University of California Berkeley Graduate Program Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 11 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at University of California Berkeley.
University of California Berkeley
Graduate Student
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Presentation Group Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation Group
The interview weekend is packed, but it's a fantastic chance to connect with other students in the department and get a feel for the program and its vibe. The event spans three days: it kicks off with a welcome dinner, followed by a day packed with interviews that wrap up with a dinner involving all the faculty. The final day includes fun excursions with current grad students, topped off with dinner and a grad student party.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Some PIs have serious questions, while others prefer a casual chat, which is nice.
University of California Berkeley
Graduate Student
Entry Difficult Neutral experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Other
I did an online application where I uploaded my undergraduate transcript, GRE scores, and two essays. It was just a normal graduate application process. They asked for 30 words, which is a ridiculous requirement because sometimes there's nothing more to say, but I had to fill up the space.
Confirmed questions0 questions
No confirmed questions were included in this interview report.
University of California Berkeley
Graduate Student
Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Presentation Background check Offer
Interview formats
Presentation Behavioral
After applying to grad school, if accepted, the program covers your visit costs. Unlike some other programs, Chemistry directly admits students. While essays are significant, letters of recommendation and prior research experience are likely more critical. The application process was more challenging than at institutions like Columbia or Penn, but less cumbersome than MIT.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Write about your current statement.
- Detail your previous research statement.
- Elaborate on your diversity statement, noting its uniqueness compared to other graduate schools.
University of California Berkeley Graduate Program Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from University of California Berkeley interview reports.
“What is your motivation for applying to Berkeley?”
Read reports →“What are your goals for this agreement?”
Read reports →“Write about your current statement.”
Read reports →“Could you describe the research areas that interest you?”
Read reports →“Regarding commitment to the program and deadlines, what can you tell me?”
Read report →“Can you tell us about your research interests?”
Read report →“What about your commitment to the program and deadlines?”
Read report →“Can you tell me about your research?”
Read report →“Can you elaborate on your commitment to the program and any deadlines?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 11 University of California Berkeley interview reports.