How to prepare for a grad school interview

You should consider the time you schedule your grad school interview. Are you a morning person, or do you operate better a bit later in the day? You want to be at your most clear-minded and best when going into this interview. Think about what part of the day you feel your best and schedule it at that time, if possible. You should also try to find out the length.

• Try to find out who your interviewer will be

This isn't always possible, but you should try to find out who will be conducting your grad school interview. Most grad school interviews are done by admissions representatives, however, sometimes current grad students and professors might join in the session. Doing some research on your interviewer can help make you feel more comfortable going in.

• Perform research

You have probably already done a fair amount of research on your potential grad program, but doing some more or giving yourself a good refresher can be extremely beneficial, and make you feel prepared going into the interview process. If you can cite individual professors, courses, and other relevant items, your interviewer will notice your engagement.

• Attempt to mix your grad interview with a campus visit

This is not only good for getting acclimated to your potential new school but also because it will demonstrate initiative on your part. Try to do a campus tour beforehand, so you can use the experience to determine some questions you will ask during the grad interview. While you will be receiving most of the questions, it's still important for you to be inquisitive.

• Rehearse answering some standard grad school questions

You should rehearse your answers to standard grad school questions to boost your confidence before going into the interview. Keep in mind you should not memorize your answers or read from a script, this can come off as robotic and awkward in the interview. Just practice answering in a number of organic ways.

Here are some common grad school interview questions you might receive:

• What made you want to apply to our program?

• Describe how your previous experiences, academic and otherwise have prepared you for grad school.

• What subjects and topics of research interest you?

• What is the primary objective of your career, and how will our program help you to achieve that?