phd application preparation

How to Prepare a Strong Graduate School Application

You’ve found the perfect graduate program—one with a world-class faculty whose research excites you, an academic experience that will challenge you, a diverse and inclusive culture, a supportive environment with outstanding faculty and peer mentors, and lots of resources to help you succeed no matter which career paths you want to pursue. Now it’s time to convince that program you are a great match for it as well. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare a strong application:

The process of strengthening your graduate school application starts while you are still an undergraduate. Here is a timeline and suggestions for avenues to explore while you are pursuing your undergraduate degree.

Freshman and sophomore years

• Assess your interests, abilities, and career goals
• Identify a mentor 
• Look into graduate school preparation events (e.g., boot camps, pre-application campus visits, summer programs)

Junior year

• Gather information on graduate programs
• Gather application materials
• Learn about entrance examination requirements and dates
• Investigate application deadlines

Pre-Senior Summer

• Narrow your list of graduate schools
• Investigate funding sources
• Write the first draft of your statement of purpose
• Contact recommendation sources

Senior year (Start Early)

• Select the schools you want to apply to
• Register for entrance exams
• Submit completed applications
• Make arrangements to obtain your transcripts for upload into application (8 weeks before application deadline)
• Make arrangements for entrance exam scores to be sent (8 weeks before application deadline)
• Contact recommenders to request strong letters of recommendation (4-6 weeks before application deadline)
• Prepare final versions of your statement of purpose
• Review federal requirements for financial aid
• Complete and submit applications with required fee (at least two weeks prior to the deadline)
• Your fit with the department or program in terms of research goals, work culture, or other measures
• Relevant research or internship experience
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Undergraduate grades
• Patterns of academic study and relevance of prior coursework to proposed graduate study

Many graduate programs require a personal statement or statement of purpose as part of your application. As you write that statement, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Make the statement about you, your skills, your potential, and your interest in graduate studies in a particular department/program at a particular institution.
• Avoid misrepresentations and grandiose statements.
• Engage the reader using active words.
• Avoid negative or judgmental statements (which usually come across as rude or arrogant).
• Do not describe in detail what you have done. Briefly state and explain what you have learned, how it led to your interests, or how it has prepared you for success in graduate school.
• State why you are interested in graduate school and in a particular field of study.
• Share your motivation and career goals.
• Share why you have chosen to apply to a particular institution.
• If possible, indicate faculty with whom you have an interest to work.
• Do your homework: Know the school. Know the admissions and enrollment statistics for your department or program of interest. Know application deadlines.
• Avoid form essays.
• Follow the application directions and guidelines for each institution.

Most Ph.D. programs require an interview—whether on campus or via videoconference—for applicants they are considering for admission, and some master’s programs may require an interview as well. This is your chance to meet with faculty who might potentially sponsor your graduate study. It’s also an opportunity to gather more information about the program. Here is some guidance to help you make a good impression and get the most out of the experience.

• Before your interview, look closely at the website for the schools and departments you’re applying to. 
• Show that you have done your homework on the program’s faculty’s research and be able to talk about specific faculty whose work interests you.
• Your research interest
• How your educational and professional background has prepared you for graduate study
• Why this particular program would be a good fit for you
• If you are applying to the same institution where you did your undergraduate, why you think that institution (and that program) is still the best program for your graduate study
• Typical funding and how it compares to living expenses in the area
• The program’s teaching or research requirements 
• The departmental culture (e.g., are diversity and inclusion priorities for the department and for the university? Do students from different walks of life feel like they belong?) 
• Resources for professional development and student wellbeing
• The environment of support for graduate students, both in the department and in the university at large
• The point of contact for questions

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• Studying For A PhD

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Applying for a phd: step-by-step guide.

Studying a PhD is a big decision and submitting your application can feel like a long process. Though with the right guidance, applying for a PhD will be a lot more straightforward than you think. 

There is a lot of PhD application advice out there. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PhD. We cover the PhD application process, what you need to consider, what to prepare and how to submit your application.

Follow the steps below to understand everything you need to know when applying for a PhD.

