what to expect in phd interview

PhD Interview Questions and Answers – 12 Things You May Be Asked

PhD Interview Questions and Answers

Written by Mark Bennett

Your PhD interview will be an important part of your postgraduate research application. This is your chance to meet your prospective department, discuss your project and show your potential as an academic researcher.

Of course, it’s also when that potential is going to be assessed.

You’ll need to show an awareness of what’s involved in a PhD project and prove that you have the right aspirations and approach to work on one for three (or more) years. You’ll also need to make it clear that this is the right university , department, research group or laboratory for you.

None of this has to be especially intimidating. Putting some thought into your project and your choice of institution can make answering PhD entrance interview questions quite simple.

On this page we’ve put together a list of the questions you might be asked at an interview. We’ve also explained why the university might be asking each question, and provided some tips on how to answer them

You won’t necessarily be asked all of these questions – and you almost certainly won’t be asked them in the order here. Some of them also overlap with each other. But they’re all topics that you should prepare to discuss at a PhD interview .

We’ve also included a selection of questions to ask during a PhD interview .

Let's get you PhD ready

Interview questions about you

Your qualities as a researcher, team-member and individual are some of the most important factors in a university’s decision to accept you for a PhD.

Regardless of your subject area, you need to be the kind of person who can dedicate themselves to a three-year project. You also need to be able to work alongside other students and academics in a positive and successful research environment.

The interview is the best way for a university to assess this. Just as there’s more to doing a PhD than research and writing, there’s more to a prospective candidate than their academic record.

#1 Tell us about yourself…

This popular opener can feel like an awkwardly open ‘question’.

You’ll be prepared to explain your project, to say what a great fit it is for the university, perhaps even reference some current research. But how do you ‘answer’ an invitation to introduce yourself?

By introducing yourself.

Your interview panel isn’t trying to catch you out here. They’re offering an icebreaker to help ease you into the rest of the interview.

Obviously your response should be relevant to the occasion. But it doesn’t just have to be a presentation of your academic achievements, interests and goals (the interview will get to those in time!).

Say a little about your background, where you’re from and what your interests are. Don’t be afraid to relate these to your academic specialism and your choice of university.

If something specific inspired you to consider a PhD, mention it. If there’s something that’s attracted you to this city as well as the university, say so. (There’ll be plenty of time to talk up the institution and its research later).

I’ve always been interested in discovering how things work, but my time as an undergraduate opened my eyes to the excitement and wider benefit of science. I had the chance to do some original research on my Masters and that’s inspired me to take up the challenge of a PhD. I’m also a keen hiker and amateur naturalist, so I’d love to combine my studies here with the chance to visit the local area.
I was born in a house next to the local post-office. My first cat was called Timothy and he liked chasing string. At school my best friend was Kevin. My favourite colour is blue and my favourite flavour of ice-cream is raspberry ripple…

#2 What made you choose to do a PhD?

At some point in your interview your interviewers are going to want to know why you decided to do a doctorate.

This may seem like a simple question, but be wary of giving an overly simplistic answer. Just pointing out that you’re good at your subject and a PhD seemed like the logical next step won’t be enough – especially if there’s a funding decision to be made.

The panel is already satisfied that you’re academically capable and interested. You’ve demonstrated that by getting an interview (and turning up for it).

Now they want to assure themselves that you’ve got the motivation and drive to see you through three or more years of hard work on a PhD project.

I’ve enjoyed my academic work so far, but I really feel I’ve got more to offer as an independent researcher. I’m also passionate about this subject and don’t feel enough attention has been paid to the questions I’m looking to address.
I can’t think of anything to do with my Masters, but my current tutor says I’m clever enough for a PhD.

#3 What do you plan to do after you complete your PhD?

It might seem strange for your panel to ask about your post PhD plans. After all, those don’t have any really impact on your ability to do a PhD, do they? And graduation is at least three years away in any case; should you have thought that far ahead?

The answers to which are ‘yes’ and ‘of course you should.’

Universities want to make sure you’re doing a PhD for the right reasons (as above). Asking about your future plans is a great way to check this.

Students who ‘sleepwalk’ into a research project are much more likely to come unstuck or lose motivation when the going gets tough later on.

This doesn’t mean you have to have everything worked out, or that your ambitions have to be unique. If you're planning to apply for a post-doc after your PhD, say so. But demonstrate an understanding of academic career paths – and show that you’ve put some thought into alternatives.

It’s also the case that not everyone who gains a doctorate will go on to an academic job. Universities want to recruit PhD students responsibly and provide the kinds of skills and training they actually need.

So, don’t feel that you have to want to be a scholar to be accepted for a PhD. Research training can prepare you for a range of career paths . An appreciation of these will impress your interview panel. (Particularly if you’re applying for a professional doctorate ).

I feel my PhD project can open up new lines of inquiry for this field and want to use it as the foundation for a fruitful research career. But, I’m also interested in the wider development opportunities included in this doctoral programme. I want to be an academic, but I’m happy to keep other options open.
I expect someone will give me a job doing more research. That’s what PhDs do, right?

#4 What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A well-worn question, but a great opportunity to reflect on your abilities - as well as opportunities for further development during your PhD.

What your panel is really interested in is not so much what your strengths and weaknesses actually are , but your ability to identify them.

In practice, this means giving solid examples for strengths and showing how they relate to the PhD project you have in mind.

Don’t just say you’re a good time-keeper. Point out when you’ve had to be well organised and show that you understand the importance of self-directed study to a successful PhD.

When it comes to weaknesses, maintain the right balance.

A PhD interview probably isn’t the best time to wallow in existential self-doubt (unless you’re applying for a very specific topic in Philosophy). Equally though, answers like ‘my only downfall is excessive perfectionism’ can sound a bit contrived. If the panel is asking you about strengths and weaknesses, they want you to identify and reflect on both.

Be honest about the things you find challenging, but identify them as training needs and discuss how you expect to improve upon them as part of your PhD.

I feel that I’m a good written communicator. My existing academic and professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely. I think this will help me manage the weight of information my PhD research needs to cover and the challenge of producing an effective thesis. But, I’m not always as organised as I’d like to be. I want to address this as part of my postgraduate training and hope to take advantage of classes and development opportunities early in my doctorate.
My greatest strength is that I have no weaknesses! And my only weakness is that I have no strengths. Hang on...

#5 Are there any training needs you can identify ahead of your PhD?

This question (and its answer) can be part of an invitation to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses (as above).

But, you may be asked about training needs more specifically. This is likely if you’re applying to a more structured programme, within a Doctoral Training Partnership or similar.

Either way, this is a great opportunity to reflect on your aspirations as a researcher and show that you’ve read up on the project you’re applying to. If the university offers a series of training modules, mention them. Say what you hope to gain from them and how you think they’ll help you succeed in your PhD.

You might also want to refer to any discussion of your aims and aspirations with a doctorate. If you’re keeping an open mind about non-academic career paths, show an awareness of the transferrable skills this PhD can give you.

And don’t worry about revealing a few gaps in the core skills required by your discipline. A PhD is a training process, not a three-year exam.

I’m really interested in communicating my research to a wider audience, but don’t know how best to go about doing this. I think the training module on public engagement will be a big help to me, both academically and more generally.
I’m really bad at interviews. Do you have a class for that?

Interview questions about your PhD project

This is the university’s chance to further assess your suitability for an advertised PhD position, and the likely fit between your planned project and the expertise it has available.

It’s also your chance to expand on your research proposal and show that you have the skills, experience and understanding to complete a doctorate. For funded places (or other competitive projects), this is the time for you to prove that you are the best student for this PhD.

It’s a good idea to reference your research proposal (or other appropriate parts of your application) when answering these questions. But expand upon what the panel has already read. (And make sure there isn’t anything in that proposal that you aren’t confident enough to ‘back up’ in your interview!)

#6 Why this project?

The exact focus of this question will depend on whether you’re applying for an advertised PhD project (more common in Science, Engineering and Medicine) or proposing your own research within a department's PhD programme (more common in Arts, Humanities and some branches of the Social Sciences).

If you’re being considered for a pre-defined project, make sure you know it inside out. Say what it is that interests you about it. Compare it to similar projects (if appropriate) and explain your particular choice.

If you’re proposing your own project, this is your chance to show some passion and enthusiasm for it. Refer to your research proposal and take the opportunity to discuss and expand upon it.

In both cases you should point to some existing scholarship and show an awareness of the field you’ll be entering. You’ll also want to re-iterate what makes your project distinctive. After all, the PhD is defined as offering ‘an original contribution to knowledge.’

This doesn’t mean preparing a comprehensive list of key works or current research projects (that ‘literature review’ will be one of the first things you do on the actual PhD). At this stage the panel just wants to see that you understand your proposed project and are enthusiastic enough to see it through.

Depending on how the question is phrased, you may also discuss your choice of university at this stage – or explain why your previous work makes you a good fit for this particular PhD (see below).

This PhD appeals to my existing research interests. But I’m also attracted by the opportunity to specialise and develop new expertise. Other projects didn’t seem to offer the same possibilities to pursue the questions that really interest me.
To be honest, I’ll do anything if it’s funded.

#7 What makes you the right candidate for this PhD?

If you’re applying for a pre-defined PhD project , you’ll almost certainly be asked why you are the best candidate to undertake it (especially if there’s funding available).

Remember too that some of these projects aren’t automatically funded. Their financing can depend on the quality of the student they attract, so your panel will be very keen to make sure you’re going to be ‘Dr Right’.

You might still be asked about your suitability for a self-proposed PhD (in Arts or Humanities, for example). This is another way for your interviewers to assess those all-important motivation and commitment factors.

Whatever your situation, this is a good place to talk a bit about your previous work at undergraduate or Masters level. The panel already knows the grades you received, but now you have the chance to talk about what you actually did on those degrees. Show passion and give examples.

If an undergraduate module on gothic literature inspired you to propose a PhD on an under-researched aspect of eighteenth-century culture, say so. If your Masters has given you skills in exactly the kind of statistical analysis required by this doctorate, mention that.

I’ve been interested in this topic since the final year of my undergraduate degree. This lead to my choice of Masters and helped me pick my dissertation topic, which I really enjoyed. I’m really excited to now go on and do some sustained research in this area as a PhD student.
Well, I really like books…

#8 What difficulties do you expect to encounter during this project?

This is another fairly popular question topic. It might form part of a discussion of your strengths, weaknesses and training needs. Or you might be invited to speak more specifically about the challenges involved in your project.

The panel isn’t trying to catch you out here, so don’t be afraid to speak frankly. All projects involve their own potential pitfalls and complications.

Overcoming them will be part of completing a PhD; recognising them will show that you're ready to begin one.

Show that you’ve put some thought into the approach necessary for your research and the methodology you might use.

Don’t be afraid to identify problems you aren’t yet certain how to solve (the best way to organise some data, the authors to include in your initial survey of texts, etc) but suggest how you might go about investigating them.

This is also a good time to mention any training needs (if you haven’t already) and speak about how you plan to take advantage of development opportunities within your programme.

I can see that some of the archival material I’ll need to examine for this project may be difficult to access. My first task will be to request permissions, arrange visits and develop a system for recording my findings. I’m hoping to undertake training in archival practices and seek advice from my supervisor as I develop these key skills early in my project.
Yeah, I know a PhD is hard, but I’m just going to see how I get on.

#9 What would you like the impact of this project to be?

‘Impact’ is an increasingly important factor in academic work and this applies to PhD research too – especially if you’re funded.

Even if your panel doesn’t explicitly ask about impact, it’s a good idea to mention what you hope the wider outcome of your project might be. If you are asked this question – and are prepared for it – this is a great chance to get a leg up on the competition.

Impact essentially refers to the measurable effects of research outside academia. It’s a given that your PhD will have an effect on future work in your field. But universities are increasingly focussed on the benefits of their work beyond the ‘ivory tower’ of higher education and research.

This is particularly important if your project is funded. The money supporting your studies will probably have come from public revenues (via a Research Council studentship) or from a large charity or trust. Those organisations will want to make sure their investment is worthwhile.

Examples of impact differ a bit between fields.

If you’re in the Social Sciences you may already have some idea of the ‘outputs’ from your project. These could be educational workshops, policy guidance, etc.

If you’re in Science, Medicine or Engineering you’ll hope to provide economic benefits to industry or to healthcare.

Arts and Humanities PhDs can have impact too. Think about the ways in which you could take part in public engagement, such as teaching people about local history or archival resources. You could partner with local schools, or even media companies producing documentary work.

I’m keen to share my passion for this subject with a wider audience. I’m hoping to maintain a public-facing blog documenting my research. I would also be keen to approach local schools and museums to discuss educational events.
To be honest, I can’t really see how my work on medieval manuscript preservation has any benefit outside the university. I’d still like some funding though.

#10 How will you fund this project?

This question is obviously more likely in interviews for non-funded PhDs. (It would be somewhat strange for a university to ask you about funding for a project that carries a full studentship).

However, you might still be asked about contingency plans if funding falls through (particularly if funding hasn’t been secured at this stage) or if your project over-runs.

Self-funding students will obviously need to go into more detail here. It’s not the responsibility of your university to ask for a complete breakdown of your finances (or for you to provide one). Yet the panel will want to be sure that you understand the cost involved in doing a PhD and have some kind of plans in place.

It’s fine to say that you’ll be looking for extra funding and part-time work as you start the project. But make it clear that you’ll still have enough time to apply yourself to the actual research.

I’ve shortlisted external funders and would be keen to investigate any small bursaries or other forms of support through the university. I’ve also made arrangements to work part-time, with the option to adjust this if my funding situation improves.
I have no idea how I’m going to afford this. Are you sure I can’t have a scholarship?

Interview questions about your choice of university

Unsurprisingly, your interview panel will be interested to know why you’ve chosen their university for your PhD.

If proposing your own project you’ll be asked about the fit between your research aims and the expertise of the department you’d be entering.

If applying to a pre-defined PhD, you’ll be invited to explain why this laboratory or research group particularly appeals to you and what you yourself can contribute to them.

Preparing for these kinds of questions is actually quite easy. Read up on your prospective university, department and supervisors. Show that you’re aware of the kind of work they do and give examples.

Feel free to mention other aspects of the university that appeal to you – its reputation, its alumni, even its location – but keep the main focus on the fit between your work and their research environment.

#11 Why have you chosen to study a PhD at this university?

Whatever else your panel asks, you can be pretty sure a question about your choice of university and department will crop up at some point in a PhD interview.

Your answer gives you the opportunity to do several important things.

Most obviously you can talk about the university and its research. Explain why you’d like to study with these supervisors in particular, when you’ve used their work during your Bachelors degree or Masters (if relevant) and how you can contribute to their future projects.

This is also an opportunity to reiterate your awareness of the wider research context for your project. If other departments or laboratories are undertaking related work, mention that. Say what attracted you to this university in particular and what you hope to achieve as one of its students.

If your PhD is part of a structured Doctoral Programme (as is increasingly likely) you can touch on any training and development opportunities it includes. You may mention these elsewhere in your interview, but make sure to include them when speaking about the university’s appeal to you.

Finally, show an awareness of any relevant research facilities, resources or collections.

Does the university hold a unique archive? Suggest how it might support your investigations. Has the laboratory you’re working in been equipped with any new facilities? Show that you know about them and are interested in using them (as relevant).

Universities spend a lot of money on facilities and resources. They want students – particularly postgraduate researchers – who will make use of them.

I’ve looked at lots of opportunities in this area. I feel that this project is the best of its kind, combining a unique research angle with a training programme that will meet my professional needs. I was already familiar with the work of my prospective supervisor and their research has greatly informed my own development as a scholar. I’m eager to combine my work with theirs and make use of the facilities the university has put together for this project.
I did my Masters here and already have a flat in the city.

#12 What can you bring to this research group?

PhD candidates are more than just students. You’ll function, in many ways, as a junior academic working within a wider research environment.

