Top Grad School Interview Questions to Prepare You for Success

Graduate school interviews are a critical part of the application process at many institutions. While they can feel intimidating, interviews provide a valuable opportunity for applicants to showcase their strengths and learn more about the program they have applied to. Making it to the interview stage is already an achievement, signaling that the admissions committee sees potential in your application.

An interview allows the school to get to know you beyond your written application, assessing qualities such as interpersonal skills, motivation, and fit within the program. It also offers you a chance to ask questions and determine if the graduate program aligns with your academic and career goals. Preparing well for the interview is essential to make a positive impression and increase your chances of acceptance.

Why Graduate School Interviews Matter

Graduate school interviews are more than just formalities; they are a significant step in the admissions process. Schools typically only invite candidates they seriously consider for acceptance. This stage provides a two-way evaluation: the school assesses whether the candidate fits the program’s culture and academic standards, while candidates assess whether the program meets their expectations.

The interview is designed to evaluate your communication skills, critical thinking, and passion for your field of study. Admissions committees want to understand your motivations, academic interests, and career goals to determine how well you will integrate into their academic community. Additionally, interviews can reveal personal qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and commitment, which are often not fully visible on paper.

Preparing for Your Graduate School Interview

Proper preparation is key to success in any interview, especially for graduate school. The more prepared you are, the more confident and composed you will feel. Below are essential steps to help you prepare thoroughly for your interview.

Research the University and Program

Start by gathering detailed information about the university and the specific graduate program. Understand the curriculum, faculty members, ongoing research projects, and the program’s unique features. Look for aspects that align with your academic interests and career ambitions.

Knowing about the school’s values, mission, and recent achievements can help you tailor your answers and show genuine enthusiasm. It also prepares you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your engagement and curiosity.

Practice Interview Techniques

Interview skills can be improved through practice. Engage in mock interviews with family, friends, or mentors to simulate the interview environment. Practicing helps you articulate your thoughts clearly and reduces anxiety.

Focus on answering questions succinctly and confidently. Practice explaining your academic background, research interests, and career goals in a way that highlights your strengths and suitability for the program.

Prepare Questions to Ask

An interview is not just about answering questions; it’s also your chance to learn more about the program. Prepare a list of thoughtful questions that reflect your interests and concerns. Questions might cover topics like research opportunities, faculty mentorship, funding options, or career support services.

Asking questions shows that you are serious about the program and helps you evaluate if the institution is the right fit for you.

Confirm Interview Details

Ensure you have confirmed the date, time, and format of your interview. Whether it’s in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing, understanding the logistics will help you avoid last-minute surprises.

Follow any instructions provided by the school, such as dress code or required materials, to present yourself professionally.

Dress Appropriately and Be Punctual

First impressions matter. Choose attire that is professional and appropriate for an academic interview. Arrive early or be ready ahead of time if your interview is virtual.

Being punctual reflects your respect for the interviewer’s time and shows your seriousness about the opportunity.

Manage Anxiety and Build Confidence

Interviews can trigger nervousness, but managing stress is crucial. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization before your interview.

Focus on your preparation and remind yourself of your accomplishments and the reasons you deserve a spot in the program. Confidence will help you communicate more effectively.

Common Graduate School Interview Questions and How to Approach Them

Graduate school interview questions are designed to explore various aspects of your background, motivation, and plans. Understanding these questions in advance can help you prepare meaningful and authentic answers.

Tell Me About Yourself

This question often opens the interview and sets the tone for the conversation. Your response should offer a concise summary of your academic background, key achievements, interests, and personal values.

Avoid reciting your resume. Instead, tell a story that connects your experiences with your goals and the reasons you want to join the program. Tailor your answer to reflect qualities that align with the program’s values.

Why Did You Choose to Apply to Our Program?

Admissions committees want to know if you have done your homework and why you believe their program is a good match. Highlight specific features that attracted you, such as unique courses, faculty expertise, or research facilities.

Explain how these factors will help you achieve your academic and professional objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and knowledge about the program shows that you are committed and serious.

Why Should We Accept You? How Will You Contribute?

This question assesses what makes you stand out from other candidates. Focus on your strengths, achievements, and experiences that will add value to the program.

Mention your academic successes, research experiences, leadership roles, or any unique perspectives you bring. Align your answer with the program’s goals and show how you plan to contribute to its community.

Why Are You Interested in This Field?

Explain your genuine passion for your field of study. Go beyond general statements and share specific reasons why this field excites you.

Discuss what aspects of the discipline inspire you and how they relate to your personal interests or career aspirations. Showing depth of understanding and enthusiasm is key.

More Common Graduate School Interview Questions and How to Respond

Graduate school interviews often explore deeper aspects of your academic interests, experiences, and personal qualities. Preparing thoughtful answers to these questions can help you stand out as a well-rounded and motivated candidate.

What Are Your Career Goals?

Graduate programs want to admit students who have a clear vision for their future and who will benefit from what the program offers. This question allows you to share your long-term professional ambitions and explain how the program fits into those plans.

When answering, be specific about your career objectives. Describe what roles or fields you aim to work in and why. Emphasize how the knowledge and skills gained from the program will help you achieve these goals. This shows that you are focused and have carefully considered your path.

What Are Your Research Interests?

Research is a central part of many graduate programs, so interviewers want to understand your academic interests and how they align with the department’s work. Discuss your past research experiences and your current or future research goals.

Mention faculty members whose work you admire and how their research intersects with your interests. This shows you have done your homework and are eager to contribute to ongoing projects. Be prepared to talk about methodologies, key questions, or challenges related to your field.

Tell Me About a Time You Failed

This question assesses your resilience and ability to learn from setbacks, qualities essential for success in rigorous graduate programs. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you structure your response.

Choose a real example where you encountered a challenge or failure, explain the circumstances, what you did to address it, and most importantly, what you learned. Highlight how this experience helped you grow and become better prepared for future obstacles.

Describe Your Greatest Accomplishment

Your greatest accomplishment reflects what you value and your potential for success. Select an achievement that is meaningful and relevant to your academic or professional journey.

Explain why this accomplishment matters to you, what it involved, and how it relates to your desire to pursue graduate study. This provides insight into your character, motivation, and work ethic.

Where Else Are You Applying?

Interviewers ask this question to gauge your commitment to their program and understand the competitive landscape. Answer honestly but strategically.

Mention a few other programs if applicable, but emphasize why the current program is your top choice. Highlight unique aspects of their curriculum, faculty, or culture that make it especially appealing to you. This reassures the committee that if admitted, you are likely to enroll.

What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?

Graduate programs look for candidates who are balanced and can manage the stresses of study effectively. Sharing your hobbies and interests reveals your personality and helps interviewers see you as a well-rounded individual.

Choose hobbies that demonstrate creativity, teamwork, discipline, or intellectual curiosity. Explain how these activities help you maintain balance and contribute to your overall growth.

What Have You Been Reading Lately?

Your reading choices can reflect your intellectual curiosity and connection to your field. Discuss books or articles relevant to your academic interests or personal values.

Explain why you chose them and what you found interesting or insightful. This shows you are engaged in continuous learning and open to new ideas.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This classic question tests your self-awareness and honesty. When discussing strengths, focus on qualities that will help you succeed in graduate school, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, or effective communication.

When mentioning weaknesses, choose areas that are not central to your academic performance and explain how you are working to improve them. This demonstrates maturity and a growth mindset.

Additional Tips to Prepare for Graduate School Interviews

Beyond practicing questions and answers, several strategies can further boost your readiness and confidence.

Understand the Interview Format

Interviews can vary widely in format: one-on-one, panel, group, virtual, or in-person. Knowing the format in advance helps you prepare appropriately.

For virtual interviews, test your technology beforehand and choose a quiet, well-lit space. For in-person interviews, plan your travel and dress professionally.

Be Ready to Discuss Your Application Materials

Interviewers often refer to your statement of purpose, transcripts, or resume during the interview. Be prepared to discuss any part of your application in detail.

Clarify your academic choices, explain gaps or weaknesses, and expand on your experiences. This shows transparency and confidence in your background.

Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity

Express genuine interest in the program and the field throughout the interview. Positive energy can make a strong impression and help build rapport with the interviewer.

Avoid sounding rehearsed; instead, aim for a natural and engaging conversation.

Follow Up After the Interview

Sending a polite thank-you note after the interview is a professional gesture that reinforces your interest. Mention specific points discussed during the interview to personalize your message.

This can make you memorable and demonstrate good communication skills.

Advanced Preparation for Graduate School Interviews

Once you have covered the basics, advancing your preparation can significantly enhance your performance. Developing a deeper understanding, refining communication skills, and anticipating difficult questions will put you in a strong position.

Deepen Your Knowledge of the Program and Faculty

Go beyond general information about the program by exploring recent publications, ongoing projects, and faculty interests. This will allow you to discuss specifics during the interview and demonstrate your genuine engagement.

Identify professors whose research aligns with your interests and be ready to mention how you hope to contribute or collaborate. This can impress interviewers and show that you have thoughtfully considered how you fit into the academic community.

Prepare to Discuss Your Academic Work in Detail

Be ready to explain your undergraduate thesis, research projects, or coursework relevant to your field. This may involve describing your methodology, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved.

Practice presenting your work clearly and concisely. This not only shows your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, an important skill in graduate school.

Anticipate and Practice Difficult Questions

Some interview questions may challenge you to reflect on weaknesses, conflicts, or ethical dilemmas. Preparing responses in advance will help you remain composed.

For example, questions about failures, gaps in your education, or why you changed your field require honest but thoughtful answers. Use these opportunities to highlight your growth and learning.

Practice Behavioral and Situational Questions

Behavioral questions explore how you have handled situations in the past, while situational questions ask how you might respond to hypothetical scenarios. Examples include teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, or handling stress.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This approach helps you provide clear and compelling responses that demonstrate your skills and character.

Develop Your Narrative

Create a cohesive story that connects your background, experiences, and motivations to your goals and the graduate program. This narrative should feel authentic and highlight key themes that define you as a candidate.

Being able to tell this story naturally during the interview can make your answers more memorable and impactful.

Interview Etiquette and Professionalism

How you conduct yourself during the interview is as important as what you say. Good etiquette conveys respect, maturity, and professionalism.

Be Polite and Courteous

Greet your interviewer(s) warmly and thank them for the opportunity. Maintain polite language throughout and avoid interrupting.

Show appreciation for their time and insights, which helps build a positive rapport.

Listen Carefully and Respond Thoughtfully

Pay close attention to each question and pause briefly before answering to collect your thoughts. If you do not understand a question, it is acceptable to ask for clarification.

Thoughtful responses show that you are engaged and considerate.

Maintain Appropriate Body Language

If the interview is in person or video-based, body language plays a key role. Sit upright, maintain eye contact, and avoid distracting movements.

A calm and confident posture helps reinforce your verbal communication.

Manage Time Wisely

Keep your answers concise but complete. Avoid long-winded responses that may lose the interviewer’s attention.

Balance thoroughness with brevity, focusing on the most relevant points.

Be Honest and Authentic

Honesty is crucial. If you do not know the answer to a question, admit it rather than guessing. Interviewers appreciate authenticity and a willingness to learn.

Avoid exaggerating or fabricating experiences.

Handling Virtual Graduate School Interviews

With the increasing use of technology, virtual interviews have become common. Being prepared for this format requires extra attention to technical and environmental factors.

Test Your Equipment and Internet Connection

Ensure your computer, camera, microphone, and internet are working well before the interview. Conduct a trial run with a friend or family member to check sound and video quality.

Having a backup plan in case of technical difficulties is also advisable.

Choose a Quiet, Professional Setting

Select a quiet room with good lighting and a neutral background. Minimize interruptions from people, pets, or phones.

Dress as you would for an in-person interview to maintain professionalism.

Maintain Eye Contact and Engagement

Look into the camera when speaking rather than at the screen. This simulates eye contact and helps build connection.

Nod and smile appropriately to show active listening.

Manage Distractions and Focus

Close unnecessary applications on your computer and silence notifications. Keep notes nearby for quick reference, but avoid reading directly from them.

Staying focused will ensure a smooth and polished interview.

Final Preparation for Graduate School Interviews

As your interview day approaches, the final stages of preparation can make a significant difference. This phase involves refining your answers, organizing logistics, and mentally preparing to present your best self.

Review and Refine Your Responses

Go over the common and advanced interview questions you have prepared. Practice delivering your answers aloud to ensure they sound natural and confident rather than rehearsed.

Consider recording yourself or conducting mock interviews with friends or mentors who can provide constructive feedback. Pay attention to clarity, tone, and pacing. Adjust your responses as needed to highlight your strengths clearly and concisely.

Organize Your Materials

Prepare any documents or materials you may need during the interview. This could include a copy of your resume, transcript, statement of purpose, or a list of questions for the interviewer.

Having these materials organized and easily accessible will help you feel more confident and prevent scrambling during the interview.

Plan Your Interview Day

If your interview is in person, plan your route and timing carefully. Aim to arrive early to allow for unexpected delays and to give yourself time to relax before the interview begins.

If your interview is virtual, set up your space well in advance. Check lighting, background, and technology. Dress professionally from head to toe to help put yourself in the right mindset.

Manage Your Mindset and Stress

Approach your interview with a positive and growth-oriented mindset. Remind yourself that the interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. The goal is mutual understanding — the program wants to know if you fit, and you want to see if the program suits your goals.

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to reduce anxiety. A calm and focused mind will help you think clearly and communicate effectively.

Crafting Strong Sample Answers

Preparing specific sample answers can serve as a useful guide during your interview preparation. Below are examples for some common questions, illustrating how to structure your responses.

Tell Me About Yourself

Start with a brief overview of your academic background, then highlight key experiences that relate to your chosen field. Connect these to your future goals and motivations for applying to the program.

Example:
“I completed my undergraduate degree in biology, where I developed a strong interest in molecular genetics through both coursework and a research project on gene expression. I also volunteered at a local hospital, which deepened my desire to contribute to healthcare through research. This program’s focus on translational medicine aligns perfectly with my goal to work at the intersection of laboratory research and clinical applications.”

Why Did You Choose This Program?

Demonstrate specific knowledge about the program and explain how it fits your academic and career objectives.

Example:
“I am impressed by your program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research, particularly the collaboration between the biology and engineering departments. This unique approach aligns with my interest in developing biomedical devices, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with Professor Smith, whose research on biomaterials has been influential in my studies.”

What Are Your Career Goals?

Clearly articulate your long-term plans and how the program supports them.

Example:
“My goal is to become a clinical researcher focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. This program’s strong clinical partnerships and focus on patient-centered research will provide the skills and experience I need to contribute effectively to this field.”

Tell Me About a Time You Failed

Use the STAR method to explain the situation, how you responded, and what you learned.

Example:
“In my third year, I struggled with time management during a group research project (Situation). I was responsible for data collection, but underestimated the time required (Task). I communicated with my team, sought advice from my advisor, and restructured my schedule to catch up (Action). Although we had to extend the project timeline, I learned the importance of realistic planning and clear communication (Result). This experience has made me more proactive and organized.”

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

Be honest and reflective, focusing on professional strengths and growth areas.

Example:
“One of my key strengths is analytical thinking; I enjoy dissecting complex problems and finding innovative solutions. I am also a strong communicator, which helps in both collaborative projects and presenting research. As for weaknesses, I sometimes take on too many tasks at once, but I have been working on prioritizing and setting realistic goals to improve my focus.”

Effective Post-Interview Follow-Up

After your interview, following up is an important step that can reinforce a positive impression and keep you memorable to the admissions committee.

Send a Thank-You Email

Within 24 to 48 hours after your interview, send a polite and concise thank-you email to your interviewer(s). Express gratitude for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the program.

Mention specific topics from the interview that you found interesting or valuable. This personalization shows attentiveness and genuine interest.

Reflect on Your Interview Experience

Take notes on the questions asked, your responses, and any moments you felt went well or could be improved. This reflection will help you prepare for future interviews or additional rounds.

Stay Patient and Positive

Admissions decisions can take time. Use this period to continue building your skills and knowledge. If you applied to multiple programs, keep track of deadlines and follow-up opportunities.

Prepare for Possible Next Steps

Some programs may invite you for a second interview, a campus visit, or additional assessments. Be ready to respond promptly and continue demonstrating your enthusiasm and preparedness.

Additional Tips for Success

Maintain Professionalism in All Communications

From emails to phone calls, maintain a courteous and professional tone. This consistency strengthens your overall candidacy.

Be Yourself

Authenticity resonates with interviewers. While preparation is essential, avoid memorizing answers verbatim. Aim for genuine conversations that reflect your personality and passion.

Use Feedback to Improve

If possible, seek feedback from mentors, peers, or past interviewers. Constructive criticism can help refine your approach and boost confidence.

Build a Support Network

Connect with current students or alumni from your target programs. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and insider tips.

With thorough preparation, thoughtful responses, and a professional approach, you can navigate graduate school interviews confidently. Remember, the interview is an opportunity to present your best self, connect with the program, and take a meaningful step toward your academic and professional goals.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Your Graduate School Interview Journey

Graduate school interviews represent a pivotal moment in your academic career, marking the transition from applicant to potential student. Preparing thoroughly for these interviews can be the difference between admission and rejection. The experience is not just about answering questions correctly but about showcasing who you are, what drives you, and why you are an excellent fit for the program.

The Importance of Preparation

The foundation of success in any graduate school interview is comprehensive preparation. This begins long before the interview date and requires a commitment to self-reflection, research, and practice.

Preparation allows you to approach the interview with confidence, reducing anxiety and enabling clear communication. It also ensures you can articulate your motivations and qualifications in a way that aligns with what the program values. Admissions committees look for candidates who are not only academically capable but also well-informed, passionate, and self-aware.

Spend time understanding the program’s curriculum, faculty research interests, culture, and any unique aspects that distinguish it from other programs. This insight will allow you to tailor your answers and questions, demonstrating your genuine interest and fit.

Cultivating Self-Awareness and Authenticity

Graduate schools seek students who bring authenticity and self-awareness to their academic pursuits. They want to understand your narrative — the journey that brought you to this point and the vision that drives your future.

Reflect deeply on your academic and professional experiences, your strengths and weaknesses, and what you have learned from successes and setbacks. This self-awareness will help you answer questions honestly and thoughtfully.

Authenticity means being yourself during the interview rather than delivering rehearsed or insincere answers. Authentic responses help build rapport and trust with interviewers. They can see when candidates are passionate and genuine, which often outweighs perfectly polished but hollow answers.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

The graduate school journey is inherently challenging, demanding intellectual rigor, resilience, and adaptability. Embracing a growth mindset — the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work — is essential.

When discussing your experiences, especially those involving failure or difficulties, frame them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Highlight how challenges have strengthened your skills and prepared you to succeed in graduate study.

A growth mindset demonstrates to interviewers that you are prepared for the demanding nature of graduate programs and are likely to persevere through obstacles.

Effective Communication Is Key

Your ability to communicate clearly and confidently plays a critical role in your interview success. This involves more than just verbal skills; non-verbal cues like body language, eye contact, and tone also contribute.

Practice expressing complex ideas in simple, understandable terms without losing depth. This skill is crucial for graduate students who will be expected to present research, collaborate with peers, and teach or mentor others.

Listening actively during the interview is equally important. Engage with the interviewer’s questions and comments thoughtfully, showing that you value the dialogue rather than merely delivering prepared speeches.

The Value of Mock Interviews

Simulating the interview experience through mock interviews is one of the most effective ways to prepare. These practice sessions help you become comfortable with common questions, identify areas for improvement, and receive feedback on your communication style.

Consider recording yourself to observe your body language and tone. Practice with people who can provide honest and constructive critiques, such as mentors, professors, or career counselors.

Mock interviews also build mental stamina, helping you maintain composure during the real interview, especially if it lasts an extended period or includes multiple interviewers.

Researching Faculty and Their Work

Graduate programs are often closely tied to faculty expertise, so knowing the professors’ research areas can be a major advantage. Familiarize yourself with recent publications, ongoing projects, and faculty interests.