PhD application checklist

• Choose your subject area
• Choose your type of PhD
• Check application deadline
• Draft a research proposal
• Contact potential PhD supervisors
• Check PhD entry requirements
• Check PhD fees and funding
• Make your PhD application
• Submit your PhD application 

In this article, we’re going to look at all these different elements in greater detail to help you with the PhD application process.

1. Choose your subject area

You will be  studying your PhD for a long time – between three- and four-years’ full time and up to eight years part time – so it is essential you choose to study a subject you are passionate about.

Most PhD students study a subject area that they have studied previously, but in much greater detail. Most PhD courses require some previous academic experience in the research area, for example if you choose to study your PhD on William Shakespeare, you are likely to have studied the works of Shakespeare as part of an English Literature masters degree. Similarly, if your PhD research is in a science-based topic it is likely to be going more in depth into a science-related field you studied as an undergraduate and then as a masters student.

However, your PhD does not have to be directly related to your masters degree, for example an English Language masters graduate could expect to be successful if applying to do research in an  English literature PhD if they have achieved the necessary grades.

There are many areas that you can consider when choosing the subject area for your PhD. These could come from the  Arts ,  Humanities , STEM , Social Sciences and  Business .

Research the department at your chosen university to find the perfect PhD program to apply for.

2. Choose your type of PhD

Whilst most PhDs follow a traditional route (completing an independent research project under a supervisor), there are alternatives.

The two main types of PhD include: self-proposed PhD projects and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common and traditional type of doctoral degree, although universities also offer predesigned PhD courses that integrate aspects of taught study.

Make sure you’ve considered your PhD options fully before applying for a PhD. Here are the main differences between self-proposed and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhD projects

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common type of PhD, where students propose and design their own research.

With a self-proposed PhD, the student has a lot of control over their work and can specialise in any area that interests them with the support and approval of their academic supervisor.

Not all self-proposed PhDs receive funding, so applicants will need to make sure they have appropriate funding in place to pursue their self-proposed PhD.

There may also be some additional steps in the application process for self-proposed to ensure success in their PhD application. The student will have to dedicate a lot of time to their PhD application as it will need to include their PhD study proposal.

Predesigned PhD projects (Doctoral Training Centres)

Many universities now have something known as ‘DTC centres’, or ‘ Doctoral Training Centres ’. Many of these are in economic, social or scientific research areas, so if this is your area of interest, PhDs run out of DTC centres are worth exploring, as they can have substantial funding included. 

Predesigned PhD projects are usually slightly longer in course length than most traditional PhDs, as they’re likely to include a year of lectures and a variety of projects in the first year, before choosing to specialise in the second year.

This option is great if you know you want to do a PhD but aren’t entirely certain of what you’d like to do beyond a general area. Best of all, they often offer fully funded  studentships .

3. Check application deadlines

When applying for a PhD it is important to ensure you meet all application deadlines, this includes the deadlines for your PhD application form and PhD proposal as well as any PhD funding deadlines.

Different universities will have different deadlines, and some universities may even have rolling deadlines, this means it is important to check on the website of the university and department you are interested in, to make sure you get your application in on time.

4. Draft a research proposal

It’s important to draft a PhD proposal when you are applying for a PhD. This is a requirement of most self-proposed PhD applications and can also be necessary when applying for other PhDs.

To ensure the success of your PhD research proposal, it’s a good idea to do some research around the subject area before submitting your research proposal. This will give you a better idea of what it is you want to research and will also help you to present your proposal more clearly.

How to write a PhD research proposal

When writing a PhD research proposal, you will need to include the following:

• A TITLE that clearly conveys the theme of your research project.
• The main RESEARCH QUESTION that will be the focus of your research.
• An EXPLANATION of why your research topic is important.
• Brief LITERATURE REVIEW demonstrating your knowledge to answer the question.
• Proposed METHODOLOGY for answering your research questions.
• TIMELINE SCHEDULE of the research project.  

5. Contact potential PhD supervisors

You want to make sure you choose your potential PhD supervisor in plenty of time. Of course, you should always leave plenty of time for any application, but this is especially important for a PhD, as you will often be applying to a particular supervisor who is a specialist in your area of study.

Therefore, you need to ensure you have enough time to research into suitable PhD supervisors and get in contact with them before you apply for the doctorate.

You shouldn’t rush this research, as  getting the most out of your supervisor is the first step to doing well in PhD study – it’s important to make sure you pick the one best for you.

