- Earn your degree from a university with a “Whole Human Education” approach that focuses on assisting you in all aspects of your education: academic, emotional, career, financial, and family.
- Choose from 75+ programs: Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking advancement, our career-focused programs are designed to help you make an impact in your chosen field.
- National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Here Are 12 Top Graduate School Interview Questions and Answers
We’ve also included a few examples and tips for how to answer interview questions. Review these, then start creating answers of your own.
1. Tell Us About Yourself
Of all the potential grad school interview questions, this one might be the more common. But it could also be one of the more difficult questions to answer—where do you start? What are the interviewers looking for?
Often the goal of this question is to assess your communication skills and your ability to prioritize information. Be organized in your response—don’t wander. Discuss your goals, achievements, background, and any other aspects you think might help showcase why you are a good fit for their program. Above all, be genuine.
Example: |
“I’ve been interested in venomous organisms ever since my brother got stung by a jellyfish when I was in fifth grade. I wondered why some animals are venomous but others are not. I began reading about the subject and in time realized that my goal in life is to discover more about these creatures through research. I’ve already completed several research projects, and my findings about venom extraction in black widow spiders were published in the Journal of Arachnids. I hope to continue making contributions in this fascinating area.” |
2. Why Are You Applying to Our Program?
There are a few key elements you could consider including in your response.
- What you like best about that program and university
- Your familiarity with that school (e.g., showing that you’ve done your research)
- How, specifically, that program could support your goals and interests
Think about each of these factors when putting together your response. That could help ensure that you’re both focused and sufficiently detailed. After all, answering thoroughly and thoughtfully could help to show your school how much you care and how much effort you’ve put into your application. Staying focused on these points also means you may be less likely to go off on unrelated tangents. Instead, you could sound professional and concise.
Finally, make sure your answers are not only honest, but also constructive. Telling a school you want to attend only because they’re the cheapest option might be the truth, but it’s not a truth that’s likely to help your cause. Try and stick to answers that could show your dedication and enthusiasm without going overboard and sucking up.
Example: |
“I like (School X) because of its 1:3 faculty-to-student ratio. This is important to me because it suggests I’ll get a lot of mentorship. Also, Billy Bob Corndog’s research focus on venomous animals and poisonous plants of the Rocky Mountains aligns very strongly with my interests. It would be great to work closely with him. I’ve also heard great things about the student culture and fieldwork opportunities from Elvira Discovampire, who is a recent graduate.” |
3. What Is Your Research Interest?
This question could be especially relevant if you’re applying to a more academic or research-focused graduate program as opposed to one that is more career-focused. It’s important to have a detailed answer to this question that includes a few key elements:
- Your specific topic (This should be fairly narrow! Your research area isn’t the whole field of biology; rather, it’s poisonous plants and animals in the Rocky Mountains.)
- Your background and experience with that topic (This includes research you’ve already done, prior coursework, work experience, and similar accomplishments.)
- Why you’re interested in that topic (Did a mentor inspire you? Or did you have a personal experience that led you to this topic? Make it personal!)
Example: |
“My work is in the area of venomous animals and poisonous plants of the Rocky Mountain region. I first became interested in this topic when I got lost up near the Continental Divide and ate raw elderberries for sustenance. This caused some gastrointestinal issues, but piqued my interest. In college I majored in Biology, and took coursework in Spiders of the Southwest, Rattlesnakes of the Rockies, and Berries You Shouldn’t Eat. I also had a research assistant position with Professor Hiss, and together we published our findings in an article called Beware the Brown Recluse, which was published in 2005 in the American Journal of Things To Avoid.” |
4. How Might You Contribute to Our Program?
When you’re applying to graduate school, what that school could do for you is an important factor. But the school is also looking for students who could bring something to the table!
Your answer could have to do with your diverse personal or academic background, unique skills, driven personality—whatever you see as your strongest asset. Now is your chance to sell yourself. Be honest, and show the school what a valuable addition you could be to their community! (One caveat here: Make sure you don’t brag. After all, you might be selling yourself, but the focus is on what you could do for the school, not so much on how great you are.)
Example: |
“Well, I bring a unique research background. For example, I spent a summer in college doing fieldwork that focused on identifying and tracking live nests of poisonous baby snakes. I’m really excited about the advances in the field and love to experience and employ the latest technology, such as heat-sensing devices and snake-tail spray painting. There are lots of opportunities for collaboration with other scientists and students I’ll meet in the program. I also find my sense of humor comes in handy and can uplift others’ spirits during stressful periods like finals, or getting accidentally injected with venom.” |
5. What Are Your Long-Term and Short-Term Career Goals?
This type of interview question could be especially crucial if you’re applying to a more career-oriented program—but it’s relevant either way. After all, academia doesn’t exist in a vacuum! You’re pursuing your degree for a reason. What is it? Here are a few tips on how to frame those goals for your interview.
- Draw a connection between the degree you’re pursuing, your area of research, and your specific career goals. Show them why your graduate education could be a valuable asset!
- If possible, anchor your goals in the school or program you’re applying to. For example, is there a member of the faculty whose work and career you admire and wish to emulate? Have their alumni achievements inspired you?
- Point out why your goals are important, not just for you, but for the world, your field, and your community. Could your work help make your city a better place? Maybe your research could inform policy, or help people help others more effectively.
6. What Do You See as the Major Trends in Your Field of Study?
7. Tell Me About How You Achieved a Significant Accomplishment?
8. Strengths and Weaknesses for Graduate School
9. What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?
10. Where Else Have You Applied?
When preparing your answer for graduate school interview questions like this, think back to why you said you want to attend this program.
What the interview is trying to understand here is where they fall in your school preference, and how dedicated you are to attending that particular program. So if you’ve applied elsewhere, be honest about it, but also try and explain why you’d prefer their school over the others. And if it’s the only school you’ve applied to, explain that decision too, so they understand why you’re so committed.
Example: |
“I’ve also applied to the University of Arizona’s graduate program, because the fieldwork opportunities would be so excellent. But frankly, the faculty here is stellar, and the curriculum here aligns better with my interests than the curriculum at U of AZ . This is my top choice.” |
11. Tell Us About a Time You Failed
12. What Have You Been Reading?
Interviewers want to know that you are academically inclined and intellectually curious. They might also be interested in how well you keep up in the field you are studying. However, this doesn’t mean that you should only cite books related to your field. Discuss books you’ve read outside your field to showcase your other interests.
Example: |
“Dr. Copperhead has recently made some ground-breaking discoveries about genetic abnormalities in snakes, and I’ve been reading the book he wrote about his findings. I’m also reading a book about genetics in South American anteaters, which provides an interesting juxtaposition to the information in Dr. Copperhead’s book. And I enjoy science fiction as a way to relax!” |