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Student Professional Development Center

During your interview…

  • BE ON TIME!
  • Think of your graduate school interview as a professional job interview. All of the same rules apply.
  • Dress professionally
  • Bring copies of your resume
  • Remember the purposes of the interview: to communicate your interest, motivation, and professionalism, and to gather the information you need to determine if this is the graduate program for you
  • In meetings with current graduate students, try to ask questions to learn what they really think about their advisors and the program. Most students will be forthcoming, especially in one-on-one conversations.
  • Don't underestimate the potential influence of current graduate students on the selection committee. Present your best side to everyone because every person you encounter during your interview process might be in a position to help or hurt your application.
  • Ask intelligent and informed questions
  • Do not ask questions whose answers could have been obtained from a Web site or brochure
  • Follow-up