What Is a Graduate School Interview?
When applying to graduate school, it’s common to put together a portfolio of documents which showcase your background and experiences. Portfolios often contain a resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose essay, and official university transcripts. But did you know that many graduate schools (but not all!) also require an interview as part of their application process? Don’t be caught off guard! Research the requirements for your school and program (more on that below).
Interviews will look different depending on the school and program for which you are applying, but they generally share some similar components. Your interview might be with one person or with a panel of staff members from the college and will probably contain a variety of questions regarding your program and subject area of study, as well as your background (personal and academic) and your goals and experiences. The best way to ace your grad school interview is by preparing for it beforehand so that you know what to expect and are comfortable answering the questions. The more you think about the questions and prepare your answers ahead of time, the less nervous you’ll be and the more likely you’ll respond with answers that appropriately reflect your qualifications.
Mastering Your Graduate School Interview
1. Do your research.
I can’t stress this enough: research the school, the program, the classes, the instructors, etc. What are your reasons for wanting to be accepted? You want to make sure you’re comfortable when you’re discussing why this particular school and program is a good fit for you. Your interviewer will be impressed if you can name specific details, such as class descriptions and professor names that stand out to you. Make sure you’re knowledgeable about hot topics like the ethics and social values of the school, as well as any important accolades and current events. The admissions committee will be happy that you did your “homework” prior to the interview, and it will set a good precedent for your academic abilities.
2. Practice common questions.
After doing your research, this is the next most important step to prepare for your graduate school interview. Interviews can be extremely nerve-wracking, but the more you prepare, the more comfortable you will feel. You can prepare by studying lists of common interview questions and then practicing how you would respond to them. You don’t want to sound rehearsed, like you’re reading off a paper sheet, but you want to ensure your responses reflect your qualifications and experience.
It’s much easier to do this if you brainstorm responses ahead of time instead of trying to think on the fly. Some common interview questions are:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why did you choose to apply for our program?
- What are your career goals?
- How can you contribute to our program?
3. Showcase your research and accomplishments.
I’m sure you’ve been thinking about how you can benefit from a graduate program, but your interview team will be interested in learning what you can contribute to their program as well. The interview is a great time to highlight any research you’ve been doing and any academic accomplishments.
This is another reason why it’s important to think through your responses ahead of time; you might forget some key achievements if you’re nervous and trying to think on the spot. Your training and skills are absolutely relevant to the program for which you are applying, and they are also directly correlated with the credibility of the university. Once you graduate you will be a spokesperson for the university in your chosen field, and so they need to see that you will help them to build their brand positively.
4. Prepare your own questions.
Just because you’re being interviewed doesn’t mean that you’re the only person who should be asking questions. It’s completely acceptable, and encouraged even, to prepare a list of questions ahead of time that you want to have answered by the university team. This will help you get a better feel for the school and the program and show that you are invested in your educational future.
Here is a list of common questions you might want to ask during your interview, including:
- Do you offer any scholarships?
- What makes your program unique?
- Do you have any mentoring opportunities?
- What are graduates of the program doing now?
5. Showcase your communication skills.
Communication skills are important for pretty much every job and educational opportunity, and participating in an interview is a great way to showcase yours. Most likely your interviewer will be looking to see if you can communicate both verbally and nonverbally, as well as note how friendly you are, whether or not you demonstrate respect and empathy for others, and how confident you are, among other things.
This will help them determine how well you will be able to follow directions, work with others, and represent the school. You want to make sure you sit up straight, look whoever is speaking in the eye, speak clearly, listen and pay attention when it’s not your turn to talk, and otherwise engage in the conversation.
6. Know your goals.
Know your “why.” Separate yourself from the other applicants by being confident in your career goals and communicating them effectively. Explain to the team exactly why you want to join their program, and what you plan to do once you graduate with a degree. This will set you apart from other students who may be more non-committal about their future plans and who may not be taken as seriously by the interview panel. It will also demonstrate your commitment to the program and to your future career. Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to ace your graduate school interview!
Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.