You’ll network with other students and academics. You’ll probably teach undergraduates. You may even publish some of your research (independently, or alongside your supervisor).

This means that your potential contribution to a department or laboratory is, in many ways, just as important as what it can offer you.

If you’re asked a question about this, take the opportunity to sell yourself a little.

Talk about your experience (academic or professional) and outline your ambitions. Make it clear that you will provide a return on the time, money and resources that the university is considering investing in you.

I’m eager to take advantage of the facilities and expertise this university has to offer. But I also want to contribute with my own expertise and enthusiasm. My previous work has given me the skills to make the most of the material involved in this project and I’m motivated to participate in new training. I’ll be proud to be a part of this department and would actively seek to represent it through my own publications and other research outputs.
I have a Bachelors and a Masters in this subject so I’m quite clever.

What to ask in a PhD interview

Your PhD entrance interview will probably end with an invitation for you to ask your own questions of the panel. This part of the interview is as important as the answers you'll have already given.

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and / or programme you’re applying to.

Don’t just ask questions ‘for effect’ though. This is your chance to find out more about the project you’ll be doing, the people you’ll be working with and the expectations of you as a PhD student.

Remember: you’re a good student, with lots of potential. You’re considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that you’ll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for your project.

You’re here to be interviewed for a PhD, but nothing’s stopping you from doing a little interviewing of your own.

Here are a few good questions to considering asking at your PhD interview. They include ways to express enthusiasm for your project, as well as some useful inquiries to make for yourself:

What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?

This shows that you’re thinking practically and looking ahead to the process of actually doing the PhD. It’s also something you’ll probably want to check for yourself.

What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD programme?

This shows that you’re interested in the development opportunities that form part of a modern PhD. It’s also a good way to address any concerns you have about your own skills. Be careful though. Avoid asking simple questions about material that’s already covered in the PhD project description, or in the university’s postgraduate prospectus.

Will I have opportunities to teach / present / publish?

This is something else you’ll want to know for yourself, but it also demonstrates a practical approach to your PhD (and future career). A good PhD programme should offer some opportunity to teach or demonstrate towards the end of your project. Equally, you should be encouraged to communicate your research and supported in doing so.

How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?

Don’t be afraid to ask about previous students and what they’ve gone on to do. You may also want to know if you’ll be working with or alongside other students and what the arrangements for that will be.

Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?

A good practical question. If you’re applying for a funded place, make sure you understand the terms of that funding (its duration, whether you can combine it with any other income, etc). If you’re currently self-funding, it won’t hurt to ask if the university anticipates having any support available for you in future.

Is the university or department likely to run any events or other associated projects during the period of my PhD?

This might not seem like an obvious question, but it’s worth asking. The university might be in the early stages of planning a major hosted conference, external partnership or outreach project. Asking about these shows a genuine interest in your university and its research and suggests that you’ll be the right sort of PhD student to help deliver them. Needless to say, these kinds of projects are also excellent opportunities to gain experience and build your CV.

Other questions will probably occur to you according to your specific circumstances and the nature of the project you’re applying to.

Focus on the things that would concern you as a student actually doing the PhD in question, but avoid trivial topics. Your panel will be happy to talk about library resources and lab facilities. They’ll be less keen to advise on the best local pubs or say how often the bus runs between campus and town.

Also try to avoid asking for information that’s readily available elsewhere. This suggests you haven’t done your research – which is never a good sign when applying to do research.

Still looking for that perfect PhD project?

While you're preparing for the interview stage of applications, it's a good idea to keep searching as many PhD projects are advertised throughout the year .

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PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)

Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail.

This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.

1) How did you develop this proposal?

When responding to this question, demonstrate your thought process, research skills, and the evolution of your ideas. Let's choose the subject of "Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning" as an example.

Sample answer:

"My proposal on 'Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning' originated from my undergraduate thesis on sustainable cities. Intrigued by the potential of renewable energy in urban environments, I conducted a literature review to identify gaps in current research. This review highlighted a lack of comprehensive strategies for integrating renewable technologies at a city-wide level. I then consulted with experts in urban planning and renewable energy, which provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field. I designed a methodology that combines spatial analysis with energy modeling to explore optimal renewable energy integration in urban landscapes. This proposal represents an amalgamation of academic research, expert consultation, and innovative methodology development."

This answer is effective because it mentions a literature review demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

2) Why do you wish to pursue a PhD?

For this question, it's important to articulate your passion for the subject, your long-term career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with these aspects.

Let's choose the subject of "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" for this example.

"I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, and pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare aligns perfectly with this passion. During my Master's, I was fascinated by the potential of AI to revolutionize diagnostic processes and personalized medicine. I believe a PhD will provide me with the deep technical knowledge and research skills necessary to contribute significantly to this field. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance medical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and treatment efficiency. This PhD program, known for its pioneering research in AI and strong healthcare collaborations, is the ideal environment for me to develop these innovations and achieve my career aspirations in healthcare technology."

This is a great answer because you clearly state that the PhD will provide the necessary skills and knowledge, indicating a clear understanding of the purpose of the program.

3) Why do you think you are the right candidate for this PhD program?

Discuss how your research interests align with the program's strengths and the faculty's expertise. Explain how the program's resources, courses, and research opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

"I am deeply passionate about environmental science, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. This passion was ignited during my master's program in Environmental Studies at XYZ University, where I completed a thesis on urban green spaces and their impact on city microclimates. This research not only honed my skills in data analysis and GIS mapping but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. I am drawn to your PhD program at ABC University because of its innovative research on sustainable urban planning and the renowned work of Professor Jane Smith in this field. Her research aligns with my interest in integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate climate change effects. My perseverance, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex data make me an ideal candidate for this challenging program. Pursuing this PhD is integral to my goal of becoming an environmental consultant, where I plan to develop strategies for cities to reduce their environmental footprint."

This response is effective because it mentions particular aspects of your experience and the program, avoiding generic statements. It also outlines how the PhD fits into your career path.

4) What do you plan to do after you have completed your PhD?

Be specific about the type of career you aspire to, whether it's in academia, industry, research, etc. Explain how the PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge for your chosen career path.

"After completing my PhD in Computational Neuroscience, I plan to pursue a career in academia as a university professor. My doctoral research on neural network modeling will provide a strong foundation for teaching and conducting further research in this area. I aim to develop innovative courses that bridge computer science and neuroscience, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge in these fields. Additionally, I intend to continue my research on applying machine learning techniques to understand brain function, which has potential implications for developing new treatments for neurological disorders. This academic pathway allows me to contribute significantly to both education and research in Computational Neuroscience."

This is a great answer because it connects the PhD research directly to future career plans.

It also articulates how your work can impact both academia and the broader field of Computational Neuroscience.

5) Why have you chosen this specific PhD program?

Mention specific aspects of the program that attracted you, such as the curriculum, research facilities, faculty expertise, or reputation.

Explain how the program aligns with your research interests or academic background.

"I chose the PhD program in Artificial Intelligence at MIT because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, which perfectly aligns with my academic background in computer science and my passion for machine learning. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in AI is particularly appealing. Additionally, the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], whose work in [specific area, e.g., neural networks or AI ethics] has deeply influenced my own research interests, is a significant draw. This program is an ideal fit for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the field of AI, ultimately aiming for a career in AI research and development in the tech industry."

This answer connects your background and goals to the program's offerings.

Including a specific professor's name shows detailed knowledge about the program and faculty.

6) What impact would you like your PhD project to have?

When answering this question, convey both the academic significance and the potential real-world applications of your research. Let's choose a project focused on developing eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles for this example.

"My PhD project aims to develop new eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), addressing both the environmental impact of battery production and the efficiency of energy storage. I hope my research will contribute to the academic field by advancing our understanding of sustainable materials for energy storage, potentially leading to publications and patents. Beyond academia, I envision this project significantly impacting the EV industry by providing a more sustainable and efficient battery alternative. This innovation could play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and supporting global efforts towards a greener future. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to not only advance scientific knowledge but also drive real-world changes in how we approach energy sustainability in transportation."

This is an excellent answer because it connects the project to larger environmental goals and societal benefits. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach, demonstrating your understanding of the project's potential long-term implications.

7) What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?

It's important to demonstrate awareness of potential challenges and convey a proactive mindset toward problem-solving. Let's choose a project focused on the development of a novel AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases for this example.

"In developing an AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases, I anticipate several challenges. Firstly, the accuracy and reliability of the tool depend heavily on the quality and diversity of the data used for training the AI algorithms. Obtaining a comprehensive dataset that adequately represents the population can be difficult due to privacy concerns and data availability. Secondly, ensuring the AI model's interpretability to be clinically useful while maintaining high performance is another challenge, given the complexity of neurological diseases. To address these, I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including data privacy experts and neurologists, to source and utilize data ethically and effectively. I also intend to continuously refine the AI model, focusing on both its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. These challenges, while significant, present valuable opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration."

This response is effective because it clearly outlines realistic challenges specific to the AI diagnostic tool project. It also presents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing problem-solving skills.

8) How will you fund this project?

When answering this question, show that you've thought about the financial aspects of your research and are aware of funding sources that are available and applicable to your project.

"I have identified multiple funding sources to support my renewable energy research project at Stanford University. Firstly, I plan to apply for the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, which offers substantial support for projects focusing on sustainable energy. My proposal for this grant is already in progress, highlighting how my project aligns with the DOE's priorities in advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, I'm exploring departmental fellowships at Stanford, particularly those aimed at renewable energy research. I am also keen on establishing industry partnerships, given the project's relevance to current energy challenges and the potential for collaborative funding and technological exchange. Last but not least, I will seek conference grants to present my research findings, which can lead to further academic collaborations and additional funding opportunities."

Notice how this answer mentions funding sources that align with the renewable energy focus of the project and the resources available at Stanford University.

9) Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Focus on a situation relevant to your academic or research experience. Let's use a real-world example where a research experiment failed due to unexpected variables.

"During my Master’s thesis on the effects of soil composition on plant growth, I faced a major setback. My initial experiments, which involved growing plants in different soil types, failed to produce consistent results due to unanticipated environmental variations in the greenhouse. This was disheartening, especially as the deadline approached. However, I responded by reassessing my experimental setup. I consulted with my supervisor and decided to control more variables, such as humidity and temperature. I also refined my data collection methods to include more frequent soil and plant measurements. These adjustments led to more reliable results, and I successfully completed my thesis. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in research and reinforced the value of meticulous experimental design."

This is a great answer because it shows how you’ve encountered and overcame a specific problem, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

10) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this question, it's important to present a balanced view of yourself, showing self-awareness and a commitment to personal development. Choose strengths that are relevant to a PhD program and weaknesses that you're actively working to improve.

"One of my key strengths is my analytical thinking, which I demonstrated during my Master's project where I developed a novel algorithm for data analysis. This required me to not only understand complex theories but also apply them creatively to solve real-world problems. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with overcommitment, taking on too many projects at once. This occasionally led to stress during my undergraduate studies. However, I am actively working on this by improving my time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks more effectively. I've started using project management tools and setting clear boundaries, which has already shown improvements in my workflow and stress levels."

This answer maintains a good balance between strengths and weaknesses. It also shows self-awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to personal development.

11) Why have you chosen to study for a PhD at this university?

Mention specific aspects of the PhD program that attracted you. Explain how your research interests align with the work being done at the university.

"I am drawn to the PhD program in Astrophysics at Caltech due to its outstanding reputation in space research and the unparalleled resources available at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. My research interest lies in the study of exoplanets, and Caltech's active projects in this area, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility, align perfectly with my academic goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], known for pioneering work in exoplanetary atmospheres, is particularly exciting. Additionally, Caltech's collaborative environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary research are conducive to my professional growth, providing a platform to engage with experts from various fields in astrophysics."

This response directly connects your research interests with ongoing projects and facilities at Caltech. It also shows you’ve done your research on faculty members and their work.

12) What can you bring to this research group?

Focus on your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will contribute to the research group's success. Let's choose the field of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University for this example.

"As a prospective member of the Biomedical Engineering research group at Johns Hopkins University, I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. My expertise in microfluidics, honed during my Master’s research, aligns well with the group’s focus on developing lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics. I have also co-authored two papers in this field, demonstrating my ability to contribute to high-impact research. Additionally, my experience in a start-up environment, where I worked on developing portable diagnostic tools, has equipped me with a practical understanding of translating research into applications. I thrive in collaborative settings, often bringing interdisciplinary insights that foster innovative problem-solving. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the group’s ongoing projects and introducing fresh perspectives to advance our understanding and application of biomedical technology."

This response shows your relevant expertise, ability to work in a team, and the unique perspectives you can offer, positioning you as a valuable addition to the research group.

13) Do you have any questions for us?

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and/or program you’re applying to.

Some questions you can ask the interviewer include:

What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?
What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD program?
How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department?
Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?
What opportunities will I have for presenting my research?

What to wear to a PhD interview

Wear formal attire for a PhD interview. Your best bet is to wear a suit. A navy blue suit is the best and most versatile option. No matter your gender, a suit is always very professional.

For men, wear a suit with a tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, wear a suit (pantsuit or skirt suit) with a blouse, or conservative dress, and closed-toe shoes.

When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. The goal is to make a professional impression and feel confident, without your attire distracting from the conversation.

What to expect from a PhD interview

At its core, a PhD interview will consist of questions that allow your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

You should expect general questions to help the interviewer get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality.

Next, expect questions about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Your interviewer will also be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD.

In the next section, expect questions about your PhD project. You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate.

Last but not least, the interviewer will discuss your future ambitions and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Remember that this interview goes both ways.

It’s important to ask the interviewer relevant questions to show your engagement and the serious consideration you are giving their program.

You are preparing to spend several years of your life at this school. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During a PhD interview, interviewers are typically looking for a range of traits that indicate whether you are well-suited for the rigors of a doctoral program and a research career.

These traits include:

Intellectual Curiosity and Passion: A strong enthusiasm for the subject area and a desire to contribute to and expand knowledge in the field.

Research Skills and Experience: Demonstrable skills in conducting research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Prior research experience relevant to the PhD topic is often a plus.

Resilience and Perseverance: The capacity to handle setbacks and challenges, which are common in research, and to persist in the face of difficulties.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Although PhD research can be quite independent, the ability to work well with others, including advisors, faculty, and other students, is crucial.

Self-Motivation and Independence: The drive to work independently, manage one's own project, and stay motivated over the long term.

Fit with the Program: Alignment of the candidate’s research interests and goals with the strengths and focus of the PhD program and faculty.

These traits not only indicate your readiness for a PhD program but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and succeed in a research-oriented career.

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Studying For A PhD

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Dos and don’ts of a phd interview.

Studying for a PhD is an amazing academic achievement, as well as serious time commitment , and it's certainly not one for the faint-hearted. Once you've decided to embark on this academic path, your PhD interviewer needs to be sure that you are able to rise to the challenge and are academically capable of achieving this ultimate goal. And the PhD interview is how they assess your potential for a place on the program when applying for a PhD .

Your PhD interview will consist of questions that will enable your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

This interview will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about the program and the university to make sure it’s the place you’d like to study.

Here, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts of a PhD interview from the interviewer's perspective, to hopefully guarantee you success when answering the PhD interview questions and thus beginning your Doctorate journey.

PhD interview questions to help you prepare

Your interviewers will ask a range of different questions in order to determine whether you will be let into the PhD program . They will ask different types of questions to get an idea of who you are, what your interests are, and how much of an asset your research will be to the university.

General PhD interview questions

One important aspect of the PhD interview is for the interviewers to get a good idea of who the interviewee is.

They will do this by asking a series of questions that are more general to try and get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality. These opening questions could be viewed as ‘warm up questions’ and are likely to also include questions and discussions about your academic history, reasons why you are interested in your particular research topic, and why you’re studying a PhD.

