full-time job? Do they normally go on to tenure-track positions or something else?

What not to discuss

Stay away from any questions that can be easily answered from looking at the program website. Admissions officers want to know that you’ve done at least a little bit of research on the program!

Although personal considerations (such as what it’s like to date or live in the city where the school is located) are vitally important to the choice of a graduate program, you should generally ask these questions only of current and former students, not faculty or admissions officers. Try to keep your questions on the theme of academic or professional experiences.

There are also some questions that interviewers should not ask you. Although it rarely occurs, be aware that you don’t have to answer questions that are inappropriate, or possibly even illegal, including anything that relates to your marital status or pregnancy, age, disability status, race, or gender. If asked a question that falls into this category, you should inform the interviewer that you’re not comfortable answering and report the incident to an admissions officer afterwards.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

Graduate schools often ask questions about why you are interested in this particular program and what you will contribute.

Try to stay away from cliche answers like “this is a good program” or “I got good grades in undergrad” and focus instead on the unique strengths of the program or what you will bring to the table. Understand what the program is looking for and come up with anecdotes that demonstrate why you are a good fit for them.

Different types of programs may also focus on different questions:

• Research programs will often ask what topics you’d like to research and who you would like to work with, as well as specific questions about your research background.
• Medical schools are interested in your personal motivation, qualities such as integrity and empathy, and how you’d respond to common ethical dilemmas.
• Business schools will focus on your past work experience and future career prospects, and may be particularly interested in any experience you have managing or working with others.

In addition to thinking about your answers for the most commonly asked grad school interview questions , you should reach out to former and current students to ask their advice on preparing and what sort of questions will be asked.

Look back through your resume and come up with anecdotes that you could use for common questions, particularly those that ask about obstacles that you overcame. If you’re applying for a research program, ensure that you can talk about the previous research experience you’ve had.

You should also read as much research in your field as possible. Research the faculty at the schools you’re applying to and read some of their papers. Come up with a few questions that you could ask them.

Most medical school programs interview candidates, as do many (though not all) leading law and business schools.

In research programs, it depends—PhDs in business usually do, while those in economics normally do not, for example.

Some schools interview everyone, while others only interview their top candidates. Look at the websites of the schools you’re applying to for more information on whether they conduct interviews.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Thomas, L. (2023, June 01). Grad School Interview Question & How to Answer Them. Scribbr. Retrieved March 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/interview-questions/

Is this article helpful?

Lauren Thomas

Other students also liked, how (and who) to ask for a letter of recommendation, how to write your personal statement | strategies & examples, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

Latest information about COVID-19

Interviewing and Talking with Prospective Faculty

The graduate application process varies broadly and depends on your specific academic program.

The variations might include:

• Admission decision based only on an online application
• In the cases where you are admitted to work with a specific faculty member, you should contact faculty directly
• A short list of applicants are invited for an on-campus interview trip
• Applicants are admitted first, and then invited for an on-campus recruiting trip

Because of the range of possible application processes, it’s critical to learn about each program's requirements. For some graduate programs, you will need to directly contact faculty because a specific professor will decide whether to admit you as their own graduate student. In these circumstances, make sure to contact the faculty directly. (When contacting faculty for the first time, see the side box below for suggestions.)

It will be important in your decision-making process to determine if you envision working closely with that faculty member and if you have complementary working and communication styles. The faculty member will also want to assess your experiences and how you work by communicating with you. Thus you will want to sharpen your interview skills as you communicate with faculty.

Some graduate programs will invite you to conduct a phone interview or invite you to the university for a campus visit (common in the biosciences). The interview is your opportunity to more thoroughly demonstrate that you have what it takes to be in the graduate program. You will want to show your understanding and enthusiasm for the research that you have done. Some suggestions to prepare for the interview are provided below.

My advice to the next generation of scholars is to never be afraid to ask for help. At times it may seem like brilliance is a singular, herculean effort, but a lot of great ideas have been shaped and molded from the minds of many. Whether it’s your advisors or peers, we’re all here to help. Never be afraid to acknowledge that you don’t fully understand something—collaboration is encouraged and celebrated.

— Bryen Irving, PhD candidate in Physics

1. Before the interview

• For campus visits, it’s OK to ask what is expected of you and how to prepare (e.g., if your travel expenses will be covered, how to dress, if you should bring your CV, etc.).
• Learn about the faculty and people you will be meeting or communicating with. Read about the research interests of the faculty, including abstracts or papers. Prepare at least 1-2 specific research questions for each interview.
• Review the research that you conducted. If it was published or presented at a conference, reread the paper, abstract, or poster. Prepare a brief (1-2 minutes) oral summary of your past work. What was the research question? How did you address it? What did you specifically complete and achieve? What are some possible questions that faculty might ask?
• Prepare detailed questions you have of the program you are considering. Generic questions (e.g., tell me about your program) indicate that you didn’t read the basics on their website, and so won’t leave a positive impression. Determine what’s important for you (specific research facilities, professional development activities, student groups, opportunities for collaborations, etc.) and research them online.
• Determine and list the questions you have about the program, university, and location of where you are visiting. What are you hoping to see and learn?
• Ask a peer or friend (e.g. a current grad student or postdoc who is familiar with grad school interviews) to help you sharpen your interview skills.
• Come prepared to the mock interview in professional attire and with your materials (CV, papers, etc.).
• If possible, video record your mock interview. Although many cringe at watching themselves, the video can be incredibly helpful in revealing blind spots.
• If your interview will be conducted via Skype or another video platform, some helpful tips are provided in this YouTube video .
• After the mock interview, ask your peer for honest and critical feedback. Listen actively without being defensive and allow your peer to speak openly, which will help you improve.

2. During the interview

• For campus visits, dress appropriately (usually business casual, but be comfortable); be on time; organize your papers (e.g., résumés/CVs, slides or images, questions).
• Even for phone/Skype interviews, dressing professionally will help you to mentally prepare for the interview.
• Speak enthusiastically about your work. Highlight your research accomplishments and/or professional growth. If asked to speak about a weakness, phrase your answer in a forward-looking manner to demonstrate learning and growth, and awareness of your weaknesses.
• You’ll want to sound positive and enthusiastic. But avoid excessive enthusiasm, which could be interpreted as naiveté or desperation. This is a tough balance to achieve, so practice with others.
• Listen actively to your faculty interviewers as they talk about their research.
• Ask questions, using your prepared lists. Take notes to remember comments and suggestions.

