Graduate School Practice Interview Questions

This is a preparation resource designed to help students build confidence and improve their performance in graduate and professional school interviews. This resource provides sample interview questions commonly asked by admissions committees, helping students reflect on their academic experiences, career goals, research interests, leadership experiences, and motivation for pursuing advanced education. By practicing responses and preparing thoughtful answers, students can strengthen their communication skills, articulate their qualifications more effectively, and approach graduate school interviews with greater confidence. This resource is ideal for students applying to master’s, doctoral, professional, or specialized graduate programs and serves as a valuable tool for interview preparation and career development.

Sample Graduate School Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself.

What factors have influenced you to apply for graduate school?

Why are you interested in our graduate program?

What skills and personal characteristics make you a good candidate for this program?

What do you hope to gain from our graduate program?

How do you see this program fitting into your career goals? What is your greatest strength?

What is one of your weaknesses?

How do you feel that your undergraduate studies have prepared you for this program?

Describe your past work/volunteer experiences and what you have learned from them that will help you in graduate school.

Describe your past research experience and how it will help you in graduate school.

What recent professional articles or books have you read?

What problems do you expect to face while attending graduate school?

How will you handle them?

What contributions do you plan to make in this field?

What do you see as the major trends in your career field at this time?

What do you think is the most important development in the field over the past 10 years? 25 years? Why?

We have a large applicant pool for this program. What sets you apart from other candidates?

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or outside interests?

Tell me about a major accomplishment in your life and how you achieved it.

Tell me how you handle stress.

Tell me about a time that you had a number of assignments due. How did you make sure they were all completed on time and to the best of your ability?

Tell me about a time that you were confronted by a fellow student, co-worker, or customer. How did you resolve the conflict?