10 Questions To Ask Your Admission Officer for Graduate School

Applying to graduate school is a big step. If you’re balancing work, family, or a career transition, it can feel even more overwhelming. Between comparing programs, juggling deadlines, and gathering materials, it’s easy to slip into a routine of just getting things done without really connecting to the process!

But here’s the good news: asking thoughtful, personalized questions when you connect with an admissions officer can give you much more than just information. It can help you decide if a program truly aligns with your goals and even help you submit a stronger, more tailored application.

 

Here are the top 10 questions to ask an admission officer for a graduate program:

1. What are the specific admission requirements for my graduate program?
   Inquire about required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, etc., and make sure you ask if standardized test scores are required, optional, or encouraged. If you are an international student, there may be additional requirements such as an international transcript evaluation and English language proficiency test scores that you can check on our international student checklist.
2. What is the application deadline?
   Ask for clear deadlines for application submission, financial aid, and other materials, and find out if the program uses early action, priority, or rolling admission. Confirm if there are different timelines for scholarships or other opportunities.
3. Are there funding opportunities available, including fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships?
   Get details about the availability of financial support for graduate students, such as research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or departmental fellowships, and ask about the eligibility and how to apply for them.
4. What does a typical cohort look like?
   Learn about who your future classmates might be. Ask about average work experience, academic backgrounds, or professional goals. This can help you determine whether the program community feels like a good fit.
5. What resources are available to support graduate students academically and personally (e.g., libraries, writing centers, counseling services)?
6. Inquire about the academic resources for graduate students, including research facilities, libraries, and writing centers, as well as personal support such as counseling or mental health services. Knowing how a school supports its students can give you valuable information about the priorities of the institution.
7. What opportunities are available for interdisciplinary study or collaboration with other departments?
   This question can help you understand the flexibility of the curriculum and how students can engage in cross-departmental or school-wide research, coursework, or projects.
8. What are the research opportunities, and how do students get involved in research projects?
   Ask about the type of research being conducted within your program and how students can collaborate with faculty on research projects.
9. What is the culminating project for this program?
   Graduate programs usually require a final project, whether this is a written thesis, research project, or capstone. Ask when this falls in the program sequence and for examples of previous projects.
10. What is the program’s approach to professional development, including career services, internships, and networking opportunities?
    Find out how the program supports students’ career goals, whether through career coaching, job fairs, internship placements, and alumni networking.
11. What are the program’s post-graduation outcomes, including employment rates, employer types, and alumni networks?
    Ask where recent graduates have found employment, what industries or sectors they typically pursue, and how long it took to find a job. Ask about how the office of career services and alumni network supports career advancement.

 

Your admissions officer is one of your best resources when exploring graduate programs so don’t be afraid to ask questions that really matter to you. The more informed you are, the more you'll find a program that truly fits you!