3. After the interview

• Summarize your perceptions of the program, university, and environment. Make a table listing the pros and cons. List the people whom you met on your visit, and write a brief comment for each person to help you remember your interactions. Is it a good fit for you?
• Email your interviewers and thank them for their time. Follow up if you promised to provide any materials. Even if you determine that you don’t wish to work with that faculty member, this isn’t the time to burn bridges, and you might bump into them in the future.
• Reflect on your interview performance and make adjustments to strengthen your next interview.

contacting faculty for the first time

Your first contact with faculty is absolutely critical, because you don’t get second chances to make a first impression. You’ll need to craft an initial email message that will clearly communicate who you are, and why you’re reaching out to them specifically.

This can be very challenging because you’ll need to be clear and concise in a brief email message. Provided below is a sample email message with additional suggestions.

Don’t simply copy this message, but this example provides a template that can be used to customize your own initial email message.

Subject: Ecology PhD Program at Stanford

Dear Professor Peter Beak, I am currently a senior and McNair Scholar at UC Davis, and would greatly appreciate an opportunity to briefly speak with you about your research and the Ecology and Evolution PhD program at Stanford. I am seeking to pursue a PhD in Ecology, and my research advisor (Professor Emilio Laca) spoke highly about Stanford’s graduate program. I am particularly fascinated by studies on the influence of infectious diseases on population dynamics and community interactions. I have conducted similar research here at UC Davis, and also at Northwestern University using freshwater plankton, and won an oral presentation award at ABRMCS. These are further described in my attached CV. I carefully reviewed your website, and would greatly appreciate speaking with you on the phone (~15 min) to learn more about future directions of your research, particularly on developing mathematical models. I am available during these time slots. Please let me know if any of these work for you, and I’d be happy to offer more time slots if needed.

Sept 1, Wed 12-5 pm Sept 3, Fri 12-7 pm Sept 6, Mon 12-7 pm Sept 7, Tue 9-12 pm

Steve Lee McNair Scholar splee "at" ucdavis.edu (cell) 650-555-1234

• Use a brief subject line. Avoid vague subjects (e.g., “question” or “request”).
• Address them by their full name and professional title. Don’t use “Hi” or “Hey” or other informal greetings.
• In the very first sentence, quickly summarize who you are and why you’re contacting them. If a person known to the professor suggested that you reach out to them, include that info also.
• Explain why you’re contacting them specifically. Describe your highlights briefly. Attach CV and/or link to LinkedIn profile. Include other links as needed.
• State your request; be specific. Make it easy for them to say yes to your request; provide ample times when you’re available.
• Include your full name. If you’re in a graduate prep program, include info. Include your email and phone.

© Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305

STEM Graduate Programs- Applying and Thriving

This site aims to help students reach their individual goals related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduate programs including acceptance, obtaining research positions and securing funding. It is a passion project of Marian Kennedy and she is appreciative of the many co-contributors who graciously shared their insight and time.

• Visit us on LinkedIn
• Purpose of this blog
• Home (Most Recent Post)
• About the contributors
• Interviews of 23 PhD researchers by the end of 2023
• Résumé example for students

Jul 5, 2022

15 questions to ask current graduate students when you are in the application process.

Overview: When I start a new endeavor, I have found it helpful to get the insight from someone who is a few steps ahead and draft off their experience.   This post highlights how you can learn about graduate school and the graduate application process by meeting with a current graduate student for coffee.   It contains a list of questions they can answer for you.  

Post Contributor(s): Marian Kennedy

Below are some questions that I would want to ask.   While a graduate student’s perspective will be helpful, if time if short you might want to focus on questions related to the benefit of attending graduate school and their experience once enrolled.  

Benefit of attending graduate school

• Why did you decide to attend graduate school after completing your bachelor’s degree?
• What were the benefits versus just entering the workforce after your bachelor’s degree or continuing in the workforce instead of going to school?
• Why did you decide to pursue a (PhD, MS) vs. a (PhD, MS)?
• Do you know what you want to do after grad school?
• What do you wish you had done to prepare for grad school? Why did you choose your graduate program?

Experience once enrolled in a graduate program

• How many classes do you take each semester and how do those classes compare to those you took as an undergraduate?  
• How much time do you spend on course work vs. conducting research?
• How did you identify your research advisor?
• Do you work on research projects with a defined hypothesis, or did you identify your own research hypothesis?  
• How long does it typically take students in your program/degree to graduate?
• How do you balance your work and life during graduate school?
• Do you hang out with other students in your program?    
• Have you received an assistantship to help with your costs during graduate school?   (Research assistantship or teaching assistantship).   If so, what has your assistantship been like?

Process of applying to graduate programs

• When did you start preparing your applications for graduate school?
• What parts of the application were the hardest for you to complete?
• Who did you ask for letters of recommendation and why?

After the interview, remember to write the graduate student a thank you note for their insight and taking the time to mentor you.   Chances are, you learned a lot from this interview.   Go through your notes (or listen to your recording) to highlight the top 5-7 ideas or suggestions that stood out to you.   You might even let a close friend or family member know what you found out as they are probably interested to hear about your application process.   Finally, write down additional questions that you would like answered as you complete the application process and set up a meeting with a second graduate student in your field.   It is always good to get multiple perspectives.  

Acknowledgements:    This blog post was edited by Kate Epstein of  EpsteinWords .   She specializes in editing and coaching for academics, and she can be reached at  epsteinwords at gmail.com.

Revised on August 11 th , 2022.  

Sign up to hear about new blog posts

20 Graduate School Questions To Ask Your Potential Grad School Advisors

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: November 27, 2023 , Reading time: 16 minutes

Share this on:

Find your perfect college degree

In this article, we will be covering...

Getting admitted into a grad program is only the beginning of your grad school journey.

One of the primary considerations you need to keep in mind is to choose the right advisor. Many graduate students tend to overlook the importance of this choice and focus more on graduate school interviews. However, it, too, is a decision that can make or break your graduate education.

When choosing your graduate school advisor, you have to make sure that you are asking the right questions to gauge whether your prospects are the right fit for your exceptional academic experience and can help you achieve your professional goals.

To ensure the smooth sailing process of selecting a research advisor, you must prepare for graduate school questions beforehand. These questions must be able to help you establish your possible relationship with your advisor, who will be playing a significant role throughout your graduate school journey.

Check this out:

• Graduate School Must-Haves for First Time Grad Students
• Free Research Tools for Grad Students
• The Best Apps for Grad Students

Why is it Crucial to Choose the Right Advisor?

Your graduate school experience is largely shaped and influenced by your graduate school advisor. A qualified and esteemed advisor will be able to guide you throughout graduate education, from helping you complete your research project to ensuring that your research interests align with your career goals.

Many graduate programs require a thesis or a thesis project, but not all do! However, a graduate advisor can help you with other aspects of your grad school journey.