Example questions could include:

What is your academic background?
Describe your personal qualities?
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?

The PhD interviewer will ask you questions about your motivation to study a PhD, which you should find straightforward to answer as you clearly have a keen interest and knowledge in a particular research topic to be considering studying it at PhD level. Now all you need to do is illustrate to the interviewer why you are the right person for this PhD at their university.

The first way to do this is to go into detail about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Do you have a historical or family link with this topic? Was it an area you covered in your bachelors degree that you now want to explore further? Are you destined for a career in academia?

Another thing you should demonstrate in your PhD interview is what experience you’ve had either academically, personally or in the workplace that has strengthened your passions for your research.

It is also important to show that you have researched the university, the supervisor and your project. If many universities offer this particular PhD course, then why did you choose this specific one? Do they have resources that will be useful? Is there a supervisor you’d like to work with?

Example questions that you can expect to receive at this stage in your PhD interview could include:

Why are you motivated to pursue a PhD and why in this specific field?
Why did you choose this university?
Why did you choose this program?
Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Relevant experience

Your PhD interviewer will be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD. Use your answers to draw attention to your specific qualifications that may not be obvious from your CV or project. Discuss other courses that you’ve taken, past research, etc. Use this time to reassure your prospective supervisor that you have the skills and experience needed to undertake a doctorate.

Consider what is the critical knowledge and skills needed for this project and explain to the interviewer how you meet these.

Don’t just summarise your CV as the interviewer has already seen this. They will want to see your passion and motivation for your research project.

Example questions they may ask at this stage could be:

What experience do you have that makes you suitable for this particular PhD and in what ways?’
Why should we choose you?

Your PhD project

Interviewers will want to know that students understand their project and the research involved in successfully studying a PhD.

You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate. For example, you should explain that you understand the current gaps in knowledge around your topic and how you propose to fill these gaps. Show that you know what your aims and objectives are and how your efforts will contribute to the research field.

Here are some example questions to help you discuss your PhD project:

How are you planning to deliver your project on time?
What will you do if you do not find the expected results?
What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?
How did you develop this proposal?

Future ambitions

It’s important for students to know where their work may lead them. Knowing how a PhD will help achieve this, and articulating these aspirations to the interviewer, will give the interviewer a better picture of the student’s goals.

If the goal is to have an academic career, use this as an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand the academic career path.

An example question at this stage could be:

How will this PhD open the door for future ambitions and aspirations?

Your own questions

As well as being properly prepared to answer questions about your PhD proposal, it is also important to ask your own questions to the interviewer to make sure that this is the university and PhD program that you’re looking for.

Example questions that you could ask a potential supervisor could include:

Are you likely to remain at the university for the duration of my PhD program?
Are there good links within a specific industry/work field for your post-PhD career?
How many PhD students to you supervise at one time?
How much contact time am I likely to get?

PhD interview questions: DOs

"Brand" yourself. Show your personality . We must remember you for something besides your academic skills.
Be confident and sure of your abilities, but don’t be overconfident. You are not the best in everything that you do, so don't pretend you are!
If we ask you a witty question, reply with a witty answer.
All PhD interviews are different. Be flexible when preparing for your interview and don’t take anyone’s advice as definite, instead use it to build upon.
Avoid simple yes or no answers.
Show that you are an independent and original thinker by engaging in debate and supporting your arguments with reasonable statements. However, always be polite and argue without insulting us.
Be professional. Professionals can find the right measure between being serious and being informal.
Show that you care about what you want to study and about what we do, and don’t be interested in our PhD program just to get the title.
Research what we do. We don’t want to talk to someone who knows nothing about our work.

PhD interview questions: DON’Ts

Don’t undermine the importance of ‘soft’ general questions like “Where do you see yourself in future?” or “What is motivating you to do the PhD?”
Don’t be passive in communication. We are interviewing you, but you are also interviewing us.
Don’t give too general answers. Be specific and to the point because that will show us that you are not feigning but you know what you are talking about.
Don’t get nervous if you think the interview is not going well. In many cases this is just your personal impression, which may be wrong.
Don’t come dressed as if you just woke up – make an effort!
Don’t talk jargon. It is not very likely that we were born in the same place or have the same background, so we may not understand what you are saying.
Don’t try to pretend that you are someone you're not. We don’t like pretentiousness and can usually see straight through it.
Don’t try to be too funny. We may have a different sense of humour than you do, especially if you come from a different culture.
Don’t become too emotional during the PhD interview. Enthusiasm is good but not if it’s exaggerated, then it becomes quite off-putting.

Summary of PhD interview questions

This table shows some examples of different categories of questions you might enounter at a PhD interview.

	Your academic background, personal qualities, what sets you apart from the other candidates, etc.
	Why are you motivated to pursue a PhD and why in this specific field? Why did you choose the university?
	What experience do you have that makes you suitable for this particular PhD and in what way?
	How are you planning to deliver your project on time? What if you don’t find the expected results?
	How will this PhD open the door for your future ambitions and aspirations?
	At the end of each interview your interviewers will usually encourage you to ask them questions of interest to you.

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Are you ready to conquer the pivotal challenge of PhD interviews? Your path to securing a coveted spot in a doctoral program hinges on your ability to navigate the often intricate world of PhD interview questions. In this guide, we'll delve deep into the types of questions you may encounter, equip you with effective strategies to tackle them, and provide insights to help you shine in your academic pursuits. Let's dive right in and decode the art of answering PhD interview questions with confidence and poise.

What is a PhD Interview?

A PhD interview is a critical step in the admissions process for doctoral programs. It serves as an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you better, assess your qualifications, and determine your suitability for the program. In a PhD interview, you'll typically engage in a conversation with faculty members or admissions representatives to discuss your academic background, research interests, motivations, and potential contributions to the program.

Importance of PhD Interviews

PhD interviews hold immense significance in the admissions process. Here's why they matter:

Assessment of Fit : Interviews help institutions assess whether you are a good fit for their program and research community. They want to ensure that your academic and research goals align with their offerings and objectives.
Personality and Interpersonal Skills : Interviews provide insight into your personality, communication skills, and how well you might collaborate with faculty and peers. Your interpersonal skills can be as important as your academic qualifications.
Clarification and Engagement : Interviews allow you to clarify any aspects of your application and engage in meaningful conversations about your research interests. This interaction can set you apart from other candidates.
Demonstration of Enthusiasm : By participating in an interview, you have the chance to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm and passion for your field of study and the program itself.
Lasting Impression : A successful interview can leave a lasting positive impression on the admissions committee, potentially tipping the scales in your favor during the final decision-making process.

How to Prepare for PhD Interviews?

Effective preparation is key to a successful PhD interview. Here's what you need to consider:

Research the Program : Dive deep into the program's website, course offerings, and faculty profiles. Understand their research areas, recent publications, and ongoing projects. Be ready to discuss how your interests align with theirs.
Create a Strong CV and Personal Statement : Craft a compelling CV and personal statement that highlight your academic achievements, research experience, and motivations. Tailor these documents to reflect your passion for the field and your alignment with the program.
Practice Interview Responses : Practice answering common interview questions, both alone and with a friend or mentor. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and relevance in your responses.
Gather Questions to Ask the Interviewers : Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. This shows your genuine interest and engagement. Examples include inquiring about ongoing research projects and the support structure for graduate students.
Dress and Present Professionally : Choose a professional and comfortable outfit for your interview. Dressing appropriately shows respect for the process, while confidence in your appearance can boost your self-assurance during the interview.

Remember that preparation is the foundation of success in PhD interviews. By understanding their significance and thoroughly preparing, you can approach your interviews with confidence and increase your chances of securing a spot in your desired program.

Types of PhD Interviews

PhD interviews come in various formats, each designed to assess different aspects of your candidacy and suitability for a doctoral program. Understanding these interview types will help you tailor your preparation effectively.

Structured Interviews

Structured interviews are highly organized and follow a predefined set of questions. They aim to objectively evaluate your qualifications and fit for the program. Here's what to expect:

Question Consistency : In structured interviews, all candidates face the same questions, ensuring fairness and comparability.
Focused Assessment : Interviewers assess your responses against specific criteria, such as academic background and research experience.
Formal Setting : These interviews often occur in a formal setting and may involve a panel of interviewers.

Unstructured Interviews

Unstructured interviews take a more conversational approach, allowing interviewers to explore your personality, motivations, and compatibility with their research group. Here's what makes them unique:

Open-Ended Questions : Interviewers ask open-ended questions, giving you the freedom to express yourself more spontaneously.
Personality Assessment : This format delves into your personal qualities, interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm for the field.
Informal Atmosphere : Unstructured interviews often create a more relaxed, informal atmosphere.

Panel Interviews

Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers assessing you simultaneously. While they can be intimidating, they offer diverse perspectives and insights into your candidacy:

Varied Perspectives : Different panel members may come from various academic backgrounds, providing a holistic assessment.
Multifaceted Questions : Be prepared for a range of questions, including those related to your research, motivations, and potential contributions.
Time Management : Managing your responses and interactions with multiple interviewers can be challenging but crucial.

Video Interviews

In the digital age, video interviews have become increasingly common, especially for international candidates. Excelling in a video interview requires additional considerations:

Technical Setup : Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are reliable to avoid technical disruptions.
Virtual Presence : Convey your enthusiasm and professionalism through the screen by maintaining eye contact and using appropriate body language.
Background and Attire : Choose a clean, professional background and dress as you would for an in-person interview. Avoid distractions.

Understanding these interview types will help you tailor your preparation and approach to each specific format, increasing your chances of success in the PhD admissions process.

Research Experience and Background Interview Questions

1. tell me about your research experience and background in your field..

How to Answer: Start with a brief overview of your academic and research journey, highlighting key milestones, projects, and publications. Emphasize your expertise, the relevance of your work to the PhD program, and any unique contributions you've made.

Sample Answer: "I hold a Master's degree in [Your Field] and have been actively involved in research for the past five years. My work has primarily focused on [Specific Research Area], where I've conducted experiments on [Research Topic]. I've published several papers in reputable journals and presented my findings at international conferences."

What to Look For: Look for candidates who can effectively communicate their research experience, showcasing their passion for the field and the impact of their work. Assess the alignment between their research background and the program's objectives.

2. Can you discuss a specific research project you've worked on in detail?

How to Answer: Choose a significant research project and provide a structured overview, discussing the objectives, methodologies, key findings, and your role in the project. Be concise and clear in explaining the project's relevance.

Sample Answer: "Certainly, one of my most impactful research projects was centered around [Project Title]. The primary aim was to [Project Objective]. I employed [Research Methodology] and collaborated closely with [Team Members]. Our findings, which indicated [Key Finding], have the potential to [Potential Impact]."

What to Look For: Evaluate the candidate's ability to articulate complex research projects coherently, emphasizing their contribution, teamwork, and understanding of the research's implications.

Motivation and Goals Interview Questions

3. why do you want to pursue a phd in [your field].

How to Answer: Share your genuine passion for your field, explaining how a PhD aligns with your long-term goals and emphasizing your commitment to contributing to knowledge.

Sample Answer: "I am deeply passionate about [Your Field] because of its potential to address pressing global issues, such as [Relevant Issue]. Pursuing a PhD is the next logical step for me to delve deeper into these challenges, conduct innovative research, and ultimately make a meaningful impact."

What to Look For: Seek candidates who demonstrate a clear and authentic passion for their field and a well-thought-out rationale for pursuing a PhD.

4. What are your specific research interests and potential research topics for your PhD?

How to Answer: Discuss your research interests, explaining how they align with the department's expertise. Mention potential research topics and why they are relevant.

Sample Answer: "My research interests revolve around [Specific Research Area], and I'm particularly intrigued by [Specific Aspect]. I see potential for investigating [Potential Research Topic] because it addresses [Research Gap], and it complements the ongoing work at your department, especially with [Professor's Name]'s research in [Related Area]."

What to Look For: Look for candidates with well-defined research interests that align with the program and an understanding of how their interests fit within the department's expertise.

Academic Preparedness Interview Questions

5. how have your academic achievements prepared you for a phd program.

How to Answer: Highlight your academic achievements, emphasizing relevant coursework, grades, honors, or awards. Discuss how these accomplishments have equipped you for the challenges of a PhD.

Sample Answer: "During my undergraduate and master's studies, I consistently excelled in courses related to [Relevant Subjects], earning top grades. I was also honored with [Academic Award] for my outstanding performance in [Specific Course], which I believe demonstrates my ability to excel in rigorous academic environments."

What to Look For: Evaluate candidates ' academic records, looking for a history of strong performance and evidence of their ability to excel in the PhD program.

6. How do you plan to manage the demands of a PhD program, including coursework, research, and potential teaching responsibilities?

How to Answer: Outline your organizational and time-management skills, discussing strategies for balancing coursework, research, and other responsibilities. Mention any prior experience in multitasking or teaching.

Sample Answer: "I recognize that a PhD program can be demanding, but I've honed my time-management skills through [Relevant Experience]. I plan to create a detailed schedule that allocates dedicated time for coursework, research, and any potential teaching duties, ensuring that I maintain a healthy work-life balance."

What to Look For: Seek candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach to managing the academic demands of a PhD, emphasizing their organizational skills and adaptability.

Research Proposal Interview Questions

7. have you developed a research proposal for your phd if so, can you provide a brief overview.

How to Answer: Summarize your research proposal briefly, outlining the research question, objectives, methodology, and potential significance. Be concise and showcase your innovative thinking.

Sample Answer: "Yes, I've developed a preliminary research proposal focusing on [Research Question]. The main objectives are to [Research Objectives]. I plan to employ [Research Methodology] to investigate this, and if successful, this research could contribute by [Potential Impact]."

What to Look For: Evaluate the candidate's ability to conceptualize a research project, the clarity of their proposal, and the alignment with the program's research priorities.

8. How does your research proposal align with the department's research priorities and potential advisors?

How to Answer: Explain the alignment between your research proposal and the department's strengths and potential advisors. Mention specific faculty members you are interested in working with.

Sample Answer: "My research proposal aligns closely with the department's focus on [Department's Research Focus]. I am particularly interested in collaborating with [Professor's Name], as their work in [Professor's Research Area] directly relates to my research proposal, and I believe their expertise would be invaluable."

What to Look For: Look for candidates who have thoroughly researched the department's strengths and potential advisors and can clearly articulate the alignment between their proposal and the program's resources.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Interview Questions

9. can you describe a complex problem you've encountered in your research or academic work and how you approached solving it.

How to Answer: Share a specific example of a challenging problem, outlining the steps you took to address it. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

Sample Answer: "In one of my research projects, we encountered a complex issue with [Problem Description]. To tackle this, I initiated a collaborative discussion with my team, conducted thorough literature reviews, and explored alternative approaches. Eventually, we devised a novel solution that not only resolved the problem but also contributed to the field."

What to Look For: Assess the candidate's ability to navigate complex challenges, their problem-solving strategies, and their commitment to finding innovative solutions.

10. How do you approach interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating different perspectives into your research?

How to Answer: Explain your approach to interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting instances where you've successfully integrated diverse perspectives into your work. Emphasize the benefits of such collaboration.

Sample Answer: "I believe that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for addressing complex issues. In my previous research on [Project Name], I collaborated with experts from [Related Discipline]. We integrated their insights, which enriched our project by [Outcome]. This experience has reinforced my commitment to embracing diverse perspectives."

What to Look For: Look for candidates who value interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrate an ability to work effectively with experts from other fields, and can articulate the benefits of such collaborations.

Communication Skills Interview Questions

11. how do you communicate your research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.

How to Answer: Discuss your communication skills, emphasizing your ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner. Mention any presentations, publications, or outreach activities.

Sample Answer: "I believe in effective science communication. I've presented my research findings at conferences, where I tailored my presentations to engage both experts in my field and non-specialist audiences. Additionally, I've authored articles for [Publication], aiming to make my research accessible to a wider readership."

