Many graduate programs, especially PhD programs, include interviews as part of the admissions process. Interviews may be formal or informal, in-person or virtual, but they all serve the same purpose: evaluating whether you and the program are a good mutual fit. This guide helps you prepare to make a strong impression.
Interview Formats
Individual faculty meetings: One-on-one conversations with potential advisors and committee members.
Interview weekends: Multi-day events with tours, social events, and multiple meetings.
Virtual interviews: Video calls, increasingly common and used in early screening stages.
Group activities: Dinners, poster sessions, or panels to assess collegiality and communication.
Common Interview Questions
- Tell me about your research: Prepare a clear 2-3 minute overview of your background and interests
- Why this program?: Specific reasons tied to faculty, resources, and research alignment
- Research goals: What questions do you want to explore and why?
- How do you handle setbacks?: Examples of resilience in academic or research settings
- Questions for us?: Always have thoughtful questions prepared
Questions to Ask Programs
What does a typical day look like for first-year students? How do students choose or change advisors? What support exists for professional development? Where have recent graduates found positions? What is the average time to completion? How is funding structured across years? These questions show engagement and help you evaluate the program.
Preparation Steps
- Research faculty: Read recent publications by every faculty member you might meet
- Practice your pitch: Rehearse describing your research clearly and concisely
- Prepare questions: Have 3-5 thoughtful questions for each person you meet
- Know your application: Be ready to discuss every detail you submitted
- Dress appropriately: Business casual is standard for most academic interviews
Pro Strategy: Remember that interviews are bidirectional. You are evaluating the program as much as they are evaluating you. Pay attention to how faculty treat students, whether current students seem happy, and how the department handles your visit. Red flags during the interview process often reflect larger program issues.