They are often responsible for giving you exceptional mentoring when you need it and pushing you to work towards your academic goals. They will help you identify and magnify your strengths and develop your weaknesses.

The process of choosing a graduate advisor can be daunting for graduate students, but it can get easier if you know what you are looking for in an advisor. You can keep the following things in mind when you are looking for an advisor:

Ensure you have mutual research interests.

This is important if you want to gain a better understanding of your research questions and the contribution you are trying to make in the field and successfully complete your research.

You may start by doing basic research on the research interests of the faculty members in your graduate program’s department. It will be helpful to select an advisor who has an active scholarly agenda in the area of your research.

Look into the faculty’s completion track record.

Some advisors may be scholars and outstanding faculty members, but they may not have an excellent track record when it comes to helping their advisees graduate. You may want to find out about the success rate and average time of completion for graduate students who are doing their dissertations.

Make sure you are compatible with your advisor.

It is essential to see yourself being able to spend the next few years working with your potential advisor. This means you must at least find an advisor whose personality is compatible with yours to some degree. After all, you will be working closely with this individual.

What You Need to Do Before the Grad School Interviews

A campus visit is often given as an opportunity for graduate students to get to know the graduate school before they get admitted. It is also a chance to get the feel of their particular program, faculty members, and potential advisors. You may want to check whether your graduate program has several aligned professors to serve as a safeguard.

An interview with a faculty member may be in order during this visit. It is also possible to set up an appointment beforehand with a faculty member you think might be a good fit as your graduate school advisor. This means you can ask them grad school interview questions to help you make an important decision.

But before you can get into interview day, you must first make sure you conduct initial research on potential advisors’ backgrounds, published work, and other information that you can look up beforehand.

You can also find out how current graduate students have made their decisions, so reaching out to them can also be a good idea. They must have insights into specific schools, graduate programs, labs, projects, and other opportunities that you may not be aware of yet.

Other Sources of Information

A good student not only asks the right questions (and asks them the right way) but also looks for all the sources of information they can find on their potential advisors. After all, not all graduate programs can offer the best options for you.

While a University’s website can offer useful preliminary information like a faculty member’s specialty topics and expertise, they may not necessarily answer all your questions. Some of these sites can be too sparse, after all.

If possible, another potentially good source of information is to ask alumni who have been advisees of the potential advisors you have in mind and present graduate students who are part of research groups you may potentially be belonging to pretty soon.

By reaching out to them—either formally or in less formal settings—you can potentially get insights about a professor/professors that you may have in mind, such as management styles, their field/s of expertise, the overall culture in their research group, and more.

This may be more research-intensive, but it pays to look at past alumni’s research work and theses/dissertations. This can also give you a big-picture view of the overall intellectual direction, as well as the topics/areas that are discussed or not discussed, giving you an insight into the expertise of a department’s faculty where you’ll be choosing your potential advisor.

Graduate School Interview Questions to Ask Potential Advisors

It might not be possible to cover all the interview questions that are integral when it comes to choosing your potential grad school advisor, but the following lists include general questions that are often asked about and interview questions that go beyond the surface-level information.

Questions to Ask in the Initial Meeting

Do you think we have mutual research interests?

It is crucial to find out whether your potential advisor’s and your research interests are a good match. This ensures your goals fit with their knowledge and expertise, and they can better help you with the direction of your graduate school requirements.

They will understand your challenges and give you the advice and support you need to have a good grad school experience.

What progress do you expect from a student in the course of a semester?

This question isn’t necessarily one of the first ones you’ll be asking, but it is nevertheless important. Your major goals as a graduate student are, of course, tied to the University’s academic calendar, the length of a degree program, and the maximum number of years you are allowed.

However, a potential may also expect you to deliver on specific major milestones in your research.

This can help you plan out your research, especially if your topic requires significant amounts of fieldwork or requires experiments that take specific lengths of time to conduct and accomplish.  

Knowing your advisor’s expected research progress can give you an insight into how they will handle your progress during the evaluation period. How are they going to guide you when you are thriving or struggling? It is vital that you understand specific milestones that you need to work towards.

Are you currently open to taking students in?

This is a no-brainer for most students, but this is one of the most crucial initial questions to ask. It also doesn’t hurt to follow up with why this is the case if the answer is no. For one reason or another, some professors may not be open to taking on a new student.

Are there other faculty you think I’d be a good match for?

At the graduate level, University departments tend to be tight-knit communities. Barring any potential issues of rivalry and internal politics between faculty members (which does happen), a potential advisor who can’t take you in may have someone else in the department in mind whom they feel will be a better fit for you.

What is the advisor’s formal training/background/Ph.D.?

You will have gained an initial picture of this at your pre-interview preparatory research stage, but it is always much better to hear it from the potential advisors themselves. Knowing their academic backgrounds helps you understand the approaches they tend to take to research problems.

Questions to Ask to Ensure the Right Student-Advisor Fit

Do you think you are more of a ‘hands-on’ or ‘hands-off’ advisor?

This question may sound a bit nuanced, but understanding the guiding style of your potential advisor can help you adjust your expectations or reflect on the guidance you may need. It also helps you suss out your potential advisor’s management style.

It’s up to you as a student whether your working style fits their approach, whether they tend to keep a close eye on their advisees or give them a lot of wiggle room. In the extreme, working with a hands-on advisor may feel stuffy, and hands-off advisors may feel too distant and absent.

Ultimately, it is a good time for you to think about how you would want to be guided. You may prefer going away from meetings with a set of tasks that you have decided with your advisor during your meeting. Or you may want to be free to work out different methods without that much pressure from your advisor.

Some advisors may have more time to be as hands-on as possible, especially with pre-tenured professors. Students may find themselves working directly with their advisors multiple times a week.

They may also be able to collaborate on funding-related tasks. Students working under tenured professors, on the other hand, may only get to have a weekly or bi-weekly meeting with their advisor.

What qualities do you value most in a graduate student?

To establish your working relationship, you may want to ask your potential advisor this question. They may be particular about timeliness and punctuality.

They may have a very structured way of doing things, so you must be mindful of meeting deadlines and following through with your progress. You may need keen attention to detail and the ability to think for yourself.

What is the best way to get in touch?

Some graduate program faculty may have their preferred channel of communication. It is vital to establish this with your potential choice first, as this will dictate how your communication process will unfold in the long run.

You will want to stick to a particular medium to avoid confusion and ensure you are both on the same page. This will make sure your advisor will be able to get your messages and other questions promptly.

How often do you expect to meet, talk, or email? Is there a way to establish a periodic communication schedule?