Another important consideration is  where you choose to study . You’ll want to look at the department’s reputation, and to make sure it excels in research in the area you intend to study do you get the support you need.

6. Check PhD entry requirements

To be eligible to study a PhD, you will usually need a  masters qualification in the subject area or in a closely related subject to the subject upon which you wish to base your PhD research.

However, entry requirements will differ depending on the university, so it is important to check the PhD eligibility requirements of the PhD and university that you are interested in studying at.

Applying without a masters

Some PhD courses will allow you to apply without a masters degree although you will need a bachelors degree. These are only usually offered as integrated masters and PhD programs which include a year of masters study before PhD.

Applying for a PhD as an international student  

If you are an international student applying to study a PhD in the UK, check the  visa requirements that you need to meet.

To apply for a PhD in the UK, international students need a Student Route visa.

The Student Route visa is a points-based visa system for all international students – including EU, EEA and Swiss students – who want to study in the UK. This has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You can apply for a  student visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
• You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
• You can speak, read, write and understand English – you may need to prove this through a recognised English language test.

Student visas can only be issued for certain courses, and if your course is eligible, your education provider (Student sponsor) will give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you use to apply for a student visa.

The earliest you can apply for a student visa is six months before the start date of the course.

7. Check PhD fees and funding

Before committing to PhD study, it is important to check the PhD tuition fees and these will differ depending on the university and the course.

PhD tuition fees in the UK will be more expensive for international students than for home students. Tuition fees in the UK usually range from £3,000-£6,000 per year for home students and up to £18,000 per year for international students.

As a PhD student you will need to cover tuition fees, living expenses and any other unforeseen costs.

PhD scholarships and studentships are available, as is funding from various research councils, so make sure you investigate all your options and find out what financial help is available.

Funding your PhD

There are various funding options available to PhD students – here are the main ones:

University funding – some universities offer alumni funding support for students continuing their studies at their university. Check funding webpages for details.

PhD loans –  PhD loans are available from the  UK government .

PhD scholarships – many universities and companies offer  PhD scholarships , this includes our  Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries .

PhD studentships –  PhD studentships at your university are a great option as they usually include a stipend that covers full PhD tuition fees and some living costs.

Research councils – there are seven research councils in the UK that can provide funding for PhD students, these are:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• Economic and Social Research Council
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
• Medical Research Council
• Natural Environment Research Council
• Science and Technology Facilities Council . 

Their funding can come as PhD studentships.

Self -funding – as a postgraduate student, you may have saved up money through work to enable you to  self-fund your PhD.

Don’t just apply to the standard big research funding bodies, but do your research and look into charities too. There are plenty of funds, foundations and other sources of money available to people with the right interests – and you might just be one of them!

8. Making your PhD application

Now you’ve done most of the preparation for your application, what about the actual application for a PhD? What does it involve?

When applying for a PhD, you usually apply directly to the university, rather than via a third party such as  UCAS .

PhD applications will differ from university to university, so check on the admissions page of the course you are interested in to make sure you include everything they ask for. You are likely to have to include:

• Completed application form
• Research proposal
• Personal statement
• Academic CV
• Academic references
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Student visa documentation

Ideally, you should have already contacted your intended supervisor and talked about it with them, via email or perhaps in person. They will give you a run through of everything to include in your application to help ensure you don’t leave anything out by mistake. 

You should ensure that you’re not too modest in applying for a PhD! If you’ve been published in a relevant area, or if you did exceptionally well or presented a particularly successful paper at a conference, mention it. You don’t need to brag, but you shouldn’t hide your achievements either.

PhD interviews

Unlike with bachelors degrees and many masters degrees, you will probably need to have a PhD interview as part of your application. If you’ve not had a university interview before, make sure you prepare well for it.

Ideally, if you’re still in education, see if a tutor you know can give you tips, or potentially a mock interview. If not, many universities’ careers service will remain open to you after graduating,,so contact them and see what advice they can offer you. 

Ensure you read up on anything you mentioned in your application and have good solid reasons for why you wish to do a PhD, and why you’ve chosen to do it at in that particular topic  at that particular university.

