MIT Careers Office

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Workshops

Working a Career Fair

Competencies that Build Career Success

Company Research

Self-Assessment

Applying To Graduate School

Is Graduate School for me?

Types of Graduate Programs

Selecting Graduate Schools

Application Process

Statement of Purpose

Graduate School Interviews

Timeline for Graduate School

Financing Graduate School

Resources for Graduate School

Winning Interview Techniques

Navigating the Job & Internship Market

Negotiating Your Future

Networking 101

Online Search Strategies

Applying to Graduate School

Graduate School Interviews

Most graduate programs have faculty committees that review all the applications as opposed to an admissions office (like undergrad programs). Some schools will have an interview process to make their final decision after they have narrowed the applicant pool. This is your chance to shine; to show the committee you! Make sure to be yourself. Also, this is your chance to show the faculty you have done your research. Make sure you know why you are interested in that particular institution (make sure you are current on the faculty research). But, you are not an expert on this school (yet) so make sure to take this opportunity to interview the school. Ask questions. While you are in town to interview, explore and get a feel of the area, meet the students, etc.

Some questions you might be asked:

  • Why do you want a graduate degree?
  • What other schools did you apply to?
  • Why do you think this program is a good fit for you?
  • Tell us about…(a project you worked on that you wrote about in your personal statement).
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses as a student?

Some questions you might want to ask:

  • What are the degree requirements?
  • Are Teaching Assistantships available?
  • How long does it typically take students to complete their degree?
  • How accessible are the professors to students?
  • What opportunities are available for students to get involved with ----- research?

Last updated on Tuesday, November 15, 05 at 02:16:50 PM EST.

 
MIT MIT Career Development Center- 77 Massachusetts Ave. - Bldg 12, Room 170 - Cambridge, MA 02139 - Phone: 617-253-4733 - Fax: 617-253-8457 - Email: mitco@mit.edu