What to Look For: Evaluate candidates' communication skills, assessing their ability to adapt their message to different audiences and their commitment to disseminating their research beyond academia.

12. How would you handle a situation where your research findings faced skepticism or resistance from peers or advisors?

How to Answer: Describe a hypothetical scenario where your research findings were met with skepticism, and outline your approach to addressing this challenge diplomatically and professionally.

Sample Answer: "If my research findings were met with skepticism, I would first seek to understand the concerns of my peers or advisors. I'd be open to constructive feedback and engage in respectful discussions to address their doubts. If necessary, I'd reevaluate my methodology or findings and provide additional evidence to support my conclusions."

What to Look For: Look for candidates who demonstrate resilience, the ability to handle criticism professionally, and a commitment to constructive dialogue when faced with skepticism.

Professional Development Interview Questions

13. how do you stay updated with the latest developments and trends in your field.

How to Answer: Share your strategies for staying informed about the latest developments in your field, such as attending conferences, reading journals, or participating in online forums.

Sample Answer: "I stay updated by regularly attending conferences like [Conference Name], subscribing to relevant journals, and actively participating in online communities and forums where experts discuss emerging trends. This continuous learning helps me remain at the forefront of advancements in my field."

What to Look For: Assess candidates ' commitment to professional development and their proactive approach to staying informed about the latest research and trends.

14. Can you discuss any leadership or mentoring experiences you've had in your academic or professional journey?

How to Answer: Highlight any leadership or mentoring roles you've undertaken, emphasizing your ability to lead and mentor others effectively.

Sample Answer: "I've had the privilege of serving as a mentor for junior researchers in my lab, guiding them through research processes and offering academic support. Additionally, I was elected as the president of [Student Organization], where I led a team of [Number] members in organizing [Event/Project], which greatly enhanced my leadership skills."

What to Look For: Seek candidates who have demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities, showcasing their capacity to contribute positively to the academic community.

Conclusion and Fit with the Program Interview Questions

15. why do you believe you are an ideal fit for our phd program in [your field].

How to Answer: Summarize the key reasons why you believe you are a strong fit for the program, emphasizing your alignment with the department's goals, resources, and values.

Sample Answer: "I am enthusiastic about your PhD program because it aligns perfectly with my research interests in [Your Field]. The department's renowned faculty, well-equipped laboratories, and collaborative environment make it an ideal place for me to pursue my research goals. Furthermore, I appreciate the department's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, which mirrors my approach to research."

What to Look For: Evaluate candidates' understanding of the program's strengths and their ability to articulate why they are an excellent fit based on their research interests and values.

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How to Prepare for a PhD Interview?

Preparing for PhD interviews is a critical step in ensuring your success in the admissions process. We will dive into the key aspects of thorough preparation that will help you leave a lasting impression on the interview panel.

Researching the Program and Faculty

Before you step into the interview room, it's essential to have a deep understanding of the program you're applying to and the faculty members who might become your mentors. Here's how to do it effectively:

Program Insights : Explore the program's website, course offerings, and any recent publications or research projects. Understand the program's strengths and what sets it apart from others.
Faculty Profiles : Dive into the profiles of faculty members in your area of interest. Familiarize yourself with their research, publications, and current projects. Identify potential advisors who align with your research goals.
Department Culture : Seek insights into the department's culture and values. This can help you tailor your responses to demonstrate your alignment with their objectives.

Creating a Strong CV and Personal Statement

Your CV and personal statement are your opportunities to showcase your academic achievements, research experience, and motivations. Crafting these documents effectively is crucial:

CV Highlights : Ensure your CV highlights relevant academic accomplishments, research contributions, and any publications or presentations. Use a clear, concise format.
Personal Statement Impact : Your personal statement should be a compelling narrative of your academic journey, research interests, and why you're passionate about pursuing a PhD. Tailor it to the program you're applying to.
Demonstrate Fit : Emphasize how your academic background and research experience align with the program's goals and faculty expertise. Show how you can contribute to the department's research endeavors.

Practicing Interview Responses

Practice makes perfect, and practicing interview responses is no exception. Here's how to hone your interview skills:

Mock Interviews : Conduct mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career advisors. Practice answering common questions while receiving constructive feedback.
Video Recordings : Record yourself answering interview questions. Review the recordings to assess your body language, clarity, and confidence.
Storyboard Responses : Create storyboards for potential questions. Outline your responses with key points and examples to ensure you address the interviewers' expectations.

Gathering Questions to Ask the Interviewers

Preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gain valuable insights:

Research-Based Questions : Ask questions related to ongoing research projects, faculty collaborations, and opportunities for graduate students. For example, inquire about recent publications or upcoming research initiatives.
Program Support : Seek information on the support structure for graduate students, including funding, resources, and mentorship opportunities.
Departmental Vision : Ask about the department's vision for the future and how they envision contributing to your academic and research growth.

Dressing and Presenting Professionally

Your appearance and demeanor play a crucial role in creating a positive first impression. Here are some tips for presenting yourself professionally:

Appropriate Attire : Choose professional attire that is appropriate for the interview setting. Dressing well shows respect for the process and your interviewers.
Grooming : Pay attention to grooming and personal hygiene. Ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your chosen attire.
Body Language : Practice good body language, such as maintaining eye contact, offering a firm handshake, and sitting up straight. These non-verbal cues convey professionalism and confidence.

Thoroughly preparing for your PhD interviews is your opportunity to shine and showcase your commitment to academic excellence and research. Each aspect of preparation contributes to a successful interview experience, increasing your chances of securing a spot in your desired program.

During the PhD Interview

The moment you step into the interview room is when your preparation meets the real test. This section will guide you through the crucial aspects of handling yourself during the interview, leaving a lasting impression on the interview panel.

Arriving Early and Being Punctual

Punctuality is a mark of professionalism and respect. Arriving early not only demonstrates your commitment but also helps you settle in and overcome any last-minute nerves. Here's how to ensure you're punctual:

Plan Your Journey : Calculate the travel time and consider potential traffic or delays. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
Venue Familiarity : If the interview is in person, visit the interview venue beforehand, if possible, to familiarize yourself with the location. This can help reduce anxiety on the interview day.
Backup Plans : Have a backup plan in case of unexpected circumstances, such as traffic jams or technical issues for virtual interviews.

Building Rapport with Interviewers

Building a positive rapport with the interviewers can go a long way in making a favorable impression. Here are some strategies to establish a connection:

Engage Actively : Be an active listener during the interview. Respond thoughtfully to the interviewers' questions and show genuine interest in their responses.
Respectful Interaction : Address the interviewers by their titles or preferred names, and maintain a respectful tone throughout the conversation.
Ask Clarifying Questions : If you're unsure about a question or need clarification, don't hesitate to ask. This demonstrates your commitment to understanding and providing thoughtful responses.

Communicating Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is essential during your PhD interview. Clear and confident communication helps convey your ideas and qualifications effectively:

Clarity is Key : Ensure your responses are clear and concise. Avoid jargon or overly technical language that might be unfamiliar to some interviewers.
Confidence and Poise : Maintain a confident tone while speaking, even when discussing complex topics. Confidence can inspire trust in your abilities.
Practice Active Listening : Show that you're engaged by nodding or providing verbal cues to indicate you're actively listening to the interviewers.

Addressing Tough Questions with Poise

Challenging questions are a part of most PhD interviews. How you handle them can make a significant difference. Here's how to address tough questions with poise:

Take a Breath : If faced with a difficult question, take a moment to collect your thoughts. Don't rush into an answer. Composure is more important than speed.
Structured Responses : Structure your responses logically, addressing the question's core and providing relevant examples or evidence to support your answer.
Be Honest : If you don't know the answer to a question, it's okay to admit it. Offer to explore the topic further or express your eagerness to learn.

Demonstrating Enthusiasm and Passion

Your enthusiasm for your field of study and the PhD program should shine through during the interview. Here's how to convey your passion effectively:

Speak About Your Research : When discussing your research interests, convey your excitement and the potential impact of your work on the field.
Share Relevant Experiences : Highlight experiences that have fueled your passion for the subject matter. Discuss the projects or coursework that have influenced your journey.
Show Gratitude : Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and your eagerness to contribute to the academic community.

The interview is your moment to not only showcase your qualifications but also your personality, professionalism, and enthusiasm. By mastering these aspects during the interview, you'll leave a memorable impression on the interview panel.

Post-PhD Interview Etiquette

Once the interview is over, your job isn't done yet. Proper post-interview etiquette is crucial in maintaining a positive impression and handling potential next steps. We'll delve into the essential aspects of post-interview conduct.

Sending Thank-You Notes or Emails

Sending a thank-you note or email after your PhD interview is a courteous gesture that can leave a lasting impression. Here's how to do it effectively:

Promptness : Send your thank-you note within 24-48 hours of the interview to express your appreciation while your interview is still fresh in the interviewers' minds.
Personalization : Customize each thank-you message for each interviewer, referencing specific points of discussion or insights gained during the interview.
Express Gratitude : Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and your enthusiasm for joining the program.

Reflecting on the Interview Experience

After the interview, take some time to reflect on the experience. Self-assessment can be a valuable tool for personal growth and future interviews:

Strengths and Weaknesses : Identify your strengths during the interview and areas where you can improve. Reflect on the questions that challenged you.
Learning Opportunities : Consider what you've learned from the interview process. How can you apply this knowledge to future interviews or your academic journey?
Feedback : If you receive feedback from the interview panel, use it constructively to enhance your interview skills for future opportunities.

Preparing for Possible Follow-Up Interviews

In some cases, you may be invited for a follow-up interview, especially if you're a strong candidate. Be prepared for the possibility of additional interviews:

Research Continuation : Be ready to discuss your research interests in more depth. Prepare to elaborate on your proposed projects or potential contributions to the program.
Personalized Questions : Expect more specific questions related to your application or areas of interest. Demonstrate your commitment and passion for the program.

Handling Rejections and Acceptances

The outcomes of your PhD applications can be emotionally charged, especially when it comes to rejections and acceptances.

Coping with Rejection

Receiving a rejection can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that it's not a reflection of your worth or potential. Here's how to cope:

Seek Feedback : If possible, request feedback from the admissions committee. Understanding the reasons for rejection can help you improve your future applications.
Stay Resilient : Maintain a positive outlook and resilience. Rejections are a natural part of the application process and can lead to growth and self-improvement.
Explore Alternatives : Consider alternative options, such as reapplying in the future or exploring similar programs that align with your goals.

Evaluating PhD Offers and Making Decisions

If you're fortunate enough to receive multiple offers, you'll face the pleasant yet challenging task of evaluating and choosing the right program for you. Here's how to navigate this decision-making process:

Comparative Analysis : Create a spreadsheet or chart to compare the pros and cons of each program, considering factors like funding, research opportunities, faculty expertise, location, and support services.
Visit the Campuses : If possible, visit the campuses or engage in virtual tours to get a feel for the environment and culture.
Consult Mentors and Advisors : Seek guidance from mentors, advisors, or professors who can provide insights and advice based on your academic and career goals.
Trust Your Instincts : Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose the program that aligns best with your aspirations and offers the support and resources you need.

Handling the aftermath of PhD interviews, including sending thank-you notes, reflecting on your experiences, and managing outcomes, is an integral part of the journey. By following these guidelines, you can leave a positive impression and make informed decisions regarding your academic future.

Facing PhD interview questions may seem daunting, but with careful preparation and a confident approach, you can shine during this critical stage of your academic journey. Remember to showcase your qualifications, passion for research, and enthusiasm for the program. Your ability to communicate effectively and handle questions with poise will set you on the path to success.

As you reflect on your interview experience and await the outcomes, maintain a positive attitude and be ready to adapt and learn from each opportunity. Whether you receive an acceptance or a rejection, remember that every step in this process is a valuable learning experience that can help shape your future endeavors. Stay resilient, stay motivated, and keep pursuing your passion for knowledge. Your PhD journey is just beginning.

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January 18, 2024

How to Prepare for Your PhD Interview

Although not all PhD programs require interviews, most do, and you will usually interview with the faculty member who will be supervising your research. If you’re invited to a PhD interview, you want to take full advantage of the opportunity you’ve been given by preparing effectively.

In this post, we’ll focus on some of the questions you might be asked in your PhD interview and offer tips on how to prepare for them.

What were the factors that prompted you to apply to this program?

Review your notes on the department.
Familiarize yourself with the research agendas of the faculty members, especially the professors you want to work with.
Make note of any unique opportunities you would have as a student in the department. Does the department provide funding to attend and/or present at conferences, or subsidized housing for graduate students?
Read journal articles or books written by the professors you are most interested in.

What are your research interests?

Be prepared to briefly discuss your past research and how it influenced what you want to research in the PhD program.
You might also be asked about your research methods. You’ll want to have an explanation ready as to why you elected to investigate your hypothesis the way you did. If you could start again, what would you do differently?

What is your research plan?

Present the specific topic you aim to research in the program and explain how you believe this research will contribute to the field.
Be prepared to discuss important issues in the field, such as bias and discrimination in AI training data or algorithms.

What strengths are you bringing to this program?

Know what your standout skills, qualities, and experiences are – as well as any areas you might need to improve on. If you have had any teaching experience, mention that you look forward to being a Teaching Assistant, if that type of position is available to you.

What are your goals post PhD?

Do you want to continue to research and teach in academia? Or do you want to research in an industry setting? Be clear about your objectives, but it is also okay to indicate that you are open to other opportunities that might present themselves while you’re in the PhD program.

What questions do you have?

It is important to have a few questions prepared in advance. We do not recommend trying to come up with compelling questions on the spot.
Some questions you can consider include “Will I have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty in other related departments?,” “What do you think differentiates this department from other programs?,” and “What advice do you have for me that would help me excel in this program?”
If the topic you are researching crosses over into other departments, you can ask about interdepartmental collaboration.

Usually, your PhD program interviewer will have read your application materials and your resume/CV before your meeting. So, make sure to review everything you submitted, especially if it has been several months since you uploaded your information. You don’t want to be caught off guard. However, this type of interview is also a conversation. Be confident – the faculty would not be taking the time to interview you if they weren’t serious about your candidacy. And remember to smile; it’s not an interrogation!

With 30 years of career and admissions experience at four universities, including Cornell’s College of Engineering and Johnson Business School, Dr. Karin Ash facilitated students’ entry into the world’s best companies. As an adcom member, she also evaluated applications and therefore knows what schools and employers seek. Want Karin to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

Applying to PhD Programs: When, Where, How, and Why?
How to Write About Your Research Interests
Deciding Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation – PhD

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What to do before the interview.

It is important to treat the PhD interview like a job interview. Dress smartly and bring two printed copies of your application form. It is also useful to bring your research proposal or your notes on how you will fit into the existing research project. Organise materials neatly so that you can quickly access any information requested, but also commit crucial details to memory—and rehearse.

Do background research on the university, the department, and the academics who will interview you. Prepare several informed questions about their current research and the overall research culture in the department.

Make sure you know where and when the interview will occur and arrive ahead of time. If possible, visit the building in advance. You will feel more at ease if the surroundings are a little familiar.

To avoid embarrassment, try to find out how to pronounce the names of staff members you will meet.

Tell us about yourself.

Include not only your academic background, but your personal motivation—and particularly what motivates you to do in-depth research in this specific field of study.

Why have you applied to do a PhD here?

This is where research can give you an edge. Show that you have chosen this programme/department/university for strong and valid reasons, such as your high regard for named researchers’ work, the availability of specific collections, equipment, or lab resources, and overall reputation. Give concrete examples, not banal generalities.

What can you do for us?

Academics will have to give up a great deal of time to supervise you, most of which they will receive no scheduled hours or recognition for. So, what research skills, personal attributes, connections, theoretical ideas and so on do you have that will make it worth their while? Again, give specific and concrete examples.

What do you think pursuing a PhD will do for you?

