Don't Under-Prepare for Your Admissions Interview

Preparation makes for a successful interview. What does preparation entail?

• Learn about the program and faculty.
• Read recent faculty publications to learn more about their labs.
• If you mentioned a particular faculty member in your admissions essay or other materials, know his or her work inside and out -- and have a few insightful questions to ask.
• In addition to questions about faculty research, prepare intelligent questions about other aspects of graduate life, such as the availability of lab space, library resources, teaching and research assistantships, and simply what it's like to live in town.

Remember that you are judged by your application, but you've already wowed them because you were invited for an interview. Now it's personal. Now you will be judged by how you present yourself, your interests and aspirations, and your interest in the program and faculty. Be prepared to show an interest in your hosts: faculty, students, and the college itself.