After a successful application, you might be called upon by the admission committee for an interview.
Here are 16 Graduate School Interview Sample Questions and how to answer them.
Use these to practice!
Here are 16 Graduate School Interview Sample Questions and how to answer them.
Use these to practice!
1. Tell us about yourself:
"I'm [Your Name], a recent graduate with a degree in [Your Major] and a strong interest in [Your Field]. During my undergraduate studies, I excelled in courses like [Course 1] and [Course 2], which provided a strong foundation in [Relevant Skills]. My summer internship at [Company Name] working on [Project Topic] further solidified my desire to pursue [Specific Area of Interest] within this field."
"I'm [Your Name], a recent graduate with a degree in [Your Major] and a strong interest in [Your Field]. During my undergraduate studies, I excelled in courses like [Course 1] and [Course 2], which provided a strong foundation in [Relevant Skills]. My summer internship at [Company Name] working on [Project Topic] further solidified my desire to pursue [Specific Area of Interest] within this field."
2. Why are you interested in this program/school/field/career?
"I'm particularly interested in [Program Name] because of its renowned faculty like Professor [Professor Name] who is a leader in [Research Area]. The program's emphasis on [Program Feature] aligns perfectly with my desire to develop expertise in [Your Skill Focus]. This program's interdisciplinary approach and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on [Research Area] will be invaluable in pursuing a career in [Your Career Goal]."
"I'm particularly interested in [Program Name] because of its renowned faculty like Professor [Professor Name] who is a leader in [Research Area]. The program's emphasis on [Program Feature] aligns perfectly with my desire to develop expertise in [Your Skill Focus]. This program's interdisciplinary approach and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on [Research Area] will be invaluable in pursuing a career in [Your Career Goal]."
3. What are your research interests / what research have you done?
"My research interests lie in [Specific Research Area] because [Reason for Interest]. Professor [Professor Name]'s work on [Professor's Research] particularly inspires me. In my previous research project on [Previous Research Topic], I honed my skills in [Skills Gained] by [Describe your Role]."
"My research interests lie in [Specific Research Area] because [Reason for Interest]. Professor [Professor Name]'s work on [Professor's Research] particularly inspires me. In my previous research project on [Previous Research Topic], I honed my skills in [Skills Gained] by [Describe your Role]."
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
"One of my strengths is my ability to analyze complex data and identify patterns. During my research project, I [Example of how you used your strength]. However, I'm always looking for ways to improve. I recently enrolled in a communication course to address my public speaking skills and feel more confident presenting my research findings."
"One of my strengths is my ability to analyze complex data and identify patterns. During my research project, I [Example of how you used your strength]. However, I'm always looking for ways to improve. I recently enrolled in a communication course to address my public speaking skills and feel more confident presenting my research findings."
5. What are the major issues in the field?
"One major issue in [Your Field] is [Issue 1]. This is important because [Why it's Important]. Additionally, [Issue 2] is another ongoing debate within the field, with researchers exploring [Different Approaches to the Issue]."
"One major issue in [Your Field] is [Issue 1]. This is important because [Why it's Important]. Additionally, [Issue 2] is another ongoing debate within the field, with researchers exploring [Different Approaches to the Issue]."
6. What have you read that particularly influenced your thinking in this area?
"A recent article in [Journal Name] by [Author Name] titled '[Article Title]' particularly influenced my thinking on [Specific Topic]. The article's discussion of [Key Concept] challenged my previous assumption that [Previous Understanding] and introduced the idea of [New Perspective]. This shift has shaped my research interest in exploring [How it relates to your research]."
"A recent article in [Journal Name] by [Author Name] titled '[Article Title]' particularly influenced my thinking on [Specific Topic]. The article's discussion of [Key Concept] challenged my previous assumption that [Previous Understanding] and introduced the idea of [New Perspective]. This shift has shaped my research interest in exploring [How it relates to your research]."
7. Tell me about a time you encountered failure
"During my undergraduate research project, we encountered a significant setback when [Describe the failure]. This was a challenging moment, but it pushed me to [Action you took to learn]. By [Another action you took], I was able to [Positive outcome from the failure]."
"During my undergraduate research project, we encountered a significant setback when [Describe the failure]. This was a challenging moment, but it pushed me to [Action you took to learn]. By [Another action you took], I was able to [Positive outcome from the failure]."