Another consideration when it comes to communicating with your graduate program advisor is to set expectations around your meetings.

Establishing a workable periodic communication schedule can help you manage your time properly and effectively. This ensures you won’t miss any communication exchanges with your particular advisor.

How often do you meet individually with your students?

If you wish to negotiate your communication schedule with your advisor, asking them the frequency with which they meet their students and fellows can give you a feel about their preferences and style, prompting you to adjust your own expectations and demands.

It will be easier to compromise if you know what is on their plate and how their routine usually goes.

What is the culture in your research group?

Research groups are collaborative spaces for students and faculty members working on similar, complementary, and/or parallel research areas. A culture of regular communication between its members is de rigueur .

It is important early on to know the level of depth to which you are expected to work with other researchers in the group, any specific practices, protocols, or procedures, as well as any inputs or deliverables that may be expected of you.

Does your research group have regular group meetings? If so, how frequently?

This question eventually ties into knowing the overall management style that your potential advisor prefers, whether they tend to be hands-on with their students or be more lenient. This also ties into the question of a particular research group’s culture.

This will help you be better prepared with any required output or create meaningful input for your co-researchers when these meetings are due. That way, you don’t go to meetings empty-handed, and a research group’s members can mutually maximize their time.

If you were doing my intended research topic, what direction would you take ?

This can be a complicated question, and the answer may be nuanced, but it is nevertheless an interesting hypothetical question to ask. You can potentially gain many insights into a professor’s expertise, the areas/subtopics they prefer to dwell on, and more.

This question also connects well with their past research, which you may have already learned about while at the preparatory stage.

What kind of student progress do you expect throughout the semester?

This question isn’t necessarily one of the first ones you’ll be asking, but is nevertheless important. Your primary goals as a graduate student are, of course, tied to the University’s academic calendar, the length of a degree program, and the maximum number of years you are allowed.

However, a potential may also expect you to deliver on significant milestones in your research.

What conferences/how many conferences are we expected to work towards every year?

This question ties into the overall image of a particular research group’s culture. Graduate student conferences are major highlights of a student’s time in graduate school.

These events provide students with an excellent opportunity to present their work, as well as learn any new advances in their fields of interest (including those that may have direct implications on their research) and potentially network with their fellow scholars.

These conferences need good preparation, and the lead-up to a particular one can be a stressful time. Also, your potential advisor may prefer a particular set of conferences over others.

It is crucial to ask this in advance to anticipate any goals or deliverables, as well as make all the necessary preparations, from your output to registering and submitting in advance, as well as cost considerations.

How do you motivate your students if they are struggling?

This question is an insight into their management style. Graduate-level scholarly work is highly rewarding, but like anything, there will be highs and lows throughout the process. A graduate student may invariably have to go through a rough patch or two.

Knowing your potential advisor’s approach to keeping their advisees motivated helps you see whether they will be an excellent complement to your preferred style of working and handling any struggles.

Mentorship has a bit of a parenting aspect to it, after all, and it is important to gain insight into a potential mentor’s approach to this inevitability.

Questions to Ask to Check if Your Research Interests Fit

Are there projects that you picture me working on and being good at?

Scouting specific projects in a lab is one of the things graduate students usually do. It won’t hurt to ask this directly from your advisor. You can ask about the projects they are working on and whether you might be a good fit to work with them.

Some advisors may tend to give students projects to work on. They might prefer you to work on a funding-related project occasionally.

How much freedom will I have in choosing my own projects?

At times, professors allow graduate students to select projects of their own. This is important if you have something in mind that you are planning to work on. This way, you can determine if they will be willing to support your future ideas in a specific direction.

Do you provide the students with their projects, or can they pick their own?

As a potential incoming member of a professor’s research group under a potential advisor, it is also essential to know this in advance. They may have a pre-existing research area in mind that they want to address and are thinking of assigning to an incoming student, or they may also prefer to work with what you bring to the table.

Knowing this helps you anticipate potentially working on topics that may not entirely align with what you have in mind.

Do you have other students in mind whom you are interested in working with? What would they be working on for their projects?

It’s safe to say that for a specific academic year, you wouldn’t have been the first student to approach the professor you are interested in working with. Other students may have already come to them with research problems that they find interesting or that they deem to fit into the overall direction of their research group.

These ideas may or may not be similar or parallel to yours, and this will help you answer the question of the best-fitting professor who can adequately guide you on your work. This can also give you an idea of other incoming students who may become part of the same research group as you, students whom you will eventually collaborate with.

Would I be able to contribute to an important project through my own line of work?

Some professors may prefer to pair first-year students with senior graduate students. You might need to work with a group as part of a large collaboration. Knowing how much interaction is expected and how much it will determine your research project can help you adapt your thinking accordingly.

It is also worth asking who gets specific responsibilities on a project and what contributions you will be expected to make.

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)

Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail.

This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.

1) How did you develop this proposal?

When responding to this question, demonstrate your thought process, research skills, and the evolution of your ideas. Let's choose the subject of "Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning" as an example.

Sample answer:

"My proposal on 'Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning' originated from my undergraduate thesis on sustainable cities. Intrigued by the potential of renewable energy in urban environments, I conducted a literature review to identify gaps in current research. This review highlighted a lack of comprehensive strategies for integrating renewable technologies at a city-wide level. I then consulted with experts in urban planning and renewable energy, which provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field. I designed a methodology that combines spatial analysis with energy modeling to explore optimal renewable energy integration in urban landscapes. This proposal represents an amalgamation of academic research, expert consultation, and innovative methodology development."

This answer is effective because it mentions a literature review demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

2) Why do you wish to pursue a PhD?

For this question, it's important to articulate your passion for the subject, your long-term career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with these aspects.

Let's choose the subject of "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" for this example.

"I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, and pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare aligns perfectly with this passion. During my Master's, I was fascinated by the potential of AI to revolutionize diagnostic processes and personalized medicine. I believe a PhD will provide me with the deep technical knowledge and research skills necessary to contribute significantly to this field. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance medical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and treatment efficiency. This PhD program, known for its pioneering research in AI and strong healthcare collaborations, is the ideal environment for me to develop these innovations and achieve my career aspirations in healthcare technology."

This is a great answer because you clearly state that the PhD will provide the necessary skills and knowledge, indicating a clear understanding of the purpose of the program.

3) Why do you think you are the right candidate for this PhD program?

