Hey all, I was accepted to a top-20 English literature PhD program for Fall '17 (large public uni). Too new here to de-anonymize myself more than that yet, but what I ask here isn't school specific. I am unsure whether I can attend the visit weekend yet because of work, but if I can't go then I will probably arrange an individual visit, but am likely to attend. Not trying to weigh offers from multiple schools, but wondering what I should make sure to know before going in.
A few current students in the program have e-mailed me to offer to answer questions and talk about the program, but I'm just not sure what to ask either them or during the visit. Different programs are different, of course, but are there any things any of you currently attending would have wanted to know or ask about, before you went in? Things you'd have tried to inform yourself about if you could go back? I used the search function on the boards and have seen the thread "Questions to ask," which was helpful, but a lot of the questions seem likely to elicit polite positive answers: my cohorts and I get along, we get paid enough but not a lot, the area is good not perfect, etc.... What are the most important things to know that the DGS specifically would be the one to talk to about? Also, are there any particular gaffes you can think of NOT to ask/do?
True, a lot of this comes down to individual interest, like "what profs should I talk to about early modern," though that's the type of question you should probably be able to answer yourself before applying, from the website.
Not sure if I'm the only one, but I feel like I knew enough to get in, but then am useless and nervous about the process from here!