Information to gather about each graduate program

Here I'm listing some things to find out about the graduate programs you're applying to or entering in each school you're considering. First, here are some things you could ask professors or other departmental administrative people:

• How many students were admitted?
• What percentage of students typically finish the program?
• What percentage of students pass the qualifying exams eventually?
• What major things do you need to do to finish your degree?
• What is the average length of time it takes students to complete the program?
• Are there systems in place to make sure students get the support (financial, administrative, research, mentorship, counseling) they may need while working toward their PhDs?

Here are some things to ask graduate students who are in the program:

• How did they get where they are in the program?
• How easy was it for them to find an advisor?
• How easy was it for them to find funding?
• How demanding are the course requirements for the program?
• How early did they start doing research that contributes to their degree?
• Did they switch advisors, or know anyone who did? How easy/hard was this?