Questions to Ask Current Graduate Students
As a prospective graduate student, it can be overwhelming to navigate the application process and make decisions about which program to attend. One valuable resource that can help inform your decision is talking to current graduate students. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of talking to current graduate students and provide a list of questions that you should ask to get the most out of your conversations.
Why talk to current graduate students?
Current graduate students have gone through the application process and have first-hand experience with the program. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day experience of being a graduate student, as well as the resources and support available. Talking to current graduate students can also give you a sense of the culture and community of the program, which can be important factors in your decision-making process.
What questions should you ask?
What is your experience with the professors and faculty in the program?
How accessible are the professors for one-on-one meetings and guidance?
Can you describe the workload and time commitment required for the program?
How does the department/program support students in finding research opportunities and funding?
How diverse is the student body in terms of backgrounds and perspectives?
Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the program?
How does the program prepare students for their desired career path after graduation?
Can you describe the resources available for career development and job searching?
How does the program support students who are balancing work/family obligations?
How does the program foster a sense of community among students?
Asking these questions can help you get a better understanding of the program's academic rigor, the support provided by the professors and faculty, and the resources available to support your success. It can also give you a sense of the culture and community of the program, which can be important factors in your decision-making process.
It is pretty common for incoming graduate students to not believe or trust the potentially negative things that current grad students have to say about a program or specific advisor. It is important to carefully consider the advice that current graduate students are presenting you with. That said, advisor-student relationships are often highly personality-dependent, and an advisor that doesn’t work for one graduate student may be ideal for another. For that reason, it is important to talk to multiple people (both current and past graduate students) if you can.
In summary, talking to current graduate students is a valuable resource for prospective graduate students. It can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day experience of being a graduate student, as well as the resources and support available. Asking the right questions can help you get a better understanding of the program and make an informed decision about which program to attend.
