Applying to Ph.D. programs

CBS Proseminar Topic

Fall 2011

• Similar to applying after BA, but some differences– Not just coursework– Your research projects

• Thesis - demonstration of your ability to – Conduct original research– Present written results

• Other research experiences

– Other professional development experiences

– Use your master’s experience to build a focus within an area

• Ph.D. programs aren’t the place to decide what you want to do

Applying after a Master’s program

1. Finish the thesis2. Keep your vita updated3. Prepare your list of schools4. Consider retaking your GRE5. Prepare your list of references6. Visit the school7. Write your statement of purpose8. Apply - don’t miss the deadlines!

Applying Check list

1. Good idea to have at least your proposal done when applying

2. Finish the Master’s before starting the Ph.D. program

1. May not let you in until you do

2. Hard to finish the master’s with all of the new work

1. Finish the Thesis

1. Keep track of all of your professionally related experiences

1. All presentations (posters, talks, papers)2. Specialized training (workshops, lab

experiences, etc.)3. Teaching experience

2. Update regularly1. Get in the habit of checking on a monthly basis

2. Update your vita

1. How many?1. I recommend several (with a range of difficulty)

2. Which?1. Match with advisor

1. Their research interests2. Their prestige, willingness to publish with students

(empirical reports and book chapters)3. Their recent graduates4. Their current graduate students

2. Quality of the program1. How do you tell?

1. Word of mouth, ratings, publications, resources ,grants

3. Money - how well are the graduate students paid?

3. Prepare your list of programs

1. If you are unhappy with your scores take the tests again (hopefully grad school will have helped)

2. Check out the schools that you are applying to.

1. Often they list average GRE scores of applicants

4. Consider retaking GRE

1. Who do you pick?1. Thesis committee chair2. People who know your research skills3. People who know your teaching skills4. People who know people at the prospective

program

2. What do you give your references?1. Written statement2. Vita3. Organized packet including all the letter forms,

clear deadlines, etc

5. Prepare your list of references

1. Why is it important?1. Meet with your future advisor2. Meet with your future graduate student peers3. Demonstrate your initiative4. Put a face to the name on the application5. See the resources available to students6. Get a “feel” of the place

2. Make a virtual visit, send an e-mail to potential advisors

3. Sometimes they’ll pay for your visit

6. Visit the school

1. Spend time with this1. Plan on several drafts2. Get people (especially faculty) to look it over3. Customize: tailor at least part of the statement to

the people/place that you are applying to 4. Keep it relatively brief (don’t go over the space

allotted)5. Proofread (don’t let them read your mistakes)

2. Things to focus on 1. Your research experiences2. Your goals/plans in the profession

7. Write your statement of purpose

1. Don’t miss the deadlines! 2. Allow plenty of extra time for letters, GRE

scores, etc. to get there

8. Apply

1. Applicant is listed as a senior author of a research article.

2. Applicant is sole author on a paper at convention.

3. Applicant has a letter from a prominent mentor.

4. Applicant's personal statement reveals a sustained and focused interest in an area appropriate to your program.

5. Applicant has earned a junior authorship on a research article

6. Applicant is in the top 5 % of the graduating class.

7. Applicant writes very well.8. Applicant includes a research paper

in submitted application package that is relevant to your program focus.

9.Application materials indicate that applicant paid considerable attention to assessing a "match'

10. Applicant is the sole author of a paper presented at an undergraduate research conference.

11. Applicant was a research assistant as an undergraduate.

12. Applicant is a "self-starter" (according to recommenders).

13. Applicant was a junior author of paper at APA, APS or a large regional association convention.

14. Applicant won a departmental award in a research paper competition.

15 Applicant is highly motivated to achieve (according to recommenders).

List of 15 things evaluated

1. Assuming you are accepted to more than one1. Enjoy - now they’re fighting over you2. Visit (especially if you haven’t already)3. Ask questions

1 How would you describe student-faculty relations in your graduate program?

2 Is your potential advisor friendly? What's he or she like?

3 Where have recent graduates of the program recently been employed?

4 Are students in the program publishing? Where have they published?

5 Are students expected to buy their own computers, or are there enough computers available in the campus laboratories to get work done there?

6 What do students do for fun?

7 How many students in the program are married? How many are single?

8 How expensive is it to live in the area?

After you are in

1. Giving recommenders little lead time2. Not doing background work on programs

and potential advisors3. Not considering financial concerns4. Not letting somebody read your personal

statement

Things to avoid doing

• http://www.psychgrad.org/

• http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/5353/classes/gradschool.html• http://online.sfsu.edu/~mgriffin/consider.html• http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=1439• http://www.hds.harvard.edu/careers/tipsheets/phdfaqs.html

Useful resources