What to Expect at a Grad School Admissions Interview

Not every program interviews applicants

Many master's programs admit you based on your application alone. PhD programs, funded research programs, and competitive professional programs are more likely to interview, since the department commits years of funding and mentorship to each admitted student. Check your program's admissions page or ask the graduate coordinator whether an interview is part of the process, so you know what to prepare for.

Campus visit days

Many PhD programs invite a shortlist of applicants to a multi-day visit, often paid for by the department. A visit day usually includes one-on-one meetings with faculty whose research interests you, a group session with current students, and a tour of labs or facilities. Treat every conversation as part of the evaluation, including meals and informal time with current students, who often report back to the admissions committee.

One-on-one interviews with a potential advisor

If a specific faculty member plans to advise you, expect a conversation focused on your research interests and how they fit that person's lab or projects. Read 2-3 of the faculty member's recent papers before the interview and prepare questions about ongoing projects. Be ready to explain why you want to work with that person specifically, not only why you want to attend the school.

Virtual and phone interviews

Many programs interview by video call to cut travel costs for both sides. Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection the day before. Sit somewhere quiet with a plain background, and prepare for the call the same way you would an in-person meeting, with notes nearby but not a script you read from.

Group interviews and multi-mini interviews

Some professional and health-focused graduate programs use a multi-mini interview, where you rotate through several short stations, each with a different interviewer and a different scenario or question. This format tests how you think and communicate under time pressure rather than testing content knowledge. Other programs run group interviews, where several applicants discuss a topic together while faculty observe how you contribute and listen.

Questions you should be ready to answer

• Why this program, and why now, in your career or education.

• What your research or work experience taught you, with a specific example.

• How you handle disagreement with a supervisor or team member.

• What you plan to do after you finish the degree.

• A setback and what you changed because of it.

Questions to ask your interviewer

Prepare 3-5 questions of your own about funding, advisor availability, typical time to degree, or what current students wish they had known before starting. Asking about the program's placement outcomes for recent graduates shows you are thinking past admission toward the degree's payoff. Avoid questions you answer from the program website, since they signal you did not prepare.

Logistics to confirm before interview day

Ask whether the program reimburses travel and lodging for an in-person interview, and get that in writing before you book flights. Confirm the interview format, length, and who you will meet, so a group format does not catch you off guard when you prepared for a one-on-one. Send a short thank-you email within a day or two after the interview to each person you met.