Re: Advice on graduate school interviews / campus visits

Congratulations on applying to graduate school!

To help me answer your question, I spoke to several graduate students in 
my program regarding their experiences during their interviews. 

There is no reason to have any anxiety or stress. If you were invited to 
interview you have already impressed the admissions committee. When you 
are invited to for an interview, you should ask the graduate department 
office for a list of students who are currently in the program that you 
may contact with any concerns or questions. You are usually paired with a 
graduate student that has similar interests. They can be extremely helpful 
telling you about campus life and the pros and cons of the program. You 
should ask questions regarding coursework you will need to take, teaching 
requirements, your yearly stipend and other aspects of the program which 
may interest you. Sometimes it is easier to talk to the student sponsors 
than the professors. The student sponsors can tell you about the types of 
questions. 

The types of questions often vary from individual. Some professors will be 
very casual and some will ask you specific questions. If you have listed 
any previous research experience in your application, you should be 
prepared to discuss your interests. Especially if the professor you are 
interested in is an expert in the field. Don't assume they know everything 
you wrote in your application. Ask questions regarding the types of 
projects that may be available to you if you decide to join their lab. You 
may also want to ask what brought them to that institution. Don't forget 
to ask the professors about their research and they will tell you more 
than you ever wanted to know. 

You do not need to go out and buy a fancy suit for your interviews. Wear 
something that is nice and you are confortable in. If you do not have a 
suit, you can wear a nice blouse and slacks or skirt. Many professors are 
in casual dress so you will not see them in suit.

Use this opportunity to interview the program. Remember they want to 
impress you too!

If you have more concerns and questions, please feel free to contact me 
directly. 

Good luck in graduate school!
Elsa