Discuss how your research interests align with the program's strengths and the faculty's expertise. Explain how the program's resources, courses, and research opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

"I am deeply passionate about environmental science, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. This passion was ignited during my master's program in Environmental Studies at XYZ University, where I completed a thesis on urban green spaces and their impact on city microclimates. This research not only honed my skills in data analysis and GIS mapping but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. I am drawn to your PhD program at ABC University because of its innovative research on sustainable urban planning and the renowned work of Professor Jane Smith in this field. Her research aligns with my interest in integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate climate change effects. My perseverance, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex data make me an ideal candidate for this challenging program. Pursuing this PhD is integral to my goal of becoming an environmental consultant, where I plan to develop strategies for cities to reduce their environmental footprint."

This response is effective because it mentions particular aspects of your experience and the program, avoiding generic statements. It also outlines how the PhD fits into your career path.

4) What do you plan to do after you have completed your PhD?

Be specific about the type of career you aspire to, whether it's in academia, industry, research, etc. Explain how the PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge for your chosen career path.

"After completing my PhD in Computational Neuroscience, I plan to pursue a career in academia as a university professor. My doctoral research on neural network modeling will provide a strong foundation for teaching and conducting further research in this area. I aim to develop innovative courses that bridge computer science and neuroscience, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge in these fields. Additionally, I intend to continue my research on applying machine learning techniques to understand brain function, which has potential implications for developing new treatments for neurological disorders. This academic pathway allows me to contribute significantly to both education and research in Computational Neuroscience."

This is a great answer because it connects the PhD research directly to future career plans.

It also articulates how your work can impact both academia and the broader field of Computational Neuroscience.

5) Why have you chosen this specific PhD program?

Mention specific aspects of the program that attracted you, such as the curriculum, research facilities, faculty expertise, or reputation.

Explain how the program aligns with your research interests or academic background.

"I chose the PhD program in Artificial Intelligence at MIT because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, which perfectly aligns with my academic background in computer science and my passion for machine learning. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in AI is particularly appealing. Additionally, the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], whose work in [specific area, e.g., neural networks or AI ethics] has deeply influenced my own research interests, is a significant draw. This program is an ideal fit for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the field of AI, ultimately aiming for a career in AI research and development in the tech industry."

This answer connects your background and goals to the program's offerings.

Including a specific professor's name shows detailed knowledge about the program and faculty.

6) What impact would you like your PhD project to have?

When answering this question, convey both the academic significance and the potential real-world applications of your research. Let's choose a project focused on developing eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles for this example.

"My PhD project aims to develop new eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), addressing both the environmental impact of battery production and the efficiency of energy storage. I hope my research will contribute to the academic field by advancing our understanding of sustainable materials for energy storage, potentially leading to publications and patents. Beyond academia, I envision this project significantly impacting the EV industry by providing a more sustainable and efficient battery alternative. This innovation could play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and supporting global efforts towards a greener future. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to not only advance scientific knowledge but also drive real-world changes in how we approach energy sustainability in transportation."

This is an excellent answer because it connects the project to larger environmental goals and societal benefits. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach, demonstrating your understanding of the project's potential long-term implications.

7) What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?

It's important to demonstrate awareness of potential challenges and convey a proactive mindset toward problem-solving. Let's choose a project focused on the development of a novel AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases for this example.

"In developing an AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases, I anticipate several challenges. Firstly, the accuracy and reliability of the tool depend heavily on the quality and diversity of the data used for training the AI algorithms. Obtaining a comprehensive dataset that adequately represents the population can be difficult due to privacy concerns and data availability. Secondly, ensuring the AI model's interpretability to be clinically useful while maintaining high performance is another challenge, given the complexity of neurological diseases. To address these, I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including data privacy experts and neurologists, to source and utilize data ethically and effectively. I also intend to continuously refine the AI model, focusing on both its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. These challenges, while significant, present valuable opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration."

This response is effective because it clearly outlines realistic challenges specific to the AI diagnostic tool project. It also presents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing problem-solving skills.

8) How will you fund this project?

When answering this question, show that you've thought about the financial aspects of your research and are aware of funding sources that are available and applicable to your project. 

"I have identified multiple funding sources to support my renewable energy research project at Stanford University. Firstly, I plan to apply for the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, which offers substantial support for projects focusing on sustainable energy. My proposal for this grant is already in progress, highlighting how my project aligns with the DOE's priorities in advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, I'm exploring departmental fellowships at Stanford, particularly those aimed at renewable energy research. I am also keen on establishing industry partnerships, given the project's relevance to current energy challenges and the potential for collaborative funding and technological exchange. Last but not least, I will seek conference grants to present my research findings, which can lead to further academic collaborations and additional funding opportunities."

Notice how this answer mentions funding sources that align with the renewable energy focus of the project and the resources available at Stanford University.

9) Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Focus on a situation relevant to your academic or research experience. Let's use a real-world example where a research experiment failed due to unexpected variables.

"During my Master’s thesis on the effects of soil composition on plant growth, I faced a major setback. My initial experiments, which involved growing plants in different soil types, failed to produce consistent results due to unanticipated environmental variations in the greenhouse. This was disheartening, especially as the deadline approached. However, I responded by reassessing my experimental setup. I consulted with my supervisor and decided to control more variables, such as humidity and temperature. I also refined my data collection methods to include more frequent soil and plant measurements. These adjustments led to more reliable results, and I successfully completed my thesis. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in research and reinforced the value of meticulous experimental design."

This is a great answer because it shows how you’ve encountered and overcame a specific problem, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

10) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this question, it's important to present a balanced view of yourself, showing self-awareness and a commitment to personal development. Choose strengths that are relevant to a PhD program and weaknesses that you're actively working to improve.

"One of my key strengths is my analytical thinking, which I demonstrated during my Master's project where I developed a novel algorithm for data analysis. This required me to not only understand complex theories but also apply them creatively to solve real-world problems. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with overcommitment, taking on too many projects at once. This occasionally led to stress during my undergraduate studies. However, I am actively working on this by improving my time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks more effectively. I've started using project management tools and setting clear boundaries, which has already shown improvements in my workflow and stress levels."

This answer maintains a good balance between strengths and weaknesses. It also shows self-awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to personal development.

11) Why have you chosen to study for a PhD at this university?

Mention specific aspects of the PhD program that attracted you. Explain how your research interests align with the work being done at the university.

"I am drawn to the PhD program in Astrophysics at Caltech due to its outstanding reputation in space research and the unparalleled resources available at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. My research interest lies in the study of exoplanets, and Caltech's active projects in this area, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility, align perfectly with my academic goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], known for pioneering work in exoplanetary atmospheres, is particularly exciting. Additionally, Caltech's collaborative environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary research are conducive to my professional growth, providing a platform to engage with experts from various fields in astrophysics."

