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[pageturning]

I recently learned that I got into both phD programs I've applied this year, both with full funding. Though I lean heavily towards one of them, I want to make sure that I am making an informed decision.

Both schools told me to ask questions. I've visited both and gotten to know the people and the cities, and their curriculum look similar from the outside (i.e. length of program, course offerings, exams to take, etc, etc) The only question I really want to know now is their job placement history, but I don't know how to ask something like that.

If you could go back in time to when you got accepted but haven't attended, what questions do you wish you had asked? what do you wish you knew going in?

[melba_frilkins]

In no particular order:

Graduation rate and typical years to graduation.
Do you pick your major advisor from any in the program, or do you have to choose from those who have a slot available? That is, will you be able to work with who you want to?
What resources are available within the program to help with research? (e.g., lab space, office space, computer, equipment, supplies, photocopies, etc.)
What resources are available outside the program that are relevant (e.g., are there connections with programs/depts in related areas?)
What do you have to do for the funding? If there are TA/RA duties involved, what exactly is expected in terms of hours and responsibilities. I would want to know about working conditions and support, also, but that can be tricky to ask about.
If the funding is limited to 4 years: a) how likely will you finish in that timeframe, b) if you have to go beyond that timeframe, what financial options will be available?

[aprilmay]

Congratulations on your acceptances.

The only question I really want to know now is their job placement history, but I don't know how to ask something like that.

You can be straightforward with this question. Ask about the job placement history of graduates, including what type of positions they received, such as whether they were at a university. Other good questions are about how long it typically takes to finish a doctorate and what percentage of the entering doctoral class do not finish. Ask whether funding is available for conferences or other resources.  Ask for emails of some current or recent students. They will give you the true story.

[klaradeb]

Definitely job placements! Also, in addition to what has already been said, follow the money. I chose a program in an affordable city where I don't need a car and with a stipend that allows me to save quite a bit towards retirement, and when I look around at people who are almost 30 and still haven't started saving (or even worse, are in debt), I'm very glad I did. Imagine you ultimately decide not to stay in academia, you'll be glad that to have reduced the opportunity cost a bit.

[ls410]

Long-term course scheduling.  Are the courses you'll be taking offered every year or every 2 years?  Will you come in at the right time in the sequence if courses build upon each other?

You haven't said what field you're in.  Is it one that requires a foreign language, specialized computer skills, or a certain number of hours in a related field?  Some departments require research skills to be completed  before you take your comps.  Will your stipend cover those? 

More than just job placements for the department, what about job placements for your potential advisor?

[optimisticfungus]

I'd also add:

* How important is regional and/or national conference attendance and giving presentations to your program? Is funding available to help offset the cost?
* What type of career is the department's program biased toward -- academia, industry, etc.?
* Does the program encourage collaboration with other departments? How many interdisciplinary studies are currently in progress?
* Where should you go for grievances? What protocol is in place to deal with these issues?

And to reiterate what has already been said: What is the success rate for new graduates gaining full-time employment? And how realistic is the timeframe the department has for degree completion?

[oldfullprof]

How many poseurs on your faculty?

[aprilmay]

* Where should you go for grievances? What protocol is in place to deal with these issues?

I suppose there is nothing wrong with the question, but it could seem a little odd, like you expect to have trouble. I have never had a prospective student ask this.

[optimisticfungus]

During my graduate program, I have encountered several students who have had problems with faculty or technicians, but had no idea where to go or what to do. I think being upfront about available resources (including grievances) would be worthwhile. Unfortunately, most graduate programs don't openly discuss these issues.

[aprilmay]

During my graduate program, I have encountered several students who have had problems with faculty or technicians, but had no idea where to go or what to do. I think being upfront about available resources (including grievances) would be worthwhile. Unfortunately, most graduate programs don't openly discuss these issues.

I agree it is a reasonable question, but a loaded one. It is a bit like talking about divorce while planning the wedding. This might be a good question for other students in the program, rather than faculty. The students will have a better understanding of problems in the program anyway.

[o_rats]

Bookmarking.

[systeme_d_]

The question I wish I'd asked:

For exactly how many years is this fellowship funding renewable?


Really?


Isn't that a shorter time than it normally takes to finish the degree in this program?


<facepalm>

[bigghostdini_tha_don]

There are a few questions I wish I could go back and ask.  They're all specific to my program.  Bottom line is I wish I had chopped it up with all the third and forth year grad students over beers before signing the paperwork, because they don't sugar coat especially after a few drinks.

[seniorscholar]

During my graduate program, I have encountered several students who have had problems with faculty or technicians, but had no idea where to go or what to do. I think being upfront about available resources (including grievances) would be worthwhile. Unfortunately, most graduate programs don't openly discuss these issues.

We don't discuss them or name them in orientation, but we have a graduate handbook with all the rules, the policies, the deadlines, and the questions about problems, ranging from nutty students in the sections grad students are teaching to difficulty contacting faculty to all kinds of other upsets -- cumulatively written over the years by the various graduate directors and edited every year or two by some smart 5th year grad students, including the ones who have been stewards in the grad student union. (Since we assume grad students can read, writing and reading is easier for all of us than asking or answering questions about "what do I do when Prof. Jerk won't listen to anything I say?")

[goldenapple]

You could ask exactly that question to some of the current grad students. I did that myself, but I phrased it: "Was there anything that surprised you once you started this program? Anything you hadn't expected?"

Another good question for the faculty, though: "What changes have been made in your program over the last 5 years? Has this program undergone any major changes in the last 10 years?"

Those can be good questions, because they tell you what is on the faculty's minds, and can alert you to sources of confusion or conflict resulting from these changes.