This weekend marks the beginning of the GSSIMR recruitment process for the 2020-21 academic year. Each predoctoral candidate visiting the Stowers Institute will have the opportunity to present their research, meet individually with faculty members, tour the Institute, and talk with current predoctoral researchers.

Any interview process can be a stressful one, and no one knows that better than the people who have gone through it. Current predoctoral researcher Tatiana Gaitan recommends researching the labs and investigators ahead of time, getting plenty of rest, and talking with as many people as you can. Her colleague Sarah Gilmour adds, “Ask as many questions as you can, especially when you get to talk to current students.” When it comes to answering questions, Predoc Kaelan Brennan recommends letting your excitement for science show. “If you speak from a place of passion, it really helps keep the nerves and makes one feel more comfortable,” he says.

What kind of questions might come your way? Gilmour says to have a quick response ready for some common questions including:

• Tell me about your research experience.
• Why do you want to go to the Graduate School of the Stowers Institute?

For more tips on preparing for a grad school interview, check out these key questions.