120 Questions to Ask Grad Students

Are you thinking about grad school or just curious about what it’s like? You’re in the right spot. I’ve put together a list of questions that get right to the heart of the grad student experience.

From the nitty-gritty of research woes to how they keep their social life buzzing, these real-talk questions are designed to give you the lowdown straight from the grad students themselves. So, grab a coffee and gear up to get the inside scoop!

Navigating the Graduate Program

1. How did you choose your graduate program?
2. Can you walk me through your typical day as a grad student?
3. What resources do you wish you had known about when you started?
4. How accessible are faculty and advisors in your program?
5. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about grad school?
6. How do you manage the workload and academic expectations?
7. What strategies do you use to stay organized and meet deadlines?
8. How does your program incorporate interdisciplinary study?
9. In what ways does the program challenge you intellectually?
10. How do you find research topics or projects to work on?
11. What is the process for thesis or dissertation proposals in your program?
12. Can you describe the comprehensive exam process and how to best prepare for it?
13. What support does the program provide for academic writing and publishing?
14. How has your research benefited from collaborations within your program?
15. Are there opportunities for teaching or assisting in undergraduate courses?

Academic Experience and Research

1. What drew you towards your current research focus?
2. How do you navigate collaborations with other researchers?
3. What has been your biggest academic challenge during your grad studies?
4. How do you go about selecting your courses each term?
5. What research methodologies do you commonly use in your field?
6. How is your academic performance evaluated in your program?
7. How do you balance independent study with structured coursework?
8. How often do you participate in academic conferences, and how do you prepare for them?
9. How does your program support innovative or risky research ideas?
10. What’s the process for applying for research grants or funding?
11. Can you describe a research breakthrough or significant moment you’ve experienced?
12. How do you handle setbacks or challenges in your research?
13. How often do you meet with your thesis or dissertation advisor?
14. In what ways do you contribute to your field beyond just your research?
15. How do traditional research dissemination methods compare to new ones in your field?

Financial Aspects of Graduate School

1. What types of financial aid are available within your program?
2. How do you manage living expenses while attending grad school?
3. What advice would you have for someone applying for scholarships and grants?
4. Are there opportunities for paid research positions or fellowships?
5. How common is taking out loans, and how do students handle repayment concerns?
6. Can you discuss the cost of living in the area relative to the stipend provided?
7. How transparent is the program about the full cost of attendance?
8. What are some unexpected expenses you have encountered?
9. Are there on-campus employment opportunities that align with your academic goals?
10. How do you budget time and money for educational travel, such as conferences?
11. Are there financial literacy resources or workshops offered by the university?
12. How have you balanced seeking financial aid with focusing on your studies?
13. In your opinion, what is the return on investment for your graduate degree?
14. Can you share some money-saving tips for other grad students?
15. How does your program assist students with financial emergencies?

Challenges and Coping Strategies

1. What has been the most difficult aspect of graduate school for you?
2. How do you handle stress and maintain mental wellness?
3. What strategies do you use to overcome procrastination or lack of motivation?
4. Can you share a time you experienced failure and how you dealt with it?
5. How do you stay resilient when faced with academic setbacks?
6. Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome, and if so, how do you combat it?
7. What have you learned about yourself through overcoming grad school challenges?
8. How do you approach seeking help or resources when challenges arise?
9. What is your advice for maintaining a positive attitude in tough times?
10. How do you manage to keep up with your personal commitments while being a grad student?
11. In what ways do peers or mentors support you through challenges?
12. How do you balance long-term projects with immediate deadlines?
13. What’s your approach to developing a consistent study routine?
14. Can you share tips for effective communication with faculty when problems occur?
15. How do you adapt to shifting research landscapes or academic trends?

Career Planning and Professional Development

1. How has your grad program prepared you for your future career goals?
2. What networking opportunities has your program provided?
3. Can you describe the career services or professional development resources offered?
4. How do you stay informed about job market trends in your field?
5. What steps are you taking to build your professional portfolio?
6. How does your program facilitate connections with industry or alumni?
7. What importance does your program place on internships or practical experience?
8. In what ways do you gain leadership experience during your studies?
9. Can you discuss the importance of mentorship in your professional development?
10. How do you plan to transition from academia to your professional field?
11. What role do conferences and workshops play in your professional growth?
12. How does your program encourage entrepreneurship or innovation?
13. What strategies have you employed for job searching or career advancement?
14. How important is teaching experience for your career path?
15. Can you share any successes or challenges in finding post-doc positions?

Social Life and Networking

1. How do you balance social activities with your academic responsibilities?
2. Can you recommend ways to meet new people and make friends in grad school?
3. How do you find the time to maintain relationships outside of grad school?
4. What role do student organizations or clubs play in your life?
5. How important is networking in your graduate experience?
6. Can you suggest effective strategies for building a professional network?
7. How does your program foster a sense of community among grad students?
8. What types of social or networking events have been most beneficial for you?
9. How do you utilize social media for networking purposes?
10. In what ways do you collaborate with students from different departments?
11. How do you stay in touch with peers and collaborators after they graduate?
12. Have you participated in any mentoring programs?
13. How does participating in group projects enhance your grad school experience?
14. Can you discuss the importance of teamwork and interpersonal skills in your field?
15. How do you create opportunities for interdisciplinary networking?

Program Specifics and Department Culture

1. How would you describe the culture within your department?
2. What makes your graduate program unique from others in your field?
3. How does your program’s culture influence your academic experience?
4. Can you explain how diversity and inclusion are addressed within your department?
5. What are the typical outcomes for graduates of your program?
6. How transparent is the program about student success rates and placement?
7. What sort of values and expectations does your program emphasize?
8. Can you discuss any signature events or traditions within your department?
9. How does your department support students in their first year?
10. Are there any unique facilities or resources that set your program apart?
11. How does your program integrate feedback from students?
12. What role does collaboration with other departments or universities play?
13. Can you provide examples of how your department handles conflict resolution?
14. What is the student-to-faculty ratio, and how does it affect your learning?
15. Does your program have a formal system for evaluating and improving the curriculum?

Work and Study Balance Techniques

1. How do you manage time effectively to balance work and study?
2. Can you share some tactics for maintaining focus during intense study periods?
3. How does your day-to-day schedule cater to both academic and personal needs?
4. What strategies do you use to prevent burnout?
5. How do you make time for hobbies or interests outside of grad school?
6. Can you share advice for new grad students on establishing a work-study routine?
7. How flexible is your program with accommodating part-time work?
8. What are your top tips for efficient time management?
9. How do you prioritize when faced with multiple tasks and deadlines?
10. Can you provide guidance on seeking work-study or assistantship roles?
11. How do you negotiate with employers regarding your academic commitments?
12. What role has self-care played in your success as a grad student?
13. Can you describe any valuable tools or apps for organizing your time?
14. How do you keep your energy and motivation levels up throughout the semester?
15. How do you set boundaries between your academic life and personal time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when choosing a graduate program?

Research the faculty’s expertise, available resources, the program’s structure, financial aid options, and the department’s culture. Understanding your long-term goals and how a program aligns with them is crucial.

How many years does a graduate program take?

A graduate degree can be earned in many different ways, but it usually takes about two years. There are accelerated programs that can shorten the time to one year or even less, but these are rare. Some fields, such as law or medicine, may take more time.

What are some common traits of successful grad students?

What are the biggest challenges of graduate school?

The biggest challenges of graduate school often include:

• Intense workload: Managing the high volume of reading, complex research, and rigorous academic expectations.
• Financial strain: Covering tuition and living expenses, often on a limited budget or stipend.
• Time management: Juggling various commitments such as coursework, research, teaching assignments, and often personal responsibilities.
• Stress and burnout: Coping with the sustained mental and emotional pressure to perform and produce results.
• Imposter syndrome: Battling feelings of self-doubt and fear of not being intellectually capable or deserving.
• Uncertain career prospects: Navigating the competitive job market and anxieties about future employment opportunities after graduation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to dive into grad school yourself or just wanna understand what your grad student pals are up to, these questions will give you the scoop you need.

Remember, grad school’s a big world with lots to explore, so use these icebreakers to start some genuine, insightful chats with those who are living the grad life. After all, who better to learn from than those hitting the books and living out their academic adventures every day?