I. About the Program & Faculty:
* Faculty Mentorship & Advising:
* "How accessible and supportive are your advisors? How often do you meet with them?"
* "Can you describe the advisor-student relationship in your program? Is it collaborative and supportive, or more hierarchical?"
* "How involved are faculty in your research and professional development?"
* "Have you had positive experiences with faculty mentorship? Can you share an example?" (This is crucial and allows for nuanced answers)
* "What is the faculty turnover rate like? Has anyone left recently, and how did that affect students?"
* Curriculum & Research Opportunities:
* "How rigorous is the coursework? What's the workload like?"
* "How much flexibility is there in choosing courses and research projects?"
* "What are the most exciting research areas within the program currently?"
* "Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary research or collaborations with other departments?"
* "What kind of resources are available for research (funding, equipment, lab space)?"
* Funding & Support:
* "What are the typical funding packages like (teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships)? Are they sufficient to cover living expenses?"
* "How competitive is it to secure funding?"
* "What's the process for applying for funding and scholarships?"
* "Are there opportunities for external funding (grants, fellowships)?"
II. About the Program Culture & Community:
* Student Support & Wellbeing:
* "What's the overall atmosphere like within the program? Is it competitive or collaborative?"
* "How supportive is the student community? Do students help each other out?"
* "Are there any mentoring programs or support networks for graduate students?"
* "What resources are available for mental health and wellbeing?"
* "What is the work-life balance like?"
* Career Services & Job Placement:
* "What career services are available to help with job searching after graduation?"
* "What are the typical career paths for graduates of this program?"
* "What is the program's placement rate for graduates?" (Be wary of overly optimistic answers. Ask for specifics.)
* "What kind of support do students receive in preparing for the job market (e.g., networking events, resume reviews, interview practice)?"
III. Specific to Their Experience:
* Biggest Challenges: "What were the biggest challenges you faced during your time in the program?"
* Biggest Surprises: "What surprised you most about the program – either positively or negatively?"
* Advice for Prospective Students: "What advice would you give to someone considering this program?"
* Would they do it again? This seemingly simple question can reveal a lot about their overall satisfaction.
Important Note: Try to talk to several students, not just one or two. Seek out students at different stages of their program (e.g., first-year, third-year) to get a broader perspective. Remember that individual experiences can vary significantly, so look for common threads in their responses. Finally, be prepared to follow up with clarifying questions based on their answers.