You should already know by now  what it takes to study a PhD and be able to answer convincingly when asked about these things during your interview.

9. Submit your PhD application

  Now you’ve reached the final step – it’s time to submit your PhD application!

This is likely to be online, although it’s important to check this with your chosen university in case you need to send any hard copies of original certificates or documentation in the post.

Follow the university guidelines. They will usually indicate how to submit your application, what to include, and when you should hear back about the success of your PhD application.

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How to prepare a strong phd application.

Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School outline a few tips to help you navigate the PhD application process.

It’s no secret the application process can be intimidating. Where do you start? What exactly are schools looking for on your application? What materials do you need to submit? Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School have outlined a few tips to help you navigate the process.

Don’t Delay the Process

A successful PhD applicant starts thinking about their application months or even years before the deadlines. For Alejandro Lopez Lira , a third year student in Finance, the application process began a year before he actually submitted the paperwork. He said, “I spoke to my advisors way before, like one year before, about my letters of recommendation, where to apply, everything involved in the process.”

Each program has different requirements, which can make for a tedious process. Karren Knowlton , a third year in Management, said, “I took a little while to draft a personal statement. I had my mom, who teaches creative writing, and a few other people that I trust just read over it. Then you have to tweak it for different schools because they want slightly different things.”

Taking time to prepare your application is critical. Starting the process sooner rather than later gives you several advantages:

• It allows your letter of recommendation writers enough time in advance to thoughtfully prepare a letter that speaks to who you are as a PhD candidate.
• It gives you more time to review your materials, fix any errors, and proofread, proofread, proofread.
• Finally, it means a lot less stress when the deadline starts rapidly approaching. By planning ahead, you’ll have a much smoother process applying.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Prof. Matthew Bidwell , who previously served as the doctoral coordinator for the Management program , said a common mistake he sees are letters of recommendations from employers. Although he said it is impressive to see work experience, having an employer write a letter is not the best choice.

“We don’t pay very much attention to those because rightly or wrongly, we worry that they’re not looking for the kinds of things that we’re looking for,” he said. “If you have one, it’s not a disaster, but when you see people with two or three — most of their recommendations coming from their work — that kind of heightens our concern. You’re committing to a fairly specialized career, do you really know what that career entails?”

Instead, he suggests getting to know an academic who will be able to write a recommendation attesting to your ability to manage doctoral-level research and work.

Include Research/Work Experience in Your Field

Each program has a unique set of criteria to evaluate applicants, but several doctoral coordinators agree that some research and work experience in your field of interest will strengthen your application overall.

Prof. Fernando Ferreira , doctoral coordinator for the Business Economics and Public Policy and Real Estate programs, thinks work experience can be useful in demonstrating an applicant’s abilities. He said, “Any work experience after undergraduate school is important. If that experience is more related to research it’s even better, but work experience in general is always good.”

Prof. Guy David , doctoral coordinator for the Health Care Management & Economics program , thinks that work experience benefits applicants in terms of giving them a broader view of business. “Work experience creates retrospection about how the world works, how organizations make decisions, and how people function in various situations,” he said.

However, he warns that spending too much time away from an academic setting can have its drawbacks too. “It may lead people to start their PhD later when they are not in the habit of immersing themselves in rigorous studies and have a shorter horizons to develop a name for themselves,” he said.

Although having both research and work experience can strengthen your application, you will not be denied entry because you are lacking either.

Prof. Bidwell said, “I think research experience does give us some confidence that people have some idea about what it is that we do. In terms of work experience, I think we don’t have a strong view. We quite like work experience, but we also take people straight out of undergrad.”

Prepare for the Standardized Tests

Most PhD programs require students to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Having high test scores is a key part of an application as it tests skills learned over the course of many years in school. Quantitative skills are especially important when applying to doctoral programs in business areas. Much like any other standardized test, the GRE requires preparation.

Karren, who took the GRE twice to ensure her scores were high enough, offered advice to those who may be struggling. “I would absolutely recommend practicing the writing beforehand. Look up examples and have your outline structured,” she said. “So much of it is just getting the right structure and how you formulate your arguments so knowing what they’re looking for is key.”

Test prep can be time-consuming, but like anything else, practice makes perfect. There are multiple text books and online sites to help you prepare for the exam. Karren aimed to improve her math scores the second time she took the GRE and recommended this site to help strengthen math skills.

