Questions to Ask School During Interview

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Peloton said:
What questions did you ask schools you were interviewing at (when they asked "do you have any questions for us"?
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Ask them about a program they have. Make sure the program is something you have to do some research to find out about, not some program that is very obvious and on the brochure.

You can also ask what the biggest mistake first years at xcom makes. One of my interviewers liked that question.

Ask questions you want to know.
 
1. What is your name?
2. What is your quest?
3. What is your favorite color?
 
I ask them what motivated them to become faculty at that school, then ask about their moves, what it was like, if they are transplants....human interest stuff. It flows naturally. Just be yourself. Don't try to memorize questions just be interested and it will show through.
 
What is your policy regarding ninja training and level up-ing? And how does one go about getting his voodoo boards certification?
 
Two of my favorites have always been:

1) If you had carte blanche to change anything about your school, what would it be?

2) (For med students) What surprised you the most about medical school? (I've gotten some great answers from this one).

...It's always good to get them to talk about the area and what they love about the school. If the conversation is going badly, get them to talk about themselves--why they got into the specialty they're in, why the ended up at that school, etc.
 
I asked one school why I should choose them over the next school I was scheduled to interview with, assuming I was accepted to both. I told them where I was headed next but I won't name either one here. They didn't really have a good answer for that one.
 
I'm actually half man, half bear, and half pig.

The problem with slowtwitch is not that people crack stupid jokes. Its that there is a huge amount of misinformation, because endurance athletes are too superstitious. They think that if something works for them, then it is gospel, whether it has any basis in reality or not. Like people who think its a great idea to drink a gallon of cranberry juice before a race. But there are also people on there who really do know what they're talking about. You just have to know how to pick them out. It is easy for me, since I have a strong background in kinesiology.

Its also kind of creepy that there are internet people who I don't know who talk about me in real life.
 
A question that I asked at one of my interviews, which I am so glad that I did, was "What is your favorite part about doing what you do?" It was towards the end of the conversation, er uh, interview and I did ask about the interviewer's specific jobs. I hadn't planned or even thought of that one until it came out during conversation.
 
I think that the hallmark of a good applicant is one who is resourceful and on top of everything else. If you are able to convey your interest in their school specifically, you will really set yourself apart. What is something that is changing in the administration that you can inquire on? What are some of the challenges that the school faces going forward? Be specific. If the school is building a new facility - ask about a specific facet of this. This will show that you have done your homework.

Use your intuition during the interview. If you feel that you have made some je ne c'est pas mojo with the interviewers, you can ask a somewhat politically-charged question, which I believe can lead to some interesting energy between you and the interviewers. If you allow them to open up a bit, it allows for deeper connection. They may offer some insight into themselves or the administration - perhaps frustration they themselves feel, or something they are truly passionate about.

Have an opinion. Form it quickly. Never be afraid to voice it. Enjoy yourself!
 
I asked them if there is an open-door policy at the school...how easy it is for students to approach professors with questions during their private time etc. I also asked if most students seemed happy. I told my interviewer that I don't want to be at an extremely cut-throat place where people don't have personalities and are depressed drones. He seemed to like that very much and appreciated the fact that I was honest. He said I was charismatic 😀
 
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