10 Graduate School Interview Questions: How to Respond was originally published on Indeed (October, 2024)
Many graduate schools include interviews as part of the application process to assess your potential for success in their program. These interviews may be one-on-one or with a panel and often include a mix of subject-specific questions and general questions about your experience and goals. Preparing for common topics discussed during graduate school interviews can help you provide responses that highlight your qualifications.In this article, learn how to prepare for 10 common graduate school interview questions with tips and sample answers to help you make a strong impression.
Grad school interview questions with sample answers
Even though many graduate programs are highly specialized, interviewers often ask similar questions to learn more about your personality and mindset. In your answers, highlight your achievements and provide information not included in your application materials.When responding to interview questions, aim to personalize your answers to showcase your unique skills, talents, and motivations. You may use the common questions and sample answers below as a guide to create strong responses for your graduate school interview:
1. Tell me about yourself.
This graduate school interview question tends to be common in many interviews and helps open the conversation while testing your ability to prioritize key information. When preparing to answer, focus on your major accomplishments, experiences, interests, and values. Connect each point to how it will help you succeed in the graduate program.Interviewers typically ask this to understand your goals and personality. As such, it would be beneficial to personalize your response, stay authentic, and maintain a professional tone.Example: I have been focused on academics for most of my life and will be graduating summa cum laude with a degree in economics and studio art from the University of Texas this spring. I first became interested in economics when I opened a small business in high school to sell my pottery. I started reading about economics to grow my business and became interested in the theory. That business provided me with a creative outlet and I learned so much about committing to a project. I am hardworking, creative, and passionate about learning even more about economics.
2. How will you contribute to our program?
Graduate school interviewers typically want to know the value you can bring to their program. Highlight your academic achievements, awards, accomplishments, or any publications that demonstrate your ability to contribute.To answer this question effectively, research the program in detail and connect your goals to the department’s recent work. If you have a specific objective in your field, you may mention how you plan to achieve it through the program.Example: During my undergraduate education, I knew I wanted to publish some of my papers in an academic journal, so I worked with the Academic Success department and several of my professors to learn how to do so. I know how to use the resources around me to accomplish my goals, and have had two of my essays accepted by academic journals so far. I am committed to continuing to publish innovative research that would support the amazing work you are doing in your department.
3. What are your career goals?
Graduate programs often seek out students with ambition and a clear sense of purpose in their field. Achieving your professional goals and building a strong career can enhance the program’s reputation. Interviewers may also want to ensure that the program aligns with and supports your academic and career goals to help you succeed in your chosen path.Example: When I started college I wanted to be a conservation biologist, but at the moment I am considering teaching as well. My professors have had such a strong impact on me that I would love to teach about conservation biology at the college level. However, before I teach others I hope to work in the field and publish a book on biodiversity in the Midwest. One of my lifetime goals is to create an interactive program to teach about conservation biology at national parks.
4. What are your research interests?
This graduate school interview question allows you to showcase your expertise in the field you are applying for. When answering, aim to highlight your past research studies and how your work can be applied in real-world contexts.You may share why you are passionate about a specific specialty and provide examples of how you have actively pursued these interests. Interviewers will likely seek candidates who have demonstrated a consistent dedication to their academic goals.Example: Although I studied literature from different areas and time periods, my passion is 19th-century British literature. Last year I was hired as the research assistant for Dr. Eileen Saletti, my British literature professor, and was lucky enough to discover how relevant Jane Austen and Emily Bronte are to our modern world. My presentation on the development of heroines throughout literature won several awards both at my university and national conferences. I hope that my research can empower others to look at strong women from literature to inspire them.
5. Tell me about a time you failed.
When discussing failure in your graduate school interview, consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain how you managed the setback and what you learned from it. Interviewers typically want to assess your attitude toward failure and how you handle challenges.Graduate programs can be demanding, making an ability to overcome obstacles critical. Since you are applying to be part of an academic environment, you can use this question to highlight your growth and commitment to learning from past mistakes.Example: During my Intro to Chemistry course, I completely ruined my first experiment. I remember feeling very embarrassed but eventually worked up the courage to meet my professor after class to discuss how to prevent future mistakes and go over safety procedures. I learned so much from that one-on-one time and continued to have a mentorship relationship with that professor throughout college. I think that failing is the best way to learn, as long as you have the ability to seek out improvement and ask for help.Related: Weaknesses for Job Interviews: 10 Example Answers
6. What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Sharing your proudest moments during a graduate school interview can help you showcase your potential for success and your personal values. When discussing your greatest accomplishment, connect it to your decision to pursue graduate school and how it reflects your commitment to excellence.You may also explain why you chose this particular achievement so that your core values are clear to the interviewer and align with your academic and career goals.Example: My greatest accomplishment is helping my younger sister get her scholarship to attend college. Neither of my parents attended college, so as the oldest child, I had to figure out college applications on my own. When my sister asked me for help on applications and I was able to provide guidance, I felt very proud of myself and how much I have developed my knowledge and life skills. When I start graduate school, I hope to bring that spirit of cooperation and shared success as I learn from and teach my classmates.
7. What are your hobbies and interests?
Interviewers tend to seek well-rounded candidates with varied interests who can apply their skills in different settings. As graduate programs can be demanding, having hobbies can help manage stress.Your hobbies and interests may also showcase qualities like creativity or teamwork that are not evident in your academic achievements. You may use this question as an opportunity to highlight your personality and build a personal connection with the interviewer.Example: After a long day at work my favorite thing to do is tend to my garden. I find it very relaxing and rewarding while also being intellectually engaging. I love learning the proper balance of nutrients that my plants need to grow. Although gardening is different from my goal of being a doctor, I enjoy being able to nurture both plants and people.
8. Why are you interested in our program?
When applying to graduate school, it can be important to understand what makes each program unique and why you are drawn to it. While interviewers generally recognise that candidates may apply to multiple schools, expressing genuine interest in their specific program can make you stand out.Highlighting your passion for their values, faculty, or teaching methods can demonstrate your commitment and show the interviewer that you’re motivated to contribute to the program’s success.Example: I met the head of your architecture department once at a conference and became so inspired by her unique vision. Ever since that moment, I have been interested in studying at this school and attending her courses. As I researched the program, I became impressed with the variety of classes and your unique internship program. I learn best by doing, and your program offers the most on-the-job training.
9. What have you been reading?
This graduate school interview question helps assess your intellectual curiosity and ability. Choose articles or books that relate to your academic interests and career goals. Before the interview, aim to identify a few meaningful publications that reflect your passion for the field and align with your values. This can help you demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your enthusiasm for your chosen subject.Example: I am finishing my honors thesis on early childhood development, so I have mostly been reading the Early Childhood Education Journal and other articles to support my research. However, through my studies on how the brain develops I know how important it is to read for pleasure, so I also read mystery novels when I am on the train to work.
10. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Interviewers pose this question to graduate school candidates to gauge their self-awareness and mindset. As you embark on a graduate program, it can be important to recognize areas for improvement while also highlighting your strengths.This question offers the opportunity to articulate positive attributes you can contribute to the program. When responding, be honest about your weaknesses, and provide concrete examples of how you have addressed them, while also showcasing your strengths.Example: My greatest strength is my ability to solve problems creatively. When working as a medical scheduler, I encountered several situations where nurses had been over-scheduled. I always found a way to rearrange shifts or delegate responsibilities so that all of our patients would receive excellent care. One of the skills I hope to improve is my ability to lead others. I can be nervous about sharing my ideas but I believe that working with other students in this graduate program will increase my confidence.
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