What to ask current grad students?

[katieliz456]

I am really thankful for having opportunities to chat with current students in the programs I'm applying to, but I can never think of good questions to ask! I know most of the program info is available on the website (cohort sizes, class schedule, TA/RA information), and really the only things I can ever think to ask are about campus life and housing situations.  

 

Does anyone have awesome, helpful questions that I can be prepared to ask for next time? Thanks!!

[SLPjmar]

Ask them what a typical week is like for them.
Is there anything they know now that they wish they knew when they started?

Is there anything about that specific program that they love/really don't care for?

[rae303]

Having participated in my deparment's visiting weekend a couple of times, here a few good ones:

 

1. Are there ever conflicts between professors, or does the department work well together? (Some departments do NOT get along, and you definitely want to know this going in.  Grad students are pretty much the only reliable way to find this out.)

2. How much flexibility does the department offer in letting you pursue your interests?

3. Is it possible to live off the stipend or do students have to take out supplemental loans?

4. What were your reasons for choosing this program?

 

And I second jmarti37's "Is there anything you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?"  This one always gets good answers.