Wise to ask grad students questions before the interview?

[neuropsych76]

So, I've been in contact with a grad student who is picking me up from the airport and he said to let him know if I have any questions about the program or the school's location.

Should I just wait til I meet him to ask questions? I don't really have any pressing questions now but I could certainly come up with some.

This is probably a minor issue but I, like most grad applicants around this time, am stressing every detail about everything

[sjc86]

So, I've been in contact with a grad student who is picking me up from the airport and he said to let him know if I have any questions about the program or the school's location.

Should I just wait til I meet him to ask questions? I don't really have any pressing questions now but I could certainly come up with some.

This is probably a minor issue but I, like most grad applicants around this time, am stressing every detail about everything

If you have a question or 2, ask them. If you have 500 questions, pick the 2 that cant wait until you get off the plane. Remember, while you do need to make a good impression, your host has been through the same trauma you've been going through so he should be fairly understanding.

[newms]

It would be useful to pick his brains about the program to see if this is the pace you really want to go to should you be accepted. I don't think it really makes a difference if you ask him now, or when you arrive for the interview. Perhaps you can ask him about life in the town and about your potential advisor - how he or she works, and how is their advising style - anything that would help you make your decision should you have to be choosing between this school and another.

[green8715]

I think it would be fine to wait until you meet the grad student - it may be a good way to avoid awkward silences and keep the conversation going. Definitely pick their brain about questions you have related to the program; if they enjoy it, is the environment competitive or cooperative...etc.

[fuzzylogician]

If you have something you need to know before you arrive, go ahead and ask. Otherwise, you'll get better and more candid information in a personal conversation than in an email, and it'll be a good way to pass the time you have to spend together.

Edited January 27, 2011 by fuzzylogician