Questions you should be asking before grad school

While some applications may be wrapped up and ready for submission, don’t assume that your preparation is finished. For prospective graduate students, it’s important to reach out to those on campus for advice and guidance before you arrive.

As current and former graduate students will tell you, your academic experience is driven largely by program faculty and your student advisor. It’s important, even as an applicant, to get a sense of the cohesion and fit between professors, staff and students in your respective program of interest.

How can you do so? Well – for starters – don’t be shy. Professors have made a career out of their area of study and expertise. As such, they are more than happy to discuss the ins and outs of the department and what course(s) they teach. If you have a mutual connection with a past student of theirs, be sure to discuss with them in advance of your conversation.

Here are five important questions to ask faculty and program administrators:

• What is the relationship like between you and your students? How much collaboration is there on assignments?
• What kind of real world applications does your work have? Do you help refer students to various industries and careers?
• How would you compare your program to other programs like _____?
• Are there common traits that your most successful students have within the program?
• On average, how many advisees do you have each year?

While the questions may seem bold, it’s important to remember that professors will view this type of conversation as showing a proactive and engaged personality. To start the dialogue, contact a member of the admissions staff and ask them for advice on reaching out to faculty within your desired program.