Is it a good idea to have questions ready for a university interview?

I've heard it can be a good idea to have questions ready to ask during a university interview, but I'm unsure of what kind of questions are appropriate or impressive. Any suggestions?

Absolutely! Having well-thought-out questions for your university interviewer is not only a great way to show your interest in the school, but it can also provide you with valuable insights to decide if the university is a good fit for you.

Questions for your interviewer can range from specific details about the academic programs or extracurricular activities you’re interested in, to the campus culture, or their personal experiences if they are an alumnus. However, it's important to avoid questions that you can easily find with a quick Google search or that are readily available on the university's website—you don’t want to give the impression that you haven’t done your research about the school.

Instead, tailor your questions according to your interests and the school's unique characteristics. For instance, if you're interested in a specific academic field, ask about research opportunities within that department, or what kind of support is available to students looking to pursue internships or careers in that field. If there's a unique student organization that caught your attention, ask about how students typically balance these activities with their academic commitments.

A question example may be: "Can you tell me about any unique learning experiences students in the biochemistry department have had that set your university apart from others?" or "I'm really interested in global affairs. Are there opportunities for students to interact with the surrounding community on international projects?"

Remember, university interviews are as much about the school getting to know you as you getting to know the school. Showing that you've done your research and are sincerely interested in the school can make you stand out in a positive light! Just make sure your questions come across as genuinely curious, rather than a strategic move in the interview.