If you plan to become an academic, say so, but not in terms of just getting a job—talk about your long-term research plans . If applying to a professional doctorate programme, show that you understand the realistic career impact. Applicants pursuing a PhD towards the end of their career may want to talk about gaining recognition for innovative practice or solving complex issues through research. It is important to showcase your knowledge, motivation, background and commitment at this point.

What skills do you have that make you a good fit for the PhD place you have applied for or for the department?

Tailor your response specifically: Play up your strengths, including any prior research training and experience. Discuss project management skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, collaborative working, critical thinking and international experience or understanding.

Tell us about your research project.

If proposing your own topic, over-prepare. Refer to current scholarship and explain how your cutting-edge work will break new ground. If applying to join a project, show that you understand its value and demonstrate that you are the right person to make it happen. Be enthusiastic!

What would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Yes, that tired job-interview question will appear here as well. Make sure the strengths you list include examples, and your “weaknesses” are also “strengths”—for example, “sometimes I’m a terrible perfectionist.” It is important to mention and demonstrate how your determination reaps project succession. The panel will want to know that you will persist in completing the PhD. Demonstrate this!

Tell us about a challenge you have overcome in the past.

It’s best to choose a research challenge as your answer: for example, how you handled an issue during your Master’s dissertation such as a disagreement with a supervisor or an issue with ethical approval. If you use a career or personal challenge, show how you used research or project-management skills to solve it.

What do you see as the most important issue/problem in this field today?

This question gives you space to show your knowledge of current research, theory and practice. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge.

Is there anything you would like to ask us?

This is your chance to show how informed you are and position yourself as an intellectual equal. Be prepared . Be ready.

We hope you found our Top Ten PhD Interview Questions and Answers article useful.

Find your PhD here

More phd tips:.

How To Write PhD Proposals

How to do a Distance Learning PhD at a UK university

Become a Researcher – 5 Skills You Need

PhD Funding – A Checklist of Possible Sources

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Questions to Ask During Your PhD Interview

By Zebastian D.
August 22, 2020

As someone applying for PhD positions, you’ll no doubt be thinking of and preparing for the interview with your potential supervisor(s). You’re absolutely right to be doing this and planning your answers to some of the PhD interview questions that they’ll probably ask you; make sure you’ve read our guide on this to help you prepare.

Remember though that the PhD student-supervisor relationship works both ways; as much as the potential supervisor is interviewing you for a PhD position within their lab, you should also have the mindset that you’re also interviewing the professor for the role of supervisor, and be ready to ask questions! Ultimately the key thing you want to know after your PhD interview is you are both a good fit for each other.

With that in mind, I’ve prepared a common list of questions that you should consider asking to help you decide if the supervisor and the research lab is the right fit for you. You don’t need to ask all these questions but instead use this list as a guide for picking what feels most important to you.

I should also note that some of the answers to these questions can usually be found through a quick Google search of the potential supervisor or looking at their university profile. So do think about which questions in particular you want to bring up in person at the PhD interview.

Now on to the questions….

How many PhD students have you supervised previously, and did they all gain their PhDs?

You’re asking this to firstly work out how experienced the professor is at supervising students, based purely on the numbers previously supervised. The reason to ask the second question of how many students gained PhDs is to get an idea of the supervisor’s track record of successful supervision. The lower the percentage of students that went onto complete their PhD under his or her supervision (and not leave the program early ), the more alarm bells that should be ringing for you. This of course shouldn’t be your only data point in the decision-making process, and you should try and find out more about why those that left their PhD program before completion, did so. Equally it’s also a possibility that some students have been successful in their PhD research in spite of a supervisor’s lack of support. A good way to get a truer sense of this is by speaking to the supervisor’s current and past students.

Whilst a supervisor’s successful track record can be reassuring, don’t be put off if they haven’t supervised many (or even any) students before, particularly if they’re still fairly new in the job. There are many other ways in which you can get a sense of the supervisor-student fit.

How many years does a PhD project usually take in your lab?

If you’re in the UK, a full time PhD should normally take you 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by most funding grants for PhD research being for this time frame. You want to know and have some reassurance that most students in this lab do finish within this time frame. Asking this question will also help you better understand the supervisor’s attitude towards completion time frames; is this someone that would have no issue with a student that’s been working on their PhD for 6 years or are they driven to help students complete ‘on time’.

What are the key milestones for progression that you expect from students?

This is a good follow on from the previous question. Some supervisors can be very ‘hands off’ and set no expectations on their students about deliverables and if this is the type of student-supervisor relationship you’re after (which some are), then perfect!

However, whilst a PhD project is an independent body of work, that doesn’t mean you have to do it in isolation. Having a supervisor that also acts as a mentor is important; a key aspect of this is to help keep you on track to complete your project ‘in time’, which is most effectively done using regular milestones.

The actual milestones will vary between supervisors but what you’re looking for in their response is some indication that they’ve actually thought about them. Examples of milestones may be the completion of the literature review within the first 6 weeks of starting, first experimental data captured by month 3 and first paper published by the time you end year 1.

How many other students do you supervise?

You ideally don’t want your supervisor to have too many (>5) other PhD students under his or her supervision at any one time, simply because of the dilution of their time that will naturally occur. Being part of an active research lab is a big advantage however, so you don’t necessarily want to be the only student under their supervision either. Remember that the professor may also be responsible for several Master’s and undergraduate students too so you just need to know what to realistically expect from him in terms of available time to meet with you regularly.

How often do you meet with your PhD students?

You don’t want a supervisor that’s too prescriptive in how you run your project, but you do want someone who you know you can rely on to meet with regularly. Some professors set weekly one-on-one or group research meetings that occur at the same time, day and venue; you know exactly what you’re getting here. Others tend to meet less frequently but still at regular intervals. A good balance would be to have catch up meetings every 2 weeks but it’s important to know upfront what the expectations are from both sides about how often to meet.

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How flexible is the direction of the PhD project?

At the PhD level of higher education, the supervisor is there to provide mentorship and guidance to help you avoid going in a completely wrong direction with your research. You should however expect to have the freedom to take your project in any direction you want to (within reason). This should be the case even if it means deviating from the original research questions that were proposed at the start; you and your supervisor should be in agreement before you start about how much flexibility there can be. Remember too that sometimes the project may have to stay closely aligned to the original plan if it’s required by the industry funder, so this decision may be out of the supervisor’s hands to some extent.

What funding is available for this project?

You should know by the time you come to interview if the project is to be self-funded or if there is specific funding associated with it. It may feel like an awkward question to ask but you need to be very clear on how much of a living stipend you should expect and if there is any additional funding for things such as conference travel, paying for journal publication fees or other bench fees; you don’t want any unpleasant surprises about finances when you’ve already started the PhD.

Do you expect there to be any changes in funding during the course of the project?

Specifically, you want to find out if there’s any risk that the funding associated with the project could be removed. Most often, funding bodies don’t transfer the entire monetary amount of the agreed funding up front in one lumpsum (which can be in excess of £75,000 for a 3-year studentship). Instead, payments are made in instalments and may be done so on the basis that certain milestones are met. For industry funded projects, for example, there may be a service work element (such as specialist analysis using university-based equipment) associated with the funding which will need to be delivered on time for the university to continue to receive money. In reality a complete loss of funding is unlikely to happen, but you should find out if this is at all a possibility of happening.

What is the source of the funding?

It’s important for you to understand how your project will be funded. As discussed in the previous question, the specific funder may place certain requirements on the university that need to be fulfilled to receive the funds. Don’t let this put you off applying or even impact your decision to take on the specific project, but it’s an important factor to be aware of.

Are there any opportunities to earn additional money as a PhD student?

Even if you will receive a stipend during the course of your research project, it comparatively won’t be a lot of money to live on. If you want it, the opportunity to earn extra money can make a big difference in managing your finances. This may in the form of one day/week working as a research technician or paid work preparing and delivering lectures to undergraduate students. It’s useful to know if these opportunities will exist to help you manage your expectations about your finances. Make sure you don’t let yourself feel obligated to take on this additional work however, even if it is paid; the priority will be ensuring your research progresses on schedule.

Will I have the opportunity and be expected to publish papers?

In the UK there is no requirement for you to have published any journal papers before you are awarded a PhD. Doing so however can go some way towards making your final viva that much easier, and also giving you a ‘head-start’ on your publication track record if you continue on into academia after your PhD.

You should get a sense of if your potential supervisor sees an opportunity for you to publish your research, if this is something that you want to do. Equally you should be aware of the supervisor’s expectations about publishing to avoid any potential conflict between your supervisor wanting you to publish work during your PhD and you wanting to wait until you’re in the post-doc stage before writing papers.

How many papers have previous PhD students published with you?

Knowing the answer to this should give you a good idea about the expectations and opportunities of publishing papers during your PhD. It’s certainly a positive sign to know that previous students have successfully published their research and is often a sign of a good supervisory system being in place.

How often does your research group present at academic conferences?

Having the opportunity to present your research at an academic conference is a key experience to have obtained during your time as a PhD student. Some supervisors actively encourage this and ensure that all funding applications include allocations for paying for conference related fees. Others are less convinced about the value of students going to conferences, particularly due to the additional expense of doing so, and may therefore not be as supportive of conference participation.

It’s useful to know what the norm is within the supervisor’s research group so that there are no surprises further down the line.

Is there funding support available for attending conferences?

Again, to be clear on expectations of funding and support for conference attendance, you should find out if there are funds specifically allocated for this purpose. If there aren’t, does the supervisor actively provide support to their students in applying for additional funding for this?

Are there courses and training sessions available for PhD students?

Find out if there are extra resources available to you should you want to use them. For example, do the supervisors students go on paper writing courses, or workshops on how to perform literature reviews? There are lots of new things that you’ll be doing during your PhD, especially at the beginning so it’s good to know that there’s external help available if and when you need it.

What are your past PhD graduates doing now?

This is an interesting one to find out from the supervisor. Are most of their graduates continuing their career development within academia or have many moved into industry work or even to a field completely different to their area of research? Ideally, you’d want this to align with your own career options. If most PhD holders have gone into industry whereas you want to pursue an academic career, you should try and find out why they ended up leaving academia. For example, did these graduates initially have aspirations of becoming professors themselves but were not able to do so or does your particular field normally open up more opportunities within industry?

What kind of support do you or the university provide for helping with jobs after?

In particular, what role does the supervisor play in helping their recent PhD graduates find their next job role? Do they have any connections within industry that they’d be able to help you network with? Or have any of their past PhD students stayed on in the lab as post-docs and are there resources in place for you to potentially do the same?

Will there be opportunities to teach undergraduate students?

The opportunity to give lectures to undergraduate students or lead tutorials with them can be a good way to earn some extra money during your PhD (note though that not all universities/departments formally pay PhD students to do this). Getting teaching experience is also important if you’re planning on continuing on down an academic career path at a university so it’s useful if you can gain some of this during your PhD.

Do you as a lab do any team activities together?

This will help you get a sense of the environment you’ll be working in for at least the next three years. Is this a lab with several PhD students and post-docs that make up an active ‘research family’? Does the team ever go out for lunch together or day trips away together to unwind? This can be a great way to build a sense of comradery in a research job that can often feel like you’re working alone in. Some supervisors actively encourage and get involved in nurturing a team environment whilst others are more hands-off, leaving the students to do their own thing.

What is the work environment like? Do students work in a shared office space?

Be clear on what your daily workspace will be like at the lab and university. Do all PhD students sit together in an open space or are there smaller office spaces for one or two students to work in? Some people prefer the buzz of an open space whilst others like the quiet of lone working. Either way, you should know what your work environment will look like for the next three years and plan accordingly (e.g. buy some noise cancelling headphones if you need some quite time in the open plan office).

I’ve given you a number of different questions to think about and ask your potential supervisor at your PhD interview. Not all of them may be relevant, or even appropriate to ask, so do think carefully about which ones you do want to bring up at the interview and which answers you could find out independently by either speaking to other students or looking online. Your research project and your experiences at the university will be so much more enjoyable if you can make sure you and your supervisor are a good fit for each other. The best way to do this is to ask questions!

Need to write a list of abbreviations for a thesis or dissertation? Read our post to find out where they go, what to include and how to format them.

An academic transcript gives a breakdown of each module you studied for your degree and the mark that you were awarded.

The purpose of research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge through developing scientific theories, concepts and ideas – find out more on what this involves.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

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In the UK, a dissertation, usually around 20,000 words is written by undergraduate and Master’s students, whilst a thesis, around 80,000 words, is written as part of a PhD.

Hannah is a 1st year PhD student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The aim of her research is to clarify what strategies are the most effective in supporting young people with dyslexia.

Dr Roberts gained her PhD from Duke University in 2014 in the field of biomedical engineering. She now runs her own business named Personal Finance for PhDs.

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How to Prepare for a PhD Interview Step-by-Step

By ProFellow Founder, Dr. Vicki Johnson

If you received an interview invitation for a PhD program, congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment. Your application and CV stood out among many others who did not make it to this stage. But how do you prepare for what’s next–your graduate school interview?

Avoid Triggering These 3 “Red Flags”

A good way to understand how you can stand out among top finalists is to understand the “red flags” that PhD selection committees are looking for at this stage. Interviews are used to determine:

#1 Are you committed to a career in research?

PhD programs do not want to invest their limited funding into candidates who have motives other than the pursuit of a career in research and academia, because PhD programs are essentially years of training in the conduct of academic research. Your motive for pursuing a PhD will either support or discredit the hypothesis that you have the drive and aptitude to successfully complete a rigorous, long-term, independent research project (aka, your dissertation).

#2 Will you fit within the culture of the graduate program?

Unfortunately, PhD programs have historically poor records in achieving diversity, equity and inclusion in their student body; nevertheless, their assessment of your culture fit in the student body is a reality (read Inside Graduate Admissions: Merit, Diversity, and Faculty Gatekeeping by Julie R. Posselt). Because academic institutions are hierarchical organizations, selection committees look for clues of extreme viewpoints, arrogance, questioning of “authority”, previous conflicts with employers or professors, and other hints as to whether you might challenge or ruffle the feathers of the program’s faculty and administrators. Not surprisingly, they aim to select people who will be “model students” and will support the research and teaching goals of the faculty. That said, this interview process is not a one-way street. While they are assessing your ability to be a successful student in their program, you’ll need to determine if the program and faculty will provide you the space and support you need to succeed, while also letting you be yourself.

#3 Do you have advanced fluency in written and verbal English?

Many foreign applicants submit written applications and writing samples that are impressive and grammatically perfect. However, international students who do not have advanced English fluency – both written and verbal – have a higher likelihood of falling behind in PhD programs. For foreign applicants, the selection committee will use an interview to assess how well you understand and communicate in English in real-time.

Now that we have those “red flags” identified, here some suggestions to help you prepare for your PhD interview.

Top 3 Tips to Prepare for Your PhD Interview

#1 show passion for academic research.

It’s important to discuss your interest in academic research specifically, not just your interest in the subject or discipline, practice-based work or the industry. Selection committees are looking for students who can successfully undertake a 4-6 year commitment to learning about and conducting academic research. You should show them you are someone who “geeks out” about research – the methods, the process, the writing – and that you are someone who has the potential to make a social impact through your research.

#2 Come prepared with detailed examples of your research experience

Be ready to go deep on the details of your previous research experience, including your involvement in aspects like participant recruitment, forming a research question, choosing a research method, overcoming challenges of research, addressing ethics in research, analyzing data and writing up results. You don’t need to be highly experienced in research to be a strong candidate, but to show authentic passion for research, you should be very familiar with the mechanics of it.

#3 Have specific reasons for why THIS program

Be armed with reasons why the PhD program you are interviewing for is unique and interesting for you. Each school will have aspects of their program that they believe makes them different, whether that is the coursework, curriculum format, focus areas, faculty, special programming, labs, international opportunities, academic and private partnerships, or something else. Do your research and be prepared to tell them what they already know – why their program is special.

