Cornell University Research Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 25 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Cornell University.
Cornell University
Research Assistant
Entry Easy Neutral experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Take home Technical screen Onsite Panel Group Presentation Background check Offer
Interview formats
Technical Coding System Design Case Presentation Group Other
Applied to grad school, had to pass an interview, submit GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and transcripts from all universities attended. It was pretty easy.
Confirmed questions0 questions
No confirmed questions were included in this interview report.
Cornell University
Research Assistant
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Presentation Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
It was a formal interview over Skype. They asked me about my background, my MS thesis, and my future aspirations. They also asked what makes our school stand out from others in the US. I didn't quite hit the mark with my answer, but they were very nice and shared the answer they were looking for. After that, they went into detail about the PhD project I'd be working on, and we discussed it. The project sounds really exciting and challenging!
Confirmed questions5 questions
- Tell me, why are you interested in Cornell?
- In your opinion, where will you be in 10 years?
- What do you think are the biggest hurdles scholars encounter in our area of study?
Cornell University
Research Assistant
Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Presentation Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
The process starts with a conversation with the principal investigator (PI), followed by lab rotations. It's helpful to email ahead to get connected. You'll have a one-hour interview, then be forwarded to a committee. An offer typically comes a few weeks after. It's a committee-based environment, so reaching out proactively might be less important.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Could you describe your research interests?
- Can you share your previous research experience?
- What are your future career plans?
Cornell University Research Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Cornell University interview reports.
“What distinguishes our university from other institutions across the United States?”
Read reports →“Do you know the details of the insulin pathway in human subjects?”
Read reports →“Did you take the biochemistry lab course?”
Read reports →“What do you think are the biggest hurdles scholars encounter in our area of study?”
Read reports →“In your opinion, where will you be in 10 years?”
Read report →“Tell me, why are you interested in Cornell?”
Read report →“What sparked your interest in the research this lab focuses on?”
Read report →“Can you explain why you selected this particular methodology for your MS thesis research?”
Read report →“What are your goals for joining this research group?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 25 Cornell University interview reports.