Top 5 Tips On How to Prepare for Your PhD/Masters Admissions Interview

1. Timing and Expectations

PhD and Masters programs all operate based on various sets of rules and standards. While one department may require an interview prior to narrowing their acceptance list, others may not. For applications submitted in December (such as for the US PhD programs), many committees will schedule to meet in January in order to make their final decisions by February-March.

For the 2021 Fall Cycle, however, this date may have been pushed back.

In addition to considering timing, it is also important to set your expectations and be open minded. Graduate School Admissions are notoriously competitive. Many well-qualified applicants may go through 1-3 cycles before being granted acceptance to a top-rated program — so be patient.

While most interviews will consist of only one interviewer, others may require numerous interviews or interviewers in order to properly consider your application. If you find that you have been granted an interview, don’t panic. Seek mentorship and do what you can to prepare!

2. Research and Prepare

Prior to your interview you will want to do your due diligence by performing research on the program and your interviewer(s) as well as prepare an elevator pitch. Some interviewers may ask complex questions about your future research, professional goals, methods, etc. so make sure to adequately set yourself up for success.

Your interviewer may or may not be your potential advisor, so make sure your do a thorough landscape assessment of these key things:

1. Their written work

2. Their involvement in your field of study

3. Their network

4. The work of their graduate students

In addition to researching your interviewer(s), you will want to thoroughly research the program so you can ask informed questions and provide details about why you are excited by the prospect of studying in that specific program.

3. Format of the Interview

Keep in mind that each interviewer is going to have their own interview style based on the standards of the department, their personality, etc. Each program will have their own style for how they prefer their faculty to perform interviews and this varies across fields and institutions.

For Example

Oxford and Cambridge are notorious for providing rigorous interviews with multiple interviewers in the room at once. They often press with questions which are designed to intimidate the applicant, causing the applicant to become defensive. If this is the case, you will want to focus on validating their concerns or questions and finding a way to move the interview forward. Make sure you are well versed in the work of your field since you may be asked to discuss the work of various other scholars and researchers.

In the US, however, interviews are known for being more conversational - but again, this depends on the program and the interviewer.

4. Keep it Conversational

Graduate school interviews, unlike undergraduate interviews, are a way for both you and the program to assess whether you are a good fit for one another. This process is as much about them picking you, as is about you picking them. Make sure you are using your interview to demonstrate your readiness as a candidate and that you express deep interest in all aspects of the program. Additionally, be sure to discuss your concerns. Ask about course structure, teaching/lab requirements, etc.

In addition to providing your elevator pitch, you should also seek to discuss your background with intention. Provide details and be sure to make connections where you can. If you have research or professional experience which has prepared you for your studies and research project - talk about it!

The interview process is where you can make yourself stand out! Use this time to demonstrate your passion and interest!

5. Ask Questions

What do you look for in a doctoral candidate?

What are the opportunities to secure funding for field work/research?

Is there funding available for students to attend conferences?

Is there a support system to help students seeking to have their work published?

etc.