Taking advantage of resources to help you study can limit the number of times you need to take the GRE while ensuring you score high enough to remain in the applicant pool.

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Doctoral Programs

Start your doctoral journey.

Whether you’re just starting your research on PhD programs or you’re ready to apply, we’ll walk you through the steps to take to become a successful PhD candidate.

Deciding to get a PhD

You might be surprised to find out what you can do with a PhD in business.

Is an Academic Career for You ? What Makes a Successful PhD Student

Preparing for the Doctoral Path

The skills, relationships, and knowledge you need to prepare yourself for a career in academics.

How the PhD Program Works How to Become a Successful PhD Applicant

Choosing the right program

What’s the difference between PhD programs? Find out how to choose one that fits your goals.

What to Consider When Choosing a Doctoral Program What Differentiates R1 Universities?

Starting an application

Tips for a successful application process.

Application Requirements Preparing Your PhD Application

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• How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process Explained
• Applying to a PhD

This guide explains the PhD application process and outlines the steps you will need to follow, and information you will need to provide when applying to a PhD programme.

How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process

There is no single guide that can cover the entire application process for applying to PhDs, as it differs not only between universities, but also between programmes. In the same sense, what a supervisor might consider a strong application for one of their programmes, they may consider a weak application for another of their programmes.

Furthermore, the process of applying for a PhD in the UK can be slightly challenging to navigate as there is no centralised application system, as is the case with undergraduate degrees, and the process can vary from university to university.

Regardless of this, the below outlines the most common steps you will need to follow when applying for a PhD. Pay particular attention to each stage, as slipping on a single one of them can significantly affect your chances of securing the PhD you want.

1. Find Research Projects you like

Identify research areas that align with your research interest.

This should be done by thinking about all topics, courses, projects, recent publications, recurring questions or experiences that have caught your curiosity over the past year.

Once you have a better understanding of your preferred research area, browse through our PhD listings  or the ‘postgraduate research degree’ and ‘research centre’ sections of a university’s website if you already have a particular one in mind.

This is probably the most important thing to consider before you apply to PhD programmes given you will be working on your project for the next three to eight years – make sure not to rush it.

Note: If you intend to study part time or via distance learning, make sure to check the university offers this option as not all do.

2. Contact Potential PhD Supervisors

If you are proposing your own research project, which is usually the case with a self-funded postgraduate programme, you will need to find your own potential supervisor.

The best way to find a suitable PhD supervisor is to review the staff profiles on the department’s webpage and examine the topics they have published on in the past two years, as well as the research projects of the students they have supervised in the past. This will help you decide whether their research interests coincide with yours. Outside of research interests, there are other aspects you will want to look for, such as their level of support and patience, and how successful their former students have been. For further information on this, you can learn how to find a good PhD supervisor here .

If you are applying to a pre-determined research project, which is usually the case with funded programmes, you do not need to find a supervisor, as they already have a supervisor assigned to them.

Before you formally apply to funded PhD projects, most PhD supervisors will prefer you to apply informally by  sending them an email with your CV. This is so they can better understand your motives for applying and where your academic strengths lie before you start the formal application process.

3. Online Application Form

Once you have found a research programme you are interested in, most universities will require you to make a formal application via their online application portal. The below outlines the supporting documentation you will likely require when completing your online application form.

Academic Qualifications and Transcripts

If you have completed your studies, you will be asked to provide original or certified copies of your academic qualifications.

If you are still studying, you will need to provide an interim transcript of the grades you have received to date and details of any previous qualifications you have acquired.

Academic CV

An academic CV outlines your contact details, academic background and relevant experience. You can read our guide on how to prepare an effective academic CV  here .

Cover Letter

An academic cover letter can be requested alongside your CV. An academic cover letter explains why you are applying for the particular PhD project, why you are a strong candidate for the position and what you can offer the department as a research student. You can read our guide on how to prepare a strong cover letter  here .

Personal Statement

Instead of a cover letter, you may be asked to submit a personal statement. A personal statement is a short document describing your interest in the research programme and explaining why you believe you are suitable for it.

Research Proposal

Most universities will require you to submit a research proposal, especially if you are not applying to a pre-determined research project.