8. Tell me about a time you achieved a significant accomplishment
"In my internship at [Company Name], I was tasked with [Describe the project]. By implementing [Skills you used], I was able to [Specific accomplishment]. This resulted in [Positive outcome of your accomplishment]."
"In my internship at [Company Name], I was tasked with [Describe the project]. By implementing [Skills you used], I was able to [Specific accomplishment]. This resulted in [Positive outcome of your accomplishment]."
9. What can you bring to this program / why should we accept you?
"My experience in [Previous experience] combined with my strong [Skills] will allow me to actively participate in research discussions and contribute fresh perspectives. My passion for [Field] and dedication to [Specific aspect of the field] make me a perfect fit for your program's focus on [Program Strength]."
"My experience in [Previous experience] combined with my strong [Skills] will allow me to actively participate in research discussions and contribute fresh perspectives. My passion for [Field] and dedication to [Specific aspect of the field] make me a perfect fit for your program's focus on [Program Strength]."
10. What other schools / programs have you applied to?
"I have applied to a few other programs in [Field], but [Program Name] is my top choice. The opportunity to work with Professor [Professor Name] on [Research Area] and the program's emphasis on [Program Strength] are particularly exciting to me, as they directly align with my research goals in [Your Research Interest]."
"I have applied to a few other programs in [Field], but [Program Name] is my top choice. The opportunity to work with Professor [Professor Name] on [Research Area] and the program's emphasis on [Program Strength] are particularly exciting to me, as they directly align with my research goals in [Your Research Interest]."
11. What are your long term career goals?
"My long-term career goal is to [Your Career Goal]. A graduate degree in [Your Field] will provide me with the in-depth knowledge and expertise in [Specific Skills] that are crucial for success in this field. The program's focus on [Program Strength] will allow me to develop the research skills necessary to [How you'll use the skills in your career]."
"My long-term career goal is to [Your Career Goal]. A graduate degree in [Your Field] will provide me with the in-depth knowledge and expertise in [Specific Skills] that are crucial for success in this field. The program's focus on [Program Strength] will allow me to develop the research skills necessary to [How you'll use the skills in your career]."
12. How have you prepared yourself for a career in this field?
"In preparation for a career in [Your Field], I've taken courses in [Relevant Coursework] which provided a strong foundation in [Skills Gained]. During my internship at [Company Name], I gained practical experience in [Specific Project] which helped me develop my skills in [Skills Developed]."
"In preparation for a career in [Your Field], I've taken courses in [Relevant Coursework] which provided a strong foundation in [Skills Gained]. During my internship at [Company Name], I gained practical experience in [Specific Project] which helped me develop my skills in [Skills Developed]."
13. Tell us about your research / clinical / teaching experience (if applicable)
"As a teaching assistant for [Course Name], I developed and delivered engaging lectures for [Number] students. I also provided personalized feedback and guidance, which helped students improve their understanding of [Course Topic]."
"As a teaching assistant for [Course Name], I developed and delivered engaging lectures for [Number] students. I also provided personalized feedback and guidance, which helped students improve their understanding of [Course Topic]."
14. What will be your biggest challenge (academic / research / personal) in coming to graduate school?
"One challenge I anticipate is [Potential Challenge]. However, I plan to overcome this by [Strategy 1] and [Strategy 2]."
"One challenge I anticipate is [Potential Challenge]. However, I plan to overcome this by [Strategy 1] and [Strategy 2]."
15. If we don't offer you funding for the program, will you still come here?
"Funding is an important factor in my decision. However, this program is my top choice due to [Reasons]. I will actively pursue scholarships and assistantships to help bridge the gap."
"Funding is an important factor in my decision. However, this program is my top choice due to [Reasons]. I will actively pursue scholarships and assistantships to help bridge the gap."
16. Do you have any questions for us (the interviewers)?
"I'm particularly interested in Professor [Professor Name]'s research on [Research Area]. Could you elaborate on the opportunities for students to participate in ongoing research projects in this area?"
"I'm particularly interested in Professor [Professor Name]'s research on [Research Area]. Could you elaborate on the opportunities for students to participate in ongoing research projects in this area?"
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