This response directly connects your research interests with ongoing projects and facilities at Caltech. It also shows you’ve done your research on faculty members and their work.

12) What can you bring to this research group?

Focus on your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will contribute to the research group's success. Let's choose the field of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University for this example.

"As a prospective member of the Biomedical Engineering research group at Johns Hopkins University, I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. My expertise in microfluidics, honed during my Master’s research, aligns well with the group’s focus on developing lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics. I have also co-authored two papers in this field, demonstrating my ability to contribute to high-impact research. Additionally, my experience in a start-up environment, where I worked on developing portable diagnostic tools, has equipped me with a practical understanding of translating research into applications. I thrive in collaborative settings, often bringing interdisciplinary insights that foster innovative problem-solving. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the group’s ongoing projects and introducing fresh perspectives to advance our understanding and application of biomedical technology."

This response shows your relevant expertise, ability to work in a team, and the unique perspectives you can offer, positioning you as a valuable addition to the research group.

13) Do you have any questions for us?

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and/or program you’re applying to.

Some questions you can ask the interviewer include:

• What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?
• What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD program?
• How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
• Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department?
• Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?
• What opportunities will I have for presenting my research?

Remember: you’re a good student, with lots of potential. You’re considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that you’ll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for your project.

What to wear to a PhD interview

Wear formal attire for a PhD interview. Your best bet is to wear a suit. A navy blue suit is the best and most versatile option. No matter your gender, a suit is always very professional.

For men, wear a suit with a tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, wear a suit (pantsuit or skirt suit) with a blouse, or conservative dress, and closed-toe shoes.

When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. The goal is to make a professional impression and feel confident, without your attire distracting from the conversation.

What to expect from a PhD interview

At its core, a PhD interview will consist of questions that allow your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

You should expect general questions to help the interviewer get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality.

Next, expect questions about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Your interviewer will also be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD.

In the next section, expect questions about your PhD project. You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate.

Last but not least, the interviewer will discuss your future ambitions and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Remember that this interview goes both ways.

It’s important to ask the interviewer relevant questions to show your engagement and the serious consideration you are giving their program.

You are preparing to spend several years of your life at this school. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During a PhD interview, interviewers are typically looking for a range of traits that indicate whether you are well-suited for the rigors of a doctoral program and a research career.

These traits include:

Intellectual Curiosity and Passion: A strong enthusiasm for the subject area and a desire to contribute to and expand knowledge in the field.

Research Skills and Experience: Demonstrable skills in conducting research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Prior research experience relevant to the PhD topic is often a plus.

Resilience and Perseverance: The capacity to handle setbacks and challenges, which are common in research, and to persist in the face of difficulties.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Although PhD research can be quite independent, the ability to work well with others, including advisors, faculty, and other students, is crucial.

Self-Motivation and Independence: The drive to work independently, manage one's own project, and stay motivated over the long term.

Fit with the Program: Alignment of the candidate’s research interests and goals with the strengths and focus of the PhD program and faculty.

These traits not only indicate your readiness for a PhD program but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and succeed in a research-oriented career.

Related posts:

• University Interview Questions (16 Questions + Answers)
• Project Manager Interview Questions (14 Specific Questions + Answers)
• Strength-Based Interview Questions (21 Questions + Answers)
• Engineering Interview Questions (15 Questions + Answers)
• Business Analyst Interview Questions (17 Questions + Answers)

Reference this article:

About The Author

PracticalPie.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Follow Us On:

Youtube Facebook Instagram X/Twitter

Psychology Resources

Developmental

Personality

Relationships

Psychologists

Serial Killers

Psychology Tests

Personality Quiz

Memory Test

Depression test

Type A/B Personality Test

© PracticalPsychology. All rights reserved

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Advice for STEM PhD interviews and common questions

PhD interviews are part of almost every PhD application process, and they are an opportunity for you to get to know the faculty of the institution/university you’re applying to, and to demonstrate your potential to embark on a research project. This blog post provides examples of some of the most common interview questions, and advice on how to prepare a presentation on either a research project you’ve done (e.g. during an internship, bachelor’s thesis, or a master’s programme). I am currently doing a PhD at Oxford in Genomic Medicine and Statistics, and I applied to several biomedical science, biochemistry, and genetics PhD programmes in the UK in 2022 - below are questions taken from interviews at Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College.

At the start of the interview, you will often be asked warm-up questions such as “tell us about yourself in 2 minutes”, “why do you want to do a PhD?”, “what experiences have you had that could help you during a PhD?”, and “what makes you different compared to other candidates?”. It’s a good idea to brainstorm answers to these questions in advance, which should help to calm your nerves, and help you communicate to the panel why you’d make a great PhD student on their programme.

Often PhD programmes will ask you to present a previous research project for 5-10 minutes, either with or without slides. If they ask you to make slides, they will often specify the maximum number of slides: keep to the slide count, but you can use animations. Your slides should be simple and uncluttered and don’t have anything on your slides that you don’t talk about. Make sure you explain enough background so that someone from a general science background can understand you - your interviewers are very unlikely to have experience in your current field. Furthermore, explain why you are doing/did specific experiments or made particular choices - this needs to come before the “how”. You can end with the implications of your findings and why they are important, along with possible future directions for your work. Practice the presentation in front of friends, family, and members of your current research group if you have the opportunity, and if your interview is over Zoom, it’s a good idea to have a rehearsal with a friend to make sure you’re as confident as possible for the real thing.

Your interviewers are very likely to ask you some questions about this presentation. They may ask why your experimental setup is a good model for what you’re investigating, what previous findings your work relies on, what other labs are doing research in your current field, or what is new in your current/previous research field(s). They may also ask how you ensure that you generate high-quality data, what your controls were (positive and negative), or how a particular technique you used works. Another interesting question I was asked at one of my PhD interviews was “what would you include in a grant based on your current findings?”. Alongside these technical questions, your interviewers may ask what you found challenging in your project, and what you enjoyed the most. One of the best things to get across in your answers to these questions is how they have prepared you for a PhD - how did they help you become more resilient, acquire problem-solving skills, or learn a particularly useful technique?

Aside from your scientific abilities, they may also want to know what you do outside the lab for work-life balance, how you deal with any conflict in the lab, and what you’re looking for in an ideal PhD supervisor. The interviewers also often ask students to tell them about a time you failed or troubleshooted, alongside “what are you doing to work on your weaknesses?”. The purpose of these questions is to find out whether you’re prepared for the challenges that arise during a PhD.

Some PhD programmes will send you a paper in advance of the interview to present to them. If this is the case for you, it’s a good idea to present the knowledge gap this paper was trying to fill, how they solved it, and what this means. They may also ask what you liked/didn’t like about the paper, whether the authors make unsupported claims in the discussion, and what further work could be done to build on the findings.