The interview is a big step in your journey towards achieving a graduate degree. The ProFellow community is rooting for you – best of luck!

If you want to learn more about PhD funding, get your copy of ProFellow’s FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

If you want to learn more about phd interviews, check out….

6 Top Interview Questions and How to Answer Them – Part 1 6 Top Interview Questions and How to Answer Them – Part 2 5 Strategies to Nail the Interview 3 Ways to Answer “What is Your Greatest Weakness?” in an Interview Stumped in an Interview? Three Tips to Remain Cool and Composed

Dr. Vicki Johnson is Founder and CEO of ProFellow, the world’s leading online resource for professional and academic fellowships. She is a four-time fellow, top Ph.D. scholar, Fulbright recipient and an award-winning social entrepreneur. She is the Creator and Director of Fully Funded , an award-winning online course and mentorship program for graduate school applicants seeking to find and win full funding.

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How to prepare for a PhD interview

One of the most important hurdles before you decide to embark on a career in academia is the interview with the hiring team. No matter whether it is a PhD position or a postdoc, an interview can make or break your chances of being selected. Here are some of my tips to prepare for a PhD interview.

1. Research the hiring team

Generally, an academic interview consists of the researchers or research managers who are involved intimately with the project they are hiring you for. For a PhD it means the supervisors, collaborators and the promoter. It is generally a good practice to get to know their research output, interests and their academic background before appearing for the interview. Not doing so, signals that either you are disinterested or unprepared. I generally browse through their university staff page as well as their Google Scholar profile and read one or two recent articles before appearing for an interview.

2. Research the research objective

If you know what the project you are being hired for is about, it might be a good idea to read up on the basics to see what the objective of the project is and what is generally the state-of-the-art knowledge. This will prepare you to think about how your own research interests and skills align with what you will be tasked to accomplish. In my PhD interview, I read a few research articles about my PhD topic to get a sense of what the work will be directed towards.

3. Prepare to present

Depending on the university, the position and the hiring team, an applicant might be asked to present either their ideas on what can be done and what is their research vision regarding the subject. This presentation showcases your ability to disseminate your work as well as your ability to be clear and thoughtful which are hallmarks of a successful academic. Alternatively, you might be asked to present some of the research work you have done in the past. In this case, the team is looking to see your rigor, thoughtfulness and confidence in your work.

4. Avoid being over-enthusiastic

Universally, people get hired for their perceived enthusiasm about the position. This applies to academia as well. However, many job applicants can be a little too enthusiastic in an interview and that is not generally perceived in a positive light. The best way to avoid that is to think about why this position interests you rather than think about what you should say to impress the interviewers and to be honest.. Keep your answers short and to the point and do not try to portray yourself as being desperate to get this position. Remember that the interview is an opportunity for the interviewer as well as the interviewee to get to know one another and see if this is a good fit.

5. Avoid being too nervous

On the other end of the spectrum, you might also be too nervous and anxious about the interview. This generally happens to first time interviewees and might result in them forgetting their well-prepared answers or even think clearly during the interview. In these cases, the outcome of the interview is generally poor. In my own experience, I have realized that the more interviews you face the less nervous you become. Also, for a first-time interviewee, to not be too nervous, the best solution is to realize that the hiring team wants to interview you because they see something interesting in your profile. That should inspire some confidence in you and help you put your best foot forward.

6. Asking relevant questions

Most advice offering blogs such as these will state that you should always ask questions at the end of your interview. These questions signal your enthusiasm as well as curious nature. I disagree with this slightly. In my experience, asking genuinely relevant questions is the best way. You can be certain that there are things about the project which you don’t know and are curious about. Do not hesitate to ask about those. If you can’t come up with a lot of questions, that is fine. You can also ask questions regarding the research interests of the hiring team and why they were motivated to start this project. You can also ask practical questions such as targets, salary, work hours, etc. but I feel that these should be best left for subsequent interviews and not the first one.

7. Your profile is your story

In general, most PhD interviews touch on the subject of why you want to pursue this position, or what your motivations are. For such questions, you need to be prepared to tell the story of your interests, skills, education and everything else about your life that led you to being interviewed at that moment. This is not something you can piece together easily. Rather, I will suggest thinking about this and prepare an honest story in advance that you can then tell the interviewer. It doesn’t have to be like a sales pitch, but it should clearly show your motivations and aspirations as well as the highlights of your profile so far.

In my opinion, these are some of the most important tips to remember when you attend a PhD interview. Obviously, there are many more tips and tricks that you can find on the web regarding how to prepare for an interview in general that also apply to PhD interviews.

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The Best Questions to Ask During a PhD Interview

A PhD interview is not only a chance for the department to determine if you’re a good fit for their program, it’s also an opportunity for you to decide if their program is right for you. Coming to the interview prepared with some questions shows the selection committee you’re serious about their program. Stuck on what to ask? Give these questions a go!

1. Are there opportunities for summer funding or travel grants?

Not all programs pay students during the summer months. If this is the case, you should ask if the program provides financial support for students to do research-related activities in the summer like take language classes or do fieldwork. Are there grants available from the department or university for research-related travel? In a similar vein, does the department or graduate school provide travel grants to reimburse PhD students for conference expenses?

2. What are recent alumni doing now?

Getting a PhD is a big investment of time and money so potential students want reassurance that it will pay off in the future. Before you commit to a program, find out where its recent alumni are now working. Do most alumni go on to positions in academia or are most of them working in industry or alt-ac?

3. What sort of special resources does the university have for research in this field?

Some universities have resources above and beyond the norm, such as their own collection of papyri or a world-renowned affiliated hospital, which graduate students can access for their research. This can give one program an edge over another.

4. How long does it take on average for students to earn their degree?

The length of a PhD depends on which country you are studying in, however if one program has a longer-than-average time to degree it’s worth finding out why. Does the program require more coursework or have more exams than other similar programs? It’s also work asking what percentage of students don’t complete the program as a high percentage could be a red flag.

5. Will I have the opportunity to teach during my PhD?

If you want to be a professor, teaching will be an essential part of your job. It is extremely beneficial to gain teaching experience during your PhD and many North American PhD programs actually require at least one year of teaching.

6. Will I have the opportunity to publish during my PhD?

Publishing is an important part of academic life, but the publishing expectations of graduate students will depend on the field. If you are interviewing in STEM and social sciences, it is more relevant to ask how many first author papers most students publish by the time they graduate. In the humanities, where graduate publications are rarer, the better question will be if most students publish while they are in the program. In both cases, you should also ask how the faculty helps students learn to navigate publishing process.

7. What is the funding level of this PhD position?

If the job posting or department website doesn’t go into detail about PhD funding, you can take this opportunity to clarify the funding level and total cost of the program. Depending on your circumstances, you might also want to ask whether the department offers any paid assistantship positions or supports external fellowship/grant applications.

8. What makes this program unique?

The core elements of all PhD programs are the same, so try to ask a question that gets at the differences. What does this program do to differentiate itself from the competition? It can be interesting to hear how multiple faculty members in the same department answer this question.

9. Are there any planned absences in the department in the coming years?

Do any key faculty members (including your supervisor) have sabbaticals planned while you would be doing your PhD?

10. How does the dissertation process work in this program?

It’s helpful to ask questions such as can students choose their own committee members, does the university offer finishing fellowships, and how long on average does it take students in this program to complete their dissertations?

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How To Prepare for a PhD Interview

Katie Baker
July 31, 2024

So, you’ve written your personal statement, you’ve sent through your application and now you’ve been invited to a PhD interview, the first step is to congratulate yourself; only 30 – 50% of PhD applicants make it through to the initial interview stage. The invitation is a sure-fire sign the admissions team were impressed by your academic track record, essays, research proposals and personal statement, but you aren’t out of the woods and in the door just yet.

PhD interviews are conducted by universities to discuss the PhD program or your research proposal with you in more detail. You can also expect to be asked questions about your academic background, skills, and career goals. By asking these questions, university admissions teams will assess whether you are capable enough to carry out doctoral research. With enough preparation, your PhD interview doesn’t need to be daunting.

To help you prepare for your interview, this page will outline advice on how to prepare for a PhD interview and give you an insight into what typically happens at PhD interviews. However, it is worth bearing in mind that each university interviews its potential PhD candidates differently.

Along with following the advice outlined here, you will also want to ensure you have a good idea of what to expect from your interview. For example, some university boards will ask you to do a short presentation; others will only ask you questions based on your research proposal and other application materials that spurred them to pick up the phone and invite you to elaborate on your application.

Know What To Expect From a PhD Interview

Even though PhD interview questions can vary significantly from institution to institution, depending on the circumstances of your PhD application or be formulated specifically around your subject area, every interview serves the same purpose.

So while it is difficult to give you an idea of a standard PhD interview format, the principle is the same; you will be discussing the finer details of your research proposal or your academic background if you are applying for a program with pre-determined aims and objectives.

Formal interviews will put you in front of a postgraduate recruitment panel, potentially comprising admission tutors and PhD supervisors; on the other end of the spectrum, you could be asked to meet your potential supervisor for lunch or in a coffee shop on campus to discuss your research interests. Some universities even choose to include orientation activities in the initial interview process; this will give you the chance to explore the research facilities and meet staff members and peers.

Whichever setting your interview takes place in, and whoever is present, remember that the focus will always be on your achievements, academic interests, and goals.

PhD Interview Presentations

If a PhD interview presentation is required, you will be informed by the university well in advance to allow you to prepare. Your prospective department will also outline their expectations for the presentation, including how long it should be, what needs to be covered, and how it should be delivered.

Typically, PhD interview presentations should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete, be delivered via PowerPoint and cover your academic achievements and background, research methods and the impact of your research. However, for students interviewing for advertised positions, there may be a requirement to give a short presentation on a specified topic related to your field.

How Long Does a PhD Interview Take?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how long a PhD interview takes; the duration depends on the format, how quickly you provide the information that the postgraduate recruitment panel and several other factors.

With some interviews, you should block out an entire day in your calendar as the university may invite you to meet the recruitment panel in the morning, have lunch on campus, explore the department, and have your formal interview afterwards. With others, you can expect to meet your future supervisor and speak with them for an hour over coffee. Whichever interview format you are invited to, remember you’ll be doing the degree be prepared to make the most of it!

row of students sitting on a bench waiting next to eachother

PhD Interviews for Advertised Positions

Most STEM PhD programs come with pre-defined aims, usually part of a research program with broader research objectives; your doctoral research will contribute to the body of research. Furthermore, many advertised PhD projects will also have secure funding. With these kinds of positions, all applicants must prove via their interviews that they can carry out the research to a high standard and prove they deserve the secured funding or studentship.

For example, imagine a particular PhD degree involving the analysis of a particular protein. Being a talented and competent life scientist can get you the interview, but exhibiting your knowledge of the specific proteins and familiarity with the techniques and equipment you need to run your analytical research will seal you the position. You don’t need to be an expert; you need to prove your capacity to become an expert – given the chance.

With advertised positions, the interviews are typically more formal, and the main component will comprise a question-and-answer session where you will be in front of a qualified postgraduate recruitment panel involving three or more people, including project supervisors, postgrad admissions staff, lead investigators and funding reps.

The panel will focus on your research goals and interests and how they correlate to your academic background. You may also be expected to expand on sections of your application which need more clarification.

It isn’t heard of for interviewers to ask you to give a specific presentation in addition to answering questions. However, this presentation shouldn’t be too long or complex. Alternatively, you may be asked to cover your research proposal in more intricate detail or summarise previous research projects.

At the end of the interview, you will get the opportunity to ask your own questions; prepare some in advance; this will show your interest and enthusiasm, and you will also gain clarification that the program is right for you.

PhD Interviews for Self-Proposed Research Proposals

If you have applied for a position with a self-proposed research proposal, the interview will differ from the interviews for students hoping to complete doctoral research with pre-defined objectives.

With self-proposed research proposals, you won’t only need to prove your competency, but you will also need to prove the value and originality of your project. Once accepted, you will have freedom over the research you conduct – to a certain extent – however, you will still gain access to similar levels of support, training and resources.

Even though you have to defend your research proposal, these interviews are typically more flexible and relaxed; you won’t have the pressure of competing for secured funding or affirming why you deserve studentship above other applicants. However, you will face just as much scrutiny as students competing for advertised positions as you will need to confidently convey that the project is viable in terms of time, methodology, and facilities available at the university.

It is more likely that interviews for students proposing their own research will be more casual; don’t take this as an indication that they are any less important. The postgraduate research panel or your potential supervisor will still need confirmation that you have the right skills and knowledge to go in-depth with research in their field.

Taking on a new doctoral candidate is a big multi-year commitment for PhD supervisors; you will want to assure them it is worth their time. Typically, this process will include going through points already illustrated in your proposal and expanding on uncovered areas. If funding is on the cards, it will be allocated on a merit basis; with this in mind, elaborate on the value of your project.

How to Prepare for a PhD Interview

Regardless of how your interview is conducted, you will still need to speak about your research proposal and previous work and experience. Spend ample time reviewing your former essays, considering your previous feedback, and going over your proposal with a fine-tooth comb. You should always be prepared to defend any claims you have made with evidence and examples.

During the interview, expect the academic work carried out in your bachelor’s and master’s degrees to be brought up. The merits of them won’t seal your acceptance offer, but discussing your academic background can exhibit your enthusiasm and show how your interest in your research topic developed.

In addition to re-reading your work, take the time to familiarise yourself with the current or recent research carried out by your supervisor. This familiarity will prove that you will relish the opportunity to work with them. If you aren’t sure who your PhD supervisor will be, review the research carried out in the department.

The lack of originality in research proposals is one of the main reasons for PhD application rejections, which typically happens before the interview stage. However, during your PhD interview, you will also need to verify, if you have self-proposed your own research, that you have investigated the field to ensure your thesis will be completely original.

For PhD projects with pre-set aims, never overlook any of the details of the program. Beyond reviewing the objectives, take an interest in who will be involved, clue yourself in about external funders, and note the available development and training.

Practice doesn’t only mean perfect; it also means you are committed, capable and confident. Enlist the help of your current academic contacts and peers while practising your interview or presentation material. This is especially important if you don’t have much experience with public speaking or giving presentations.

What To Wear and Bring to a PhD Interview?

Appearance isn’t everything in a PhD interview, but it can go a long way for potential candidates wanting to make the best first impression. Even though academics don’t typically share a similar wardrobe with CEOs during their average workdays, you should present yourself how you would if you were attending a job interview for your dream job.

The PhD admissions team will inform you if you need to bring anything specific to your interview, such as a presentation. However, if it makes you feel more comfortable and prepared, you can bring hard copies of your previous essays or dissertations, which you can re-read or reference where appropriate. It may also be beneficial to bring a hard copy of your research proposal if you submitted one.

A notepad and pen will also help you to take notes after you have asked your questions at the end of the interview. Remember, like a job interview, a PhD interview will assess your suitability for the university and the suitability of the university for you. Doctoral research is a big commitment; you will want to ensure that the institution is right for you; your initial interview may be your only chance to explore the campus and meet the staff.

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Example PhD interview questions and answers

How to succeed in your PhD interview with answers to frequently asked questions

The interview is a crucial and inevitable part of the PhD application process. It is an opportunity for the supervisor(s) and funding bodies (if it is a funded PhD) to determine whether you are the right candidate for the challenge that is undertaking a PhD. Although this can be a daunting process, with preparation you can go into your interview feeling confident and put your best self forward.

Interviews for PhD positions will likely involve a short presentation on the proposed research project and/or your previous research experience. You can adapt the focus of this depending on how much prior experience you have to showcase. If you have an extensive research portfolio from your BSc/MSc project or time spent in industry, do not shy away from it, especially where there is direct relevance to the project you are applying for.

Following the presentation, you will be asked questions and will also have the opportunity to ask questions of your own (we recommend having a few prepared!).

