Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by Prospective Graduate Students

The following is a list of frequently asked questions about life at the University, and life in the city of Rochester. The answers (edited only for clarity) were provided by current graduate students.

Life in the Department

Q: Are you happy with the types of interactions with faculty and other graduate students that you have concerning issues in the fields of BCS?

Q: Do you feel well supported by the faculty in your current research and program of study?

Q: What kinds of laboratory equipment do you have access to for your research? What kinds of computers do you have access to, both in your lab and in your office?

Q: Do you feel well prepared for the job market?

Q: What are your teaching duties and how time-consuming are they? How beneficial are these teaching experiences and are you provided with appropriate supervision/mentoring?

Q: What are the prospects for funding after the 4-year guaranteed stipend?

Q: Do you interact much with undergraduates? What is your opinion about the quality of the undergraduates?

Q: Do you have much intellectual interaction with graduate students in related departments?

Q: Overall, are you happy with your decision to come into the BCS program?

Life at the University

Q: Is life as a graduate student in BCS what you expected?

Q: Is there much interaction with graduate students in other departments and programs?

Q: What is the political climate like on campus?

Life in Rochester

Q: What is Rochester like? Is it a good place to live?

Q: Is there much crime?

Q: What is the cost of living?

Q: What kinds of cultural activities (theater, music, museums, etc.) are available in Rochester?

Q: What's the local music scene like?

Q: Do you take advantage of proximity to nearby cities (e.g., Toronto which is a 3-hour drive)?

Q: What are the recreational facilities like? Are there good bike paths, parks, etc.?

Q: Are there opportunities close by for getting away from the city, e.g., state parks, etc., for camping and other activities?

top