Interviews often end with the panel asking whether you have any questions for them - remember, this is your opportunity to see if the programme is a good fit for you! Examples of questions you could ask are: “what surprises PhD students when they start a PhD?”, “are there opportunities for teaching?”, and “what do you like about working here as a group leader?”.

I hope this information was useful, and further information can be found on the Find a PhD website 🔗 and the YouTube channels of Dr Andy Stapleton 🔗, Hira Javaid 🔗 and Dr Amina Yonis 🔗.

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.

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox!

Subscribe and receive Master Academia's quarterly newsletter.

How to select a journal for publication as a PhD student

Hidden gems: 3 free apps every phd researcher should know about, related articles.

All you need to know about career objectives on PhD resumes

Stress levels: PhD versus non-academic full-time job

How to strategically prepare for a PhD application

Sample emails asking for letter of recommendation from a professor

4 Critical Questions to Ask When Choosing a Ph.D. Program

Consider these impacting, yet not so obvious, factors..

Posted October 11, 2016

It’s that time of year when thousands of students are planning to apply to Ph.D. programs in Psychology. In the US, these Ph.D. programs are typically located in Research 1 institutions. In the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education , there are 115 Research 1 institutions, indicating the highest level of research activity. Keep in mind, however, that there are strong Ph.D. programs in other countries, including our Canadian neighbors to the north.

Over and over again,I (Jonathan) get asked how a student should choose where to apply for a Ph.D. program. Although there are a number of issues that may come into play when paring down your list of schools, I want to argue that no matter what there are four critical questions that a you need to answer.

1) Are you OK living where a school is located? I know this sounds petty, but you need to be clear in your head that you and the location are a match. For example, when I applied to graduate school many years ago I only applied to schools in part of the US that I felt comfortable. Did I lose out on attending certain universities? The answer is almost surely “Yes.” But, I knew I was going to be living in a certain place for at least five years so I was not going to apply to a place where I would be miserable. I understand that you go to a graduate school because of what you will learn and because it is a path to a future career . Also, it is important (as discussed below) to go to a school where you will have a mentor who will guide you through your graduate years. Still, I would argue that at least for some of you choosing a particular location might be an important issue.

2) Does a school offer a tuition waiver (i.e., free tuition) and a stipend (i.e., a fixed salary) for all the years you will be in school? In my mind, you must try your best not to incur any debt when you are in Psychology graduate school. To accomplish this you need to make sure your school will pay your tuition and that you will receive a reasonable stipend for either being a teaching assistant or a research assistant. The latter will never be a huge amount, but it will cover most of your living expenses and keep you relatively debt free; a loan or two may still be necessary. The issue here is that when you graduate with your Ph.D., the salary you will earn for most psychology careers is not going to be huge. To see this more clearly check out the following link that appears on my website . One other point to keep in mind is that a graduate school may not be able to legally promise you tuition and a stipend for multiple years. It may be that you sign a contract each year with the unwritten understanding that if you are in good standing you will receive financial support.

3) What specific area of research are you interested in? This goes beyond choosing a program in one of the major sub-areas of psychology like clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, or neuropsychology. I am talking about deciding what topic area you want to be researching during your time in graduate school and possibly for a long, long time. For example, if you are applying to clinical psychology, do you want to study depression or PTSD or ADHD or eating disorders…I think you get the picture. Of course, you can change your research focus at some point, but no matter what you end up doing you need to have a specific research focus when you apply to a Ph.D. program. The likelihood of getting accepted can really take a hit if you apply with no real research direction. This point gets even more important as I move to critical question #4.

4) Who do you plan to work with during graduate school? It is really a must to have done your homework and determine who you would like to be your mentor if you get accepted. To apply and not have this explicitly stated in your personal statement is to risk a quick exit from the selection process. The issue is really quite simple. A faculty member is more likely to push for selecting a student who has a clear interest in the faculty member’s research being conducted than a student who may look good on paper (e.g., good grades) but who has no clear research direction.

Finding a possible mentor can take two routes. Let’s say you are interested in cognitive psychology. First, you can check recent journals in cognitive psychology and find researchers who are conducting research that you find interesting. Then, go to the websites of these researchers and see if they say they are accepting new students. If there is no information about whether they are taking new graduate students, I think it is fine to send a quick email asking the faculty member what their plans are with regard to taking new students in the future. It might be that they are not accepting new students because their lab is filled or they have stopped being an active researcher (e.g., they plan on retiring). The key point here is that you only want to apply to work with someone if they are an active researcher and are open to taking new students.

The second way you can find a possible mentor is by going to the website of various schools. You can then read what researchers are at a particular school and determine if they are investigating topics you would like to pursue. One problem with taking this route is that it may not be clear if a faculty member is an active researcher. They might have a link to their vita, but you might need to do a little checking on a site like PsycInfo to see if the faculty member has recently published any articles or chapters. Again, you will need to do some checking to see if they are open accepting new graduate students. You can get more insight on these issues of faculty mentors by checking an excellent website on applying to graduate school in psychology here.

In closing, it is important that you understand that applying to Ph.D. programs in Psychology requires a lot of work before you are ready to actually apply. Hopefully, all of this effort will reap benefits for you with many acceptance letters. Good luck!

Use our website to explore the variety of careers that exist for those interested in psychology.

Check out Dr. Golding’s site on how to succeed in college.

Like us on facebook

Follow us on twitter

Jonathan Golding, Ph.D. , is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky. Anne Lippert, Ph.D. , is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Teletherapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Therapy Center NEW
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Understanding what emotional intelligence looks like and the steps needed to improve it could light a path to a more emotionally adept world.

• Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

Tips for Grads: Questions to ask in an informational interview

By Foram Gathia, PhD student

Conducting informational interviews  is a valuable way to gather insights about a particular career path, industry, or company. Here are some insightful questions to ask during an informational interview:

• Background and Experience Question s:
• Can you tell me about your career journey and how you got to your current position?
• What educational background or experiences have been most valuable in your career?
• Industry and Company Questions :
• What trends do you see emerging in this industry?
• Can you provide insights into the culture and values of your company?
• Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
• What does a typical day or week look like in your role?
• What are the most challenging aspects of your job, and how do you overcome them?
• What skills are essential for success in this role?
• Career Growth and Advancement:
• How do opportunities for growth and advancement typically unfold in this industry or company?
• Are there any professional development resources or programs available?
• What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a similar role?
• Networking and Next Steps:
• Are there any other professionals in the industry or company you recommend I speak with?
• Can I keep in touch with you for further questions or advice?

