What Questions Would You Ask?

[Purplepolarbear]

So I got a call today from a graduate student at one of the universities I applied at and unfortunately I was in class. Or should I say fortunately because he left a message asking if I had any questions and I cannot think of anything atm.

 

Thoughts?

[woosah]

These are questions I'm thinking of asking:

How would you describe the dynamic of the department/lab? (collaborative vs. competitive)

What is your least favorite thing about the program?

Did you apply to other programs? What tipped the scales in favor of program x?

At what point were you encouraged/expected to pursue your own projects?

How would you describe professor __'s leadership/advising style?

If you could no longer work with professor ___, who would you choose as your advisor?

Where/when do grad students publish?

How stable is funding?

Is there a teaching requirement? Do you feel it interferes with your research time?

How big is your cohort?

What were your research responsibilities during your first year?

Do you feel challenged/supported?

 

I'd also ask specific questions about the kind of data available in the lab, and how students are expected to contribute before they use data for their own purposes (hope that makes sense)

[Purplepolarbear]

Awesome, thanks!

[sansao]

Awesome, thanks!

Agreed. I am so printing this, keeping a copy in my bag, and putting one on the wall by my computer.