We have collated some of the questions that are frequently asked in a PhD interview, along with tips on how to answer them. But please remember, the interview process varies widely and this blog aims to provide a suggestive framework on how to answer.

“Tell us about yourself”

This is a typical opening interview question and is often used as an icebreaker. You can practice your answer to help you get off to a good start when you will be most nervous. While it might be tempting to go straight into the details of the project and your career thus far, you can ease into the interview – there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the project later. Instead, you can focus on your academic career so far, your scientific interests (e.g., a strong interest in biochemistry), and relate them to your desire to undertake a PhD.

“Why do you want to do a PhD?”

This is an important question that you also need to ask yourself, and be convinced of the answer! A PhD is a big undertaking and having the right reasons will carry you through the potentially tough times. Example points to include here:

A professor during your undergraduate degree that inspired you
A desire to help improve the outcome of patients with a specific disease (relevant to the proposed project)
A love for science that you want to put into practice and contribute to the collective knowledge in that area
You are an inquisitive problem-solver and want to combine this with your interest in [topic].

Stay true to yourself with the reasons that motivate you to do a PhD – there is no right answer and if you have come this far you likely have the right motivations.

“Why do you want to work on this project/Why do you think this project is important”?

This is your opportunity to go into the details of the research proposal and its relevance in the wider context of the research field. This is particularly important if the project will be competing for limited funding. You want to demonstrate to the panel that this project is a worthwhile investment and has clear, impactful outcomes. You can also discuss specific techniques that will be used in your PhD, and how these are cutting-edge and are perhaps more likely to lead to a publication. If the project has potential for collaboration, highlight this and the intended outcomes.

“Why do you want to work in this research group/for this PI?”

Make sure you have thoroughly researched your supervisor’s group, and their previous publications and collaborations. Perhaps highlight a recent high-profile publication or a new technique they have recently developed. This will show your commitment and enthusiasm to join the group, as well as reflect what the group and university are proud of. A supervisor needs to know that your research goals align and that you will mesh well with the rest of the team.

“What can you bring to this group?”

This is your opportunity to showcase both your technical and soft skills. Here you can mention the research experience you already have and how these skills and ideas will enhance the lab. If you do not have much research experience, talk about how you are a fast learner (with examples) and have a keen sense of science and willingness to learn. As mentioned in the previous answer, your future supervisor will want to ensure you are a valuable addition to their team. If you are not specialized in a technique, don’t worry – you are here to learn and most people starting a PhD have limited lab experience.

“Why do you want to be at this university/on this funding program?”

A PhD is a significant time and financial commitment; the funders or members of the university need to know candidates are committed to them as well as the research. Spaces are limited and there needs to be differentiation between candidates. A tip here is to flatter your interviewers by mentioning what they are proud of about their institutions (easy to find online). Example points to mention:

A world-leading institution with an excellent publication and funding record
Research collaborations that interest you or could benefit you (e.g., close ties with clinical trials or pharmaceuticals companies)
Specific facilities or equipment the university has to offer (e.g., a super-resolution microscope)
The ethos of the university is one you closely align with
Funding programs that come with additional training and funding opportunities for internships and collaborations. Specific benefits outside of the research are the ones you will want to highlight to the funders, to show your commitment not only to the PhD but also to their investment in you.

“What makes you the right candidate for this PhD project?”

This can be a tough question to answer if you have had limited prior experience, but do not be afraid of positively selling yourself. Focus on your determination and desire to contribute to research, your drive for this project, your technical skills, your belief in the impact of the project, and how well suited you are to your supervisor/supervisor’s team.

“What would you like the impact of this project to be?”

Impact in research is mostly measured by publications or obtaining data to apply for further grants. Your ability to discuss this shows your awareness of the research world beyond the microsphere of your PhD. Research is meant to be disseminated via publications and conferences. The immediate impact of your project will not be clear-cut at the start, but you can openly discuss it, which shows a maturity that will benefit you in the interview. Essentially, you want to demonstrate that the proposed project will have an impact beyond the PhD itself and will inform future research.

“What difficulties do you expect to encounter during this project?”

Here you can discuss the specific technical challenges you have identified (e.g., I will need to optimize the culture of these primary cells or I will need to establish a new model to investigate vascular dementia in iPSCs). This shows that you have thoroughly considered the project and are not afraid of facing challenges. If you can, discuss how you plan to overcome these challenges.

“What are your strengths/weaknesses?”

This is another popular interview question and one to prepare. Personalize your answer with examples and use tools like STAR (S-situation, T-task, A-action, R-response) to structure your answer. When discussing weaknesses, you can share how you are working on these, or perhaps put a positive spin on them. Read our interview success blog for general interview tips !

“What do you want to do after your PhD?”

You may not be sure of your future career plans at the time of your interview, but it’s good to prepare a response as this is a common question. Doing a PhD sets you up for an academic career path in research and teaching. Even if this is your plan for your career, emphasize your desire to work in academia and teaching. It is also okay to say you will keep your options open to whatever paths come your way during the 4+ years of your PhD.

“Describe a time you experienced a setback and how you overcame it.”

This is a very common interview question in general and we would advise giving an example in a professional or learning setting rather than a personal one. Plan ahead and respond in a STAR format to help you give a clear and impactful answer. If a similar situation arose again and you dealt with it differently, make sure to highlight this.

“How will you keep yourself motivated throughout the project?”

You can discuss your driving factors behind wanting to do a PhD, and this project specifically. Be open to the knowledge that you will experience peaks and troughs throughout your time as a PhD student – this demonstrates to the interviewers that you’re realistic about the hardships of doing a PhD. Perhaps mention the hobbies (exercise, reading, cooking, etc.) you use to relax outside of work and ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

“What are some recent publications in the field?”

This question is to ensure you have read around your project before the interview and are ready to discuss/summarize some recent publications. This shows your dedication and passion for the PhD project and your preparation for the interview.

“Do you have any questions for us?”

You should have some questions prepared to ask the interviewers. This reinforces your interest and that you are serious about the PhD.

Here are some questions you can ask:

If speaking directly to the supervisor, you can ask project-specific questions or clarifications from the research proposal
Will I have any teaching opportunities?
Are there opportunities and support available to disseminate my work (e.g., conferences, publications)?
What are the training and career development opportunities?
Are there any developments planned for the department or university?

For other tips on careers and life as an early-career researcher, please visit our ECR hub .

Blog written by Lucie Reboud, intern at Proteintech, PhD student in cancer research at the University of Manchester.

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A Guide to Graduate School Applications

A Guide to Grad School Apps

Office of Admissions | Knight Hall 150 1000 E. University Avenue Department 3435 Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-5160 Toll-Free: (800) 342-5996 Fax: (307) 766-4042 Email: [email protected]

Published August 22, 2024 By Audrey M.

Graduate school can be incredibly intimidating. As you begin thinking about applying to a program, it can quickly become overwhelming deciding where you should even begin. Although graduate programs are incredibly diverse, and application requirements will vary from one to another, I’m here to provide some helpful tips and a step-by-step guide that I used to successfully apply to PhD programs myself. My goal is to break down the large process into attainable steps that you can use yourself to get into the program of your dreams!

1. Before Applying

Contrary to popular belief, the graduate school application process doesn’t begin with your application – it actually starts much sooner. Before you begin compiling your application, take the time to research schools, programs, labs, and mentors. It’s also important to take the time to explore your own interests to ensure that you enter a program that is right for you.

Know what you want: Graduate programs can span years of intensive work, so it’s incredibly important that you’re confident in your decision to begin! Explore your interests and career goals to ensure which program is right for you – a master’s? A PhD? Is it possible that your dream job is achievable with your current education level? It’s also important to identify which program you want to enter early on. For example, a PhD in psychology is broken down into a range of specialties that each lead to distinct research areas and career paths. If you’re entering a research-heavy field, start exploring what sparks your curiosity and which specific topics you’d enjoy researching later on. This knowledge will come in handy once you begin crafting your application materials.

Research the schools: You may be wondering where to start when searching for programs across the country – it’s an intimidating thought! Some easy ways to narrow down your list of potential schools are by analyzing location, cost of living in the area, school/class sizes, and program funding. Inspect what feels most important to you – a specific part of the country? A large program? A prestigious research history? – and use this knowledge to craft a list of potential schools.

Find your fit: One area in which graduate programs may differ is how closely you’ll be working with faculty. In some areas of study, you’ll apply directly into a program where you’ll take courses under a variety of professors. For others, you’ll apply to advisor or primary investigator directly, working closely with them in their lab to earn your degree. Either way, once you’ve identified schools that you can envision yourself at, dive into their list of faculty to learn more about advisors in the program. For research-heavy programs, how well your interests fit with those of your advisor is often the biggest predictor of success in the application process.

Reach out and introduce yourself: Once you’ve compiled a list of potential programs and/or faculty advisors, it’s time to introduce yourself! Send a formal email notifying potential advisors of your interest and plans to apply in the upcoming cycle. Feel free to share information about your experiences, future interests, and what initially drew you to them. This step establishes a rapport with people in your field and can help you form a relationship before your official application is submitted.

student smiling at camera with her backpack and tablet

After completing these initial steps, you’ve set yourself up for success when transitioning to compiling your application. Application fees are expensive, and crafting materials to specific schools quickly becomes time consuming. By taking the time to analyze your standards and narrow down your list to a few top programs, you’ve ensured that your time and money will be well spent moving forward.

2. Completing Your Application

Now it’s time to do the heavy lifting and complete your application. Applications can differ from program to program, so take extra care in reading through each program’s requests ahead of time. Across schools, here are some common documents that you can expect to provide:

A curriculum vitae (CV): Your CV is the roadmap of all the experiences you’ve gained before entering a graduate program. Your goal in this document is to express interest in the field while highlighting your relevant skills and knowledge. This document can vary greatly depending on the person and the area of study you are entering, but common sections of a CV are contact information, education, research/clinical experience, teaching experience, honors and awards, memberships and affiliations, publications and presentations, certifications and skills, and references. Although you want your CV to convey your depth of experience, avoid padding this document with filler and only include things that are directly relevant to your program.

A personal statement/academic statement/statement of purpose: This document goes by many names, but essentially serves as a complement to your CV and a place where you can speak more in depth about the ways that your experiences have shaped your goals and interests. The requirements for this document often lie in one of two categories: a free-response, comprehensive personal statement, or a brief list of specific prompts supplied by your program requirements. In this document, it’s important to be both personable and professional, and not to simply restate what you’ve already outlined in your CV. This statement should also individually address the program and advisor it is being submitted to, as opposed to sending in an identical document for every application.

Letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation are a key aspect of graduate applications and provide an avenue for your program to learn about you through the testaments of others. Many schools will request a minimum of three, with others allowing up to five. Ensure that you choose letter writers who are relevant to your program, such as professors, research mentors, or relevant professionals, and who know you well enough to speak to your strengths as an applicant. Individualized, thoughtful letters take time to write, so request letters from your writers earlier than you think!

A writing sample: Some programs will require a writing sample or may suggest it as an optional component of your application. Choose a sample that showcases your strength as a writer, and preferably is applicable to your program – such as a paper related to your specific research interests. Reach out to peers, mentors, or the writing center to proof this sample for any errors before submitting.

Standardized Test Scores: GRE scores are becoming increasingly less essential in graduate applications – many programs have ceased requesting them at all. In my experience, those viewing your application want to get a strong sense of who you are both as a student and a person, and whether or not you’re capable of being successful in their program. Often, your CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are more than enough to paint this picture. Regardless, take the time to study and prepare for these examinations as there’s always a chance that the extra boost may help make the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. And again, emphasis on testing scores may vary widely from one program of study to another.

A diversity statement: An increasing number of programs are adding diversity statements as a core piece of their application requirements. These statements are often around five hundred words, and specific prompts will vary from one program to the next. In general, many will want to know more about your lived experiences and how diversity or hardships have impacted your academic journey. Some programs may also ask you to describe how you will encourage and support diversity if you were to be admitted to their program.

Man sits in a yellow chair working on a laptop computer

Once you’ve assembled the necessary pieces, it is time to apply. Take note of deadlines, paying careful attention to time zone differences, and ensure that your application is submitted on time. You should receive a confirmation email after your application has been received but keep an eye on your inbox in the coming days as programs will be contacting you with updates.

3. After Applying

You’ve submitted your application! First, take the time to decompress and congratulate yourself. Putting together an application is a long and demanding process, and you should be proud to be on the other side. Nevertheless – your journey is not over yet. The next step in the application process is completing interviews with your chosen programs.

Preparing for your interviews: Although it’s impossible to predict exactly what you will be asked in an interview, there are a few areas you can prepare in to feel confident about your future performance. Make sure you are able to articulate your previous experiences, especially in the context of their impact on you as a strong candidate. Prepare an “elevator pitch” consisting of basic information about yourself and your future goals. Take time to research your program/mentor’s history and specialties. It is often also helpful to be knowledgeable of the current research literature in your field.

The interview process: The interview process is another place where programs can vary greatly from one another, but many will follow a two-step process. The first interview is often virtual, conducted over the phone or through a video call service like Zoom. The second round of interviews are more commonly conducted in-person and will require a physical trip to your program’s location as a result. Some programs will only require one interview before rejecting applicants or extending offers. Other schools host “visitation days” in lieu of interview days, where applicants who have been extended an offer are invited to visit the campus and interact with faculty and graduate students.

Managing offers and making your decision: It can be very difficult to decide between programs if you’ve received multiple offers, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer for every applicant. It’s important to ask questions of potential mentors, faculty members, and current graduate students of the program you are considering. When making a final choice, weigh costs, benefits, location, and future potential for success in your decision-making process. Above all, trust your gut, and go wherever feels right for you!

A man interviewing a woman sitting across from each other at a table.

Interviews can definitely be stress-inducing, but your biggest goal at this stage should be gathering information to make an informed decision. Once you’ve made it this far, it’s all about connecting with your potential mentors and determining the best fit for you and your individual goals. At the end of this process, you should feel confident in your final choice of program.

My hope is that this guide to the application process helps clarify the overwhelming thought of beginning graduate school. Setting yourself up for success is a culmination of researching programs, crafting strong application materials, and seeking information to help you feel confident in your final decision. Entering a graduate program after acceptance comes with an entirely new set of challenges to face, but you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’re in the company of many other graduate students just like you . Best of luck!

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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Interview FAQs

Frequently asked questions, where do i park .

Please park in the Admissions Visitor Parking Lot. The location of the interview will be indicated in your confirmation email. Please reference the campus map for more information.

What is the dress code?

While there is no specific dress code, we encourage business casual attire.

What should I bring to the interview?

You are welcome to bring a water bottle and note-taking materials such as a laptop or notebook. However, this is not necessary as light refreshments, pens and paper will be provided. Bringing printouts of your application materials is not necessary.

Do I need to prepare anything ahead of time?

There is nothing academically that you need to prepare ahead of time as you will not be quizzed on your counseling-related knowledge. This interview is an opportunity for you to learn about the program and for our faculty to get to know more about you. Feel free to ask questions and make sure our program is a good fit for your goals.

How long is the interview and is there an agenda?

The day will consist of a variety of different events including a presentation from faculty, small group discussions and one-on-one meetings. The specific times will be noted on your confirmation email and an agenda will be provided the day of the interview.

What if I can’t make this interview or I live out-of-state?

Please email the Office of Graduate Admission at [email protected] as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.

When can I expect an application decision?

Decisions are expected to be released about 2-3 weeks after the final interview date. Please note, often there may be multiple interview dates and decisions do not go out until all interviews are completed.

Contact Graduate Admission

800-257-9026 or 609-896-5036 [email protected] Request information Schedule an appointment Visit us

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Got a Minute?

I was ghosted during the interview process. I feel used and don’t know what to do

By kirstin ferguson, save articles for later.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

Each week, Dr Kirstin Ferguson tackles questions on workplace, career and leadership in her advice column, “ Got a Minute? ” This week: being ghosted during the interview process, changing professions in a difficult job market and an uncomfortable chair causing serious pain.

