I know that many of us have been wondering what kinds of questions to ask grad students at programs we are interested in, and I have compiled a list of questions I am planning to ask a student in a program I have been admitted to. I have also listed a few extras here and I hope this can be a resource that helps with the blocks that we sometimes face when we are so excited, anxious and overwhelmed that we don't know where to start. :)

( click for list of example questions )

So, after being accepted to one of my top programs (*does a little dance*) I've been in contact with the grad director to set up a visit day for me. She just emailed me the schedule yesterday to see if it looks good to me, and generally it does - meetings with profs, tour of the library, lunch with students, sit in on a class. The thing that I was surprised about was that I'm meeting with *five* professors, and all for 30 minutes each! Now, two are in my subfield, or what I want to be my subfield, so we should have plenty to talk about between their ideas and mine. And one is the grad director, so obviously she gets the questions about the program in general. But the other two? What am I supposed to ask them?? 

Hey there,

I am going on a campus visit and have already received an admissions decision and funding.  At first, I thought the visit would be for the department to scope out applicants for funding, but now everything is settled.

 So my questions:  how was your campus visit when you went?  What did you bring with you, what types of clothes, etc.  Also, what types of activities did you participate in, and how was living with a grad student and professor? Did you sit in on any grad seminars? I am just curious :)

Hi!  Ok, I have a dumb question, I figured this would be the place to ask it.

So, I was unable to visit any of the schools before applying due to, you know, life (hey, when applying to grad schools... who has I life?  I didn't!).  I have received my first acceptance from a school and now that the dizzying optimism has worn off, I'd like to actually visit.  This isn't my first choice school (actually, it's second to last) but I'd like to give it a chance, considering I haven't heard from anyone else yet.

so...

Should I contact the head of the department and say something like, "wow, gee, thanks for accepting me!  I would love to come out and visit the campus and meet some of the faculty" and then organize a day with him?  Is that how this whole thing works?  I'm a poor college kid, is there any chance in hell that they'll pay for it even though they've already accepted me?  How do I ask that question, "Hey, can you pay for this?" Or do I ignore it and consider the trip expenses as "an investment?"

These sound like really dumb questions, but I figured that if this is the same board that answers the "binder clip or staple" question, then this would be the right place for my inquiry. :)

Good luck out there!

Hokay, so I've gotten my first (eep - only?) acceptance, and they want me to come out and visit the campus, learn about the curriculum and meet the faculty at the end of February. I emailed saying it'd be financially difficult, and got an email back saying there was "at least" 350 available for travel for me to come out. I only live about a 6-hour drive away, so the 350 is really generous for a two-day visit.

Here's my question. In my email to the program, I only mentioned transportation, not lodging being an issue - which of course it is (Tucson is cheap, but not super-cheap, and I am still a poor grad student). The professor who wrote me about the funding mentioned (I think) me flying out, but didn't mention anything about me getting to stay in a hotel/inn/whatever's cheapest while I'm out.

Would it be rude/seem greedy of me to write back saying yes yes, I'm definitely interested in coming, and ask if that 350 includes covering a night or two at a local (cheap) hotel/motel? I don't want them to... unaccept me? reject me for funding? ...and I really want to go visit, but funding is something of an issue for me (as is staying with strangers... I have, er, qualms).

What would you folks do? What have you done during visits in the past?

The search function isn't working and I don't remember seeing any recent entries on this topic for this application season.

I've been in touch with a "big-shot" professor who is actually very nice and positive in his e-mails. He even CC'ed his colleague, who then followed up with that e-mail! I wrote both of them back with a few questions and what nots. Both of them did suggest that I visit them if I can. That's really sweet except I live in middle of nowhere with no car :) I wouldn't really mind as I have a friend who goes there for undergrad and it'd be great to see her again.

Then I e-mailed this professor again today just to double check on the program that he wants me to apply to (I had another one in mind but told me to go into this one). He again mentioned that I should try and come and visit him....

What should I do? I don't have any direct connection with this school so everything has to be all on my own. (Other schools- my professors know people in those programs) I finish my semester earlier than most schools so it'd be ideal time in terms of my already busy winter break plans. I don't mind as I'm usually very good with interviews.

Basically, what do you do when a professor highly encourages (or begs) you to visit before the applications are even reviewed?