Surviving Grad School Interviews

Part of your grad school application process may be a personal interview, especially if you are applying to a doctoral program. Follow these tips for a successful grad school interview.

Prepare

Learn as much as you can about the graduate school program by researching it on the Internet and through catalogs and by talking to students and former students. Write down questions that you want answered.

You will probably be interviewed by a committee. If you know who will be interviewing you, also try to find out about those professors' backgrounds and even read some articles they have published.

Adopt a professional attitude

Even if you are a blue jeans or pajama pants person, a graduate school interview is a place to break out the professional clothes. Men should wear suits; women should wear suits or professional-style dresses or skirts.

It is also important that you:

• Arrive on time for your interview.
• Bring copies of your resume, published materials, papers, and presentations.
• Use good posture and maintain eye contact.
• Address committee members by name.
• Turn off your cell phone.

Ask and answer

Be prepared to answer questions about your academic and research background, career goals, work experience, dissertation ideas, etc. Also have your list of questions in hand to ask the interviewers. After all, the interview isn't just about the committee deciding whether you will fit in at the school - it is also about you deciding whether the school is right for you.

Let them know where else you are applying

A little competition may give you the edge you need over other applicants.

Say thanks

After the interview, send a thank-you e-mail to the committee members who interviewed you, followed up by a thank-you note in the mail.