Remember to listen actively and take notes during the informational interview. Express gratitude for their time and insights afterward and follow up with a thank-you email or note. These questions can help you gain valuable knowledge and insights to inform your career decisions.

These tips are based on the university Adult Career and Special Student Services’ webpage on informational interviewing as well as the Harvard Business Review article “ 5 Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview ”.

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• 12 March 2024

Bring PhD assessment into the twenty-first century

You have full access to this article via your institution.

Innovation in PhD education has not reached how doctoral degrees are assessed. Credit: Dan Dunkley/Science Photo Library

Research and teaching in today’s universities are unrecognizable compared with what they were in the early nineteenth century, when Germany and later France gave the world the modern research doctorate. And yet significant aspects of the process of acquiring and assessing a doctorate have remained remarkably constant. A minimum of three years of independent study mentored by a single individual culminates in the production of the doctoral thesis — often a magisterial, book-length piece of work that is assessed in an oral examination by a few senior academic researchers. In an age in which there is much research-informed innovation in teaching and learning, the assessment of the doctoral thesis represents a curious throwback that is seemingly impervious to meaningful reform.

But reform is needed. Some doctoral candidates perceive the current assessment system to lack transparency, and examiners report concerns of falling standards ( G. Houston A Study of the PhD Examination: Process, Attributes and Outcomes . PhD thesis, Oxford Univ.; 2018 ). Making the qualification more structured would help — and, equally importantly, would bring the assessment of PhD education in line with education across the board. PhD candidates with experience of modern assessment methods will become better researchers, wherever they work. Indeed, most will not be working in universities: the majority of PhD holders find employment outside academia.

Collection: Career resources for PhD students

It’s not that PhD training is completely stuck in the nineteenth century. Today’s doctoral candidates can choose from a range of pathways. Professional doctorates, often used in engineering, are jointly supervised by an employer and an academic, and are aimed at solving industry-based problems. Another innovation is PhD by publication, in which, instead of a final thesis on one or more research questions, the criterion for an award is a minimum number of papers published or accepted for publication. In some countries, doctoral students are increasingly being trained in cohorts, with the aim of providing a less isolating experience than that offered by the conventional supervisor–student relationship. PhD candidates are also encouraged to acquire transferable skills — for example, in data analysis, public engagement, project management or business, economics and finance. The value of such training would be even greater if these skills were to be formally assessed alongside a dissertation rather than seen as optional.

And yet, most PhDs are still assessed after the production of a final dissertation, according to a format that, at its core, has not changed for at least half a century, as speakers and delegates noted at an event in London last month on PhD assessment, organized by the Society for Research in Higher Educatio n. Innovations in assessment that are common at other levels of education are struggling to find their way into the conventional doctoral programme.

Take the concept of learning objectives. Intended to aid consistency, fairness and transparency, learning objectives are a summary of what a student is expected to know and how they will be assessed, and are given at the start of a course of study. Part of the ambition is also to help tutors to keep track of their students’ learning and take remedial action before it is too late.

PhD training is no longer fit for purpose — it needs reform now

Formative assessment is another practice that has yet to find its way into PhD assessment consistently. Here, a tutor evaluates a student’s progress at the mid-point of a course and gives feedback or guidance on what students need to do to improve ahead of their final, or summative, assessment. It is not that these methods are absent from modern PhDs; a conscientious supervisor will not leave candidates to sink or swim until the last day. But at many institutions, such approaches are not required of PhD supervisors.

Part of the difficulty is that PhD training is carried out in research departments by people who do not need to have teaching qualifications or awareness of innovations based on education research. Supervisors shouldn’t just be experts in their field, they should also know how best to convey that subject knowledge — along with knowledge of research methods — to their students.

It is probably not possible for universities to require all doctoral supervisors to have teaching qualifications. But there are smaller changes that can be made. At a minimum, doctoral supervisors should take the time to engage with the research that exists in the field of PhD education, and how it can apply to their interactions with students.

There can be no one-size-fits-all solution to improving how a PhD is assessed, because different subjects often have bespoke needs and practices ( P. Denicolo Qual. Assur. Educ. 11 , 84–91; 2003 ). But supervisors and representatives of individual subject communities must continue to discuss what is most appropriate for their disciplines.

All things considered, there is benefit to adopting a more structured approach to PhD assessment. It is high time that PhD education caught up with changes that are now mainstream at most other levels of education. That must start with a closer partnership between education researchers, PhD supervisors and organizers of doctoral-training programmes in universities. This partnership will benefit everyone — PhD supervisors and doctoral students coming into the research workforce, whether in universities or elsewhere.

Education and training in research has entered many secondary schools, along with undergraduate teaching, which is a good thing. In the spirit of mutual learning, research doctoral supervisors, too, will benefit by going back to school.

Nature 627 , 244 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00718-0

Reprints and permissions

Related Articles

• Scientific community

‘Woah, this is affecting me’: why I’m fighting racial inequality in prostate-cancer research

Career Q&A 20 MAR 24

So … you’ve been hacked

Technology Feature 19 MAR 24

Four years on: the career costs for scientists battling long COVID

Career Feature 18 MAR 24

‘Global swimways’ on free-flowing rivers will protect key migratory fish species

Correspondence 19 MAR 24

How to stop ‘passing the harasser’: universities urged to join information-sharing scheme

News 18 MAR 24

Take these steps to accelerate the path to gender equity in health sciences

Nature Index 13 MAR 24

Is AI ready to mass-produce lay summaries of research articles?

Nature Index 20 MAR 24

Are we in the Anthropocene yet?

Editorial 20 MAR 24

Postdoctoral Fellow-Proteomics/Mass Spectrometry

Location: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Tulane University School of Med...

New Orleans, Louisiana

Tulane University School of Medicine (SOM)

Open Faculty Position in Mathematical and Information Security

We are now seeking outstanding candidates in all areas of mathematics and information security.

Dongguan, Guangdong, China

GREAT BAY INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY： Institute of Mathematical and Information Security

Faculty Positions in Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE) Thrust, Systems Hub, HKUST (GZ)

Tenure-track and tenured faculty positions at all ranks (Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor)

The university is situated in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, a highly active and vibrant region in the world.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)

Full/Associate & Assistant Professor

We are internationally recognized for our innovative achievements in studying the biology of cancers prevalent in Asia.

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Recruitment of scientific research personnel at National Institute of Pathogen Biology, CAMS&PUMC

Seeking tenure-track and tenured faculty members, and postdoctoral research fellow.

Beijing, China

National Institute of Pathogen Biology, CAMS&PUMC

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies