Teacher Assistants (T.A.'s)
Teacher assistants, also known as TAs, are a major part of the academic atmosphere. You will come into contact with them in classrooms that have many undergraduate students. They typically help collect assignments, grade papers, and give mini-lectures called discussions.
TAs tend to be graduate students. They are students who can be anywhere from their first year to their last year of graduate study, working toward a master’s or doctorate degree. They will usually be doing graduate studies in the same field as the course for which they are a TA.
It’s a good idea to get to know them. They can provide insight into the subject, firsthand experience going through undergraduate studies, and advice about applying to graduate school. Be sure to keep them up to date about your work and any unforeseen events.
They can be nice, but respect that kindness with honesty and coursework.
Questions for TAs might include the following:
TAs tend to be graduate students. They are students who can be anywhere from their first year to their last year of graduate study, working toward a master’s or doctorate degree. They will usually be doing graduate studies in the same field as the course for which they are a TA.
It’s a good idea to get to know them. They can provide insight into the subject, firsthand experience going through undergraduate studies, and advice about applying to graduate school. Be sure to keep them up to date about your work and any unforeseen events.
They can be nice, but respect that kindness with honesty and coursework.
Questions for TAs might include the following:
- What are they studying as a graduate student?
- What year in their program are they in?
- What was their major as an undergraduate?
- Where did they graduate from?
- When did they graduate?
- What internships did they have, if any?
- What research experiences have they had?
- What valuable life experiences have they had?