Any employer should use the opportunity to provide feedback. Credit: Dionne Gain

I’ve been professionally ghosted and don’t know what to do. I’m a government employee and earlier this year, I applied for a job with another government agency. My interview went well, and I am more than qualified, but fast-forward two months and I’ve heard nothing. I’ve left two voice messages and sent two follow-up emails, but I have just noticed they appointed someone internal to the role months ago. I feel used and want to get their feedback, and give my feedback on the process, but I don’t want to burn any bridges. Any advice?

You are not the first to write to this column about the less-than-ideal internal recruitment process within different public service agencies and departments. I am always taken aback that something as basic as a professional recruitment process can be so royally botched. The very least you should expect is to be kept up to date when you diligently comply with a process. It also doesn’t matter whether you were the best person for the role or not, any employer should use the opportunity to provide feedback on areas of development, so you are poised for a new role next time. I don’t think you could have done anything more, and I am wearing my cranky pants now on your behalf for being treated so poorly along the way. Honestly, employers, please do better when anyone shows interest in a role, let alone when it is one of your own people!

I’m a middle-aged, PhD-qualified researcher whose career in fixed-term positions did not recover from the pandemic. I have been unemployed for a year, and it’s obvious that I’m not being given honest feedback after interviews. So, I’ve decided to change careers and gone back to study. However, this new profession is not in high demand. I’m also overweight, and aware women such as myself are disadvantaged in the job market. Is a career change wise, or am I simply racking up more debt that will take me nowhere?

After your study, you will have graduate-level experience in a profession that isn’t in demand. It will be tough to find a role, regardless of the other issues you raise. Even though you will have had decades of experience in the workforce, if those skills are not directly transferable, you will be starting at the beginning again and competing for roles against people much younger. That said, I am a strong believer you will excel at whatever you are passionate about, so all I can recommend is that you go into this career change with your eyes wide open; the transition is likely to be difficult with no guarantee of success. If you can afford to continue to study something you love and see how it pans out, I say go for it.

Our office area was redesigned, and new chairs were ordered. The chairs are cheap, flimsy, and uncomfortable and cause my back a lot of pain after an eight-hour day, as I have a herniated disc in my spine. I informed the HR and OHS manager, who said all the chairs need to be the same shade of red and a different type of chair is not an option. She said that no one else in the department has complained, and told me to buy a cushion to sit on. I feel so belittled. My work is up to standard and I receive very positive performance reviews, so it’s not a reason to resign, but I do not want a long-term back injury. I have already called in sick a few times as I can not sit on the chair anymore.

Your HR and OHS manager is going to look pretty silly when they receive a WorkCover claim – from you or perhaps someone else – and they argue they couldn’t provide appropriate chairs because of the colour. Your employer is legally obliged to provide you with the equipment you need to undertake your job safely. Seek your doctor’s advice on what kind of support your back condition requires for long days at a desk. Take that to your employer and let them know they need to work with you to source a more appropriate one.

To submit a question about work, careers or leadership, visit kirstinferguson.com/ask (you will not be asked to provide your name or any identifying information. Letters may be edited).

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What Is 'Popcorn Brain'? Psychologists Share The Signs, Potential Causes, And How To Manage It

And yes, it's different than ADHD.

psychologists say popcorn brain refers to scattered thoughts and distraction caused by technology

“‘Popcorn brain’ is this idea that, like popping popcorn, our thoughts are scattered,” says clinical psychologist and yoga therapist Leslie Daly, PhD. “Because of all the media we're consuming and the time we're spending on internet-driven tasks, we're having a harder time staying focused,” she says. “We're feeling like our mind is floating all over the place.”

Popcorn brain is not a clinical term, so you won’t find it in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the standard classification of mental disorders in the U.S. It’s also important to note that popcorn brain is not the same as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a formal diagnosis involving a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning.

However, even without a formal diagnosis, it is important to address digital media overuse and dwindling attention spans that come with it, says clinical health psychologist Jennifer Wolkin, PhD. It can lead to not-so-healthy consequences, like reduced physical activity, eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and sleep disruption.

So, if you’re barely keeping up with all of your group chats, work projects, and responsibilities and suspect you might be dealing with popcorn brain, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know about the phenomenon, how to address it, and when it may be time to talk to a professional if your lack of focus is interfering with your everyday life.

Meet the experts: Leslie Daly , PhD, is a clinical psychologist, C-IAYT certified yoga therapist, certified EMDR therapist, and staff psychologist at The Center for Motivation and Change . Jennifer Wolkin, PhD, is a clinical health psychologist and the founder of the bespoke BrainCurves® Practice. Lauren Cook , PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, author, and the founder of Heartship Psychological Services .

What is 'popcorn brain'?

The term “popcorn brain” was incidentally coined in 2011 by David Levy , a quality-of-life researcher and professor emeritus at the University of Washington Information School. Levy used the term off-the-cuff in an interview to describe a universal lack of focus, but did not expect it to go viral. Levy stays off social media himself and was shocked when he learned the term gained so much traction, he tells WH .

Living in the age of technology has led people to get more distracted over time, Levy says. He likens the image of our racing thoughts to popcorn popping on the stove. “We can all recognize those times when we’re unable to focus because we’re so distracted,” he says. “Those popcorn kernels start popping in the popper—that’s the image of our thoughts and feelings running wild.”

Popcorn brain looks different for everyone and its intensity may depend on a variety of factors, says Wolkin. How often you consume media, how stimulating the media is, and whether or not you are multitasking with multiple devices can all impact the “popcorn” effect, she says.

Typical signs of popcorn brain may include the following, according to Wolkin:

Scattered thoughts
Feeling disinterested in or disconnected from others
Quickly switching between topics in conversations
Frequent distraction
Inability to complete tasks
Mental exhaustion
General overwhelm

What causes 'popcorn brain'?

The most common cause is the overuse of technology. Social media, apps, and other technologies activate the brain’s reward system and prime your brain to constantly expect a reward, Daly says. For example, the more “likes” you get on an Instagram post, the more excited your brain gets, the better you feel, and the more you want those good feelings to continue. When your brain is unoccupied, it tends to want a “hit” of this positive feeling over and over.

The official term for this is intermittent reinforcement , Daly says, which means the brain is being rewarded at irregular intervals. Almost all of the content you consume on your devices provides a type of intermittent reinforcement, whether it’s comments on a TikTok video you post or how many likes you got on a selfie. This repeated, but inconsistent, reinforcement can make you crave your phone and those “quick hits” more often, which means everyday tasks that need your attention may take a backseat. Even the mere presence of a cell phone nearby can result in lower attention and cognitive performance if you’re trying to complete a task, a 2023 study in Scientific reports found.

Another potential reason for popcorn brain is that the collective attention span is decreasing. The more content is produced, the more there is to consume—and the more limited your attention span can become, per a 2019 study in Nature communications .

While a lack of long-term studies make it hard to truly know if attention spans have declined, half of adults believe their attention spans are getting shorter, according to an online survey of the U.K. public conducted by the Centre of Attention Studies at King’s College London. And 73 percent reported that various forms of media pose “nonstop competition” for attention.

What is the difference between 'popcorn brain' and ADHD?

Popcorn brain is a result of your environment and your brain’s reaction to it, whereas ADHD is a chronic neurological developmental disorder, Daly says. An estimated 7 million (11.4 percent) U.S. children aged three to 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a 2022 survey of parents conducted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number increased by one million compared to surveys done in 2016. ADHD is primarily diagnosed and treated during childhood, but a review of 57 studies across the globe concluded about 3.1% of adults currently struggle with ADHD.

ADHD symptoms vary depending on the person and if they have the hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive/distractible type or combined type of the disorder. A person with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may have a hard time staying still, fidget often, interrupt others, lose or forget things often, blurt out answers and be more willing to take risks, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine . They may not have as much trouble paying attention. A person with inattentive ADHD may have a short attention span, be forgetful, have difficulty studying and organizing themselves, or have a hard time listening to others and paying attention to detail, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. The combined type includes a mix of these symptoms.

With popcorn brain, you’ll likely experience scattered thoughts and have trouble focusing, but it’s not tied to a formal diagnosis of ADHD.

How To Prevent And Manage 'Popcorn Brain'

If you suspect you’re dealing with an everyday case of popcorn brain, here are some tangible ways to manage it.

Break your goals down into smaller tasks.

To manage symptoms of popcorn brain, you might want to try a strategy called “chunking,” which means breaking down tasks into smaller pieces, says Lauren Cook, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, author, and the founder of Heartship Psychological Services. “A lot of people get lost in these huge goals that they have for themselves, then they get way too overwhelmed. The more that you can break it [the task] off into bite-sized pieces, the better,” Cook says.

For example, tackling your entire to-do list at work may feel completely overwhelming right now. But if you focus on just one task at a time, working your way through the list may feel more doable. Or, if you have ten emails to send, start with one instead of trying to tackle all of them at once.

Work on regulating your nervous system.

Practicing meditation and other nervous system-regulating practices during the day is also helpful, Wolkin says. Mindfulness practices like meditation are associated with reliable positive changes in attention, specifically when it comes to impulse control, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Mindfulness .

Meditation trains the [brain] to give all of its attention to something at once and allows you to practice “just being.” For example, if you’re stressed out about your neverending to-do list, it may be helpful to take a walk outside and focus on the cool breeze for a few minutes. Book a sauna appointment, try yoga or tai chi , or even incorporate something like mindful eating into your routine to cultivate more present-moment awareness and reduce stress.

Practice distress tolerance skills.

Distress tolerance skills, like writing down your thoughts, are used in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), a type of talk therapy that helps people shift their behavior to better regulate their emotions, according to Yale Medicine . So, with popcorn brain, while it may feel uncomfortable to not address your “popcorn-like” thoughts immediately—like the impulse to check email or text your group chat while you’re trying to focus on a project—writing it down gives your brain reassurance that you will return to it later.

Take screen breaks and develop "mindful media" practices.

These practices include giving yourself time in the morning before checking your phone or computer, using one device at a time, putting devices away one hour before bed, and incorporating non-screen activities and digital media breaks into your schedule. “I like to think of these tools as part of a larger mindfulness practice and as a way of mindfully living,” Wolkin says.

Daly says you might take a break during certain hours of the day or set an auto-lock on certain apps you tend to use a bunch. It can also help to take a complete break from apps or devices that are distracting you and you can realistically live without, Daly says. “If you're playing a game, give yourself an end date and delete it,” she says.

When To See A Doctor Or Psychologist

Signs that it’s time to see a doctor or psychologist for popcorn brain include physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, eye strain, or even an increased desire for a nightly glass of wine to tame your racing thoughts, says Cook. If you notice increased stress, anxiety, sadness, or even a decline in academic or professional success, these may also be signs to seek help, Wolkin says.

Additionally, feeling lonelier than usual or more disengaged from close friends and family can be a subtle sign that popcorn brain is sucking you into electronics and away from relationships, Cook says.

The good news is, because popcorn brain is usually a result of your environment, reduction in digital media use can lead to significant relief, Wolkin says. But if your inability to focus is taking a toll on your daily life, it may be time to bring it up with a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. To find a provider, you can ask your primary care doc for a referral, search for in-network providers via your insurance, or find a licensed therapist on platforms like Psychology Today , Inclusive Therapists , and Open Path Collective .

It’s time to take your brain back from the devices.

Sela Breen (she/her) is the 2024 summer editorial intern at Women's Health . She is a rising senior at Northwestern University, where she studies journalism, international studies and theatre. She previously interned at Dotdash Meredith, worked on the Northwestern campus magazine and contributed to the Northwestern Medill Investigative Program.

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SportsbookWire

What can UNC basketball expect from Jalen Washington, Tar Heels’ frontcourt this season?

Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram aren’t walking through the Smith Center doors with UNC basketball jerseys this season.

Bacot and Ingram accounted for 707 of the Tar Heels’ 1,520 rebounds in a season that saw UNC win the ACC regular-season championship before snagging a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Fifth-year senior RJ Davis, who finished third on last season’s team with 134 rebounds, touched on that topic in an exclusive interview with The Fayetteville Observer in late July.

With Bacot, Ingram and Cormac Ryan (102 rebounds) gone, Davis and Jae’Lyn Withers (133) are the only returning Tar Heels who eclipsed 100 rebounds last season.

“Rebounding has always been such a high emphasis for Carolina. I think one thing that Coach Davis always says in the locker room, even before games, ‘It’s not a Armando Bacot rebounding game, it’s a UNC rebounding game,’ ” Davis said.

“We have the potential, we have the talent to be really good. I think we’re all just going to have to dial in as far as rebounding the basketball. We have a really good backcourt and frontcourt. Armando being the all-time leading rebounder, he’s gone now, so it’s a good chance for us as a team to step up the rebounding with everyone getting a chance to get their rebounds.”

Here’s a look at the eight players in UNC’s frontcourt for the 2024-25 season, and what the Tar Heels can expect from each of those forwards.

Jalen Washington

Entering his junior season, arguably no player on UNC’s roster will enter the year with more pressure than Washington. A 6-foot-10, 230-pound forward, Washington figures to be the Tar Heels’ best bet to pick up Bacot’s minutes. After averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game, Washington will be asked to do a lot more this season. He’s still vying for his first double-double performance.

Jae’Lyn Withers

Arguably UNC’s best athlete and most versatile defender, Withers averaged 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game last season. One of the Tar Heels’ top options off the bench, Withers had a plus-minus stat of +168, which was the highest among the reserves. Across his last seven games, the 6-foot-9 graduate student averaged 6.1 rebounds. Withers had a season-high 16 points and 10 rebounds against Wagner in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Like Washington, Withers is UNC’s best bet to be among the team’s leading rebounders.

RJ DAVIS EXCLUSIVE:

UNC’s top-ranked addition from the transfer portal, Tyson was mainly brought in for his ability to knock down shots. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 15 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in two seasons at Belmont, knocking down 44.1% of his 3-pointers. After not pulling down at least nine rebounds in any games as a freshman, Tyson had five games with nine or more rebounds as a sophomore.

Ven-Allen Lubin

After swinging and missing on several prospects in the post, UNC landed a proven forward in Lubin. The Vanderbilt transfer is a bit undersized as a 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward, but he averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Commodores. Lubin, who has a 7-foot-1 wingspan, had five double-double performances across 26 games last season. He missed six games because of a groin injury as a sophomore, but averaged 23 points and 10.5 rebounds in the final two games of Vandy’s season.

Drake Powell

A 6-foot-6 wing, Powell has a chance to make an instant impact as a defender and rebounder because of his length and athleticism. The five-star recruit has impressed scouts throughout the summer, so there’s no reason to believe that trend won’t continue in Chapel Hill. With the motor to match his infectious energy, Powell could be among UNC’s best rebounders as a freshman.

Tyzhaun Claude

A late addition from the transfer portal, Claude improves UNC’s depth on the interior as a veteran presence capable of eating minutes and gathering boards. A 6-foot-7, 226-pound forward, Claude averaged 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds across 32 games last season at Georgia Tech. In ACC play, Claude led the league in offensive rebounding percentage (16%). He might not get a bulk of the minutes, but Claude can provide UNC with a boost on the boards.

Zayden High

Even as a freshman, High carried himself with a confidence that is rare for young players. The 6-foot-9 sophomore played sparingly across 23 games, but there will be an opportunity for minutes in the frontcourt because of so many new faces. If High can get better defensively and take advantage of some early opportunities, he could be a surprise contributor in the post.

James Brown

One of three freshmen joining the Tar Heels, Brown is a 6-foot-9 forward from Chicago. Given the departures of Bacot and Ingram, Brown could get thrown into the fire early to see what he can handle on the interior. But with older players in front of him, this will likely be a season of learning for the young big man.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at [email protected] or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.

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