Prepare for Your Graduate School Interview

Not all graduate programs require interviews.  If you are applying to multiple programs, expect to participate in at least one interview.

If you are asked to come for an interview, this indicates that the graduate program is seriously interested in you.  While the interview is just one part of the application process, it can be the deciding factor when admissions committees are choosing whom to accept.  Therefore, it is extremely important to treat your graduate school interview just as you would a professional job interview.  Dress and act professionally and be prepared.

What is the purpose of the graduate school interview?

• Think of graduate school interviews as an information exchange. The interview serves purposes for both the graduate program and you, the applicant.

• One purpose of the graduate school interview is to permit members of the department to get a better look at you. The interview is a chance for them to see if your personal attributes are as appealing as the rest of your application materials. Sometimes applicants who seem like a perfect match for the program on paper present a very different side in a personal interview. Interviewers want to see if you have the characteristics it takes to succeed in graduate school, such as maturity, interpersonal skills, self-determination, and sincere interest and motivation.

• The graduate school interview also serves a purpose for you. This is your chance to determine if the school, program, faculty, and potential fellow students are all a match for you. During the interview, you should be evaluating the program just as they are evaluating you. You have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus and its facilities and obtain first-hand answers to questions about the school or program that may not have been answered yet.

How do I prepare for graduate school interviews?

• Do background research on the school, program, and individual faculty members. Understand the training emphasis of the program and faculty research interests. Read up on research performed by faculty members with whom you may be interested in working.
• Review your own interests, goals, and qualifications and be prepared to talk about them. Note what characteristics make you a good match for the program and be able to explain how those interests, goals, and qualifications match what the program has to offer.
• Anticipate questions about any weaknesses in your application (grades, tests scores, etc.). Formulate responses to questions about weaknesses in terms of how you have addressed them. Do not make excuses for your weaknesses.
• Take the perspective of faculty members. What can you contribute to their graduate program and research?

Why should they accept you? What sets you apart from other applicants?

• Anticipate questions and rehearse potential answers.
• Participate in a mock interview with a professional in Career Services.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

What kind of interview format should I expect?

• There is not one typical interview format to expect. Graduate school interview formats will vary. They can be one-on-one with a faculty member, panel interviews, telephone interviews, or multiple interviews with any combination of formats. Some interviews may be full weekend events with faculty, current students, and other applicants.  Typically, you will have a chance to talk with current students, faculty members, and other applicants. However, no matter what type of format, you should always prepare ahead of time.

What if I have to travel to get to the interview?

• If you are invited for an interview for which you must travel, consider arriving a day early to familiarize yourself with your interview destination and to learn about the campus and surrounding community.