When possible, mention specific faculty members during your interview to demonstrate your sincere interest in collaboration and your fit within the department’s research community. Discussing how your goals align with their work adds depth to your application and signals your readiness for graduate-level research.

Crafting Your Questions

Interviewers usually invite candidates to ask questions toward the end of the interview. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your priorities and show you have done your homework.

Avoid questions with answers easily found on the program’s website. Instead, ask about mentorship styles, research funding opportunities, the graduate student community, or career outcomes for alumni. These questions help you gather important information and leave a positive impression.

Managing Stress and Building Confidence

Nervousness before an interview is natural, but managing stress effectively can improve your performance. Develop a pre-interview routine that calms you, such as deep breathing exercises, light physical activity, or positive visualization.

Visualize yourself confidently answering questions and engaging in a positive dialogue. This mental rehearsal can boost self-assurance and reduce anxiety.

Remember that the interviewers want you to succeed. They are interested in learning about you and seeing if you will thrive in their program. Keeping this perspective can help shift anxiety into excitement.

Dressing and Presenting Yourself Professionally

Appearance and demeanor contribute to first impressions. Dress professionally, even for virtual interviews, to signal respect for the process and seriousness about the opportunity.

Maintain good posture, smile naturally, and greet interviewers warmly. Small gestures like these create a welcoming atmosphere and demonstrate interpersonal skills valued by graduate programs.

Handling Difficult or Unexpected Questions

Interviews sometimes include challenging questions designed to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These may involve ethical dilemmas, hypothetical scenarios, or reflections on failures.

When faced with difficult questions, take a moment to think before answering. Structure your response clearly, and if unsure, be honest about your thought process.

Using frameworks like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you organize your answers to behavioral questions effectively.

The Role of Follow-Up

Following up after your interview is not only polite but strategic. A concise thank-you email expressing appreciation reinforces your interest and professionalism.

Use the follow-up to reiterate key points about why the program is a great fit for you. Avoid lengthy messages; keep them focused and sincere.

Learning from Every Interview

Regardless of the outcome, treat every interview as a learning experience. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved.

Seek feedback when possible and incorporate lessons learned into future interviews. This continuous improvement mindset will serve you well in academic and professional settings beyond graduate admissions.

Beyond the Interview: Preparing for Graduate School Success

Successfully navigating the interview is just the beginning. Once admitted, graduate school presents its challenges that require time management, resilience, and adaptability.

Develop strong relationships with faculty and peers, seek mentorship, and engage actively in research and coursework. Utilize campus resources like writing centers, career services, and mental health support to thrive academically and personally.

Balancing work, study, and life requires discipline and self-care. Maintaining hobbies and social connections helps manage stress and maintain motivation.

The Bigger Picture: Your Graduate School Experience

Graduate education is a transformative journey that shapes your expertise, worldview, and career trajectory. Approaching the interview with preparation and confidence sets a positive tone for this journey.

Remember, graduate programs are communities where collaboration, innovation, and support drive success. Demonstrating your readiness to contribute to and benefit from this environment is key during your interview.

Final Advice for Success

• Start Early: Begin your interview preparation well before your scheduled date. This allows time to research, practice, and refine your approach.

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with developments in your field. Reading journals, attending webinars, or engaging in relevant discussions can deepen your knowledge and make you more confident.

• Be Organized: Keep a dedicated folder or document with all relevant materials—your resume, transcripts, application essays, faculty research summaries, and practice questions.

• Be Open-Minded: Approach the interview as a two-way conversation. While you want to impress the admissions committee, you also want to determine if the program aligns with your goals.

• Stay Positive: Maintain optimism even if interviews are challenging. Every step is progress toward your goal, and persistence is crucial.

Remember Your Why

Ultimately, your motivation for pursuing graduate school is what fuels your journey. Whether it is to deepen knowledge, conduct impactful research, or prepare for a career, keep this purpose at the forefront.

Let your passion shine through during the interview. Interviewers respond well to candidates who are not only qualified but deeply committed and enthusiastic.