A research proposal is a short document describing your proposed research project. It outlines your research question, which topic it concerns and why you consider it valuable. It is used to show you have the potential for postgraduate-level research by showing that you can communicate complex ideas and evaluate them at their fundamental level. A research proposal also allows the academic department to match you with a suitable PhD supervisor with the expertise to support you if needed.

To support your application, you will be asked for an academic reference, ideally from one or more academic referees.

This is so the university has evidence from another academic source that you are a person who is capable of undertaking PhD study, not only in terms of your credentials and academic abilities but also in terms of your character, as someone who demonstrates commitment, perseverance, independence and the ability to communicate effectively.

To ensure the legitimacy of your references, universities often have strict requirements for how they are to be provided, such as requiring the use of official letterheads and original signatures from the reference provider. Therefore, you must check the specific requirements of each institution and forward them to your referee to minimise the risk of any rejections.

Other Supporting Information

Most online forms also have sections where you can upload any additional supporting information. This can include example evidence, such as previous papers you have published or conferences you have participated in.

Note that e xample evidence, especially of scientific research, is rarely required for STEM subjects

4. Entry Requirements

Academic qualifications.

The entry requirement for most UK universities is a 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject.

Note that while many universities require a Masters degree, not all do; it’s possible to  enrol in a PhD programme with just a Bachelors degree , as many students have successfully done so in the past.

In both cases, you will be asked to submit a copy of your degree certificate if you have completed your undergraduate study.

English Language Requirement

If you are an international student from a non-native English speaking country, most universities will require you to either meet their English language requirements or complete an English course with them before starting your PhD.

The two most common tests used to examine English language proficiencies for postgraduate study are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Although the score requirements will vary depending on the course and institution, the typical requirements are:

• IELTS – Overall score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in each test category.
• TOELF – Overall score of 88.

International Applicant

If you’re an international student, you may need a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa to study in the UK. If this is the case, the university will require your passport details or a copy of your first page and photo page.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

5. Other Things to Keep in Mind

In most countries, including the UK, a PhD studentship starts in September or October of each academic year. However, it’s worth noting that most PhD projects are flexible and can therefore start at any time throughout the year.

Application Deadline

The deadline for a PhD position will be indicated in its advert description, however, you should apply to them as early as possible as a PhD position can sometimes be filled before its official closing date.

As well as monitoring the course deadline, also be aware of the closing dates of associated doctoral research funding opportunities. This is because some funded PhD projects require you to apply individually to both the course and the funding opportunity.

Standardised Tests

Depending on the type of doctorate you are applying for, you may need to take examinations as part of the application process.

While this is uncommon in the UK, most graduate schools in the US and Canada integrate standardised tests into their doctoral course admissions process, with minimum test scores set as an entry requirement for their PhD programs.

MPhil Registration First

In the UK, most PhD students first have to register for an MPhil ( Master of Philosophy ) for the first year of their studies, and only if they pass it, which usually requires the production of a report and an informal interview, will their course be upgraded to a PhD.

Making Several Applications

Unfortunately, for various reasons, you may not always get your preferred supervisor or research project, so it is best to apply for several projects on one or more research topics you interest you.

Please note that the application process for a professional doctorate, such as a DBA or EngD, is slightly different from the one mentioned in this guide . Therefore, please consult the guidelines of the university you wish to apply to before applying.

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PhD Application Timeline: Timeline For Applying For Grad School

If you are looking to apply to start your Ph.D program, the journey can be daunting. However, with the right roadmap, it becomes manageable.

In this post, we guide you through each crucial step of the application process. From drafting your statement of purpose to securing letters of recommendation, we offer insights and tips to help you stay on track and maximise your chances of success.

PhD Application Timeline

March to june.

In March, it’s crucial to start preparing your application components. This includes finalizing your list of target programs and universities, ensuring they align with your research interests and career goals.

Begin drafting your statement of purpose and personal statement, emphasizing how your experiences and aspirations fit with each program’s offerings.

Simultaneously, focus on getting your GRE test done if your chosen programs require it. If you’re not satisfied with your GRE score, consider retaking the exam.

April is all about refining and finalizing your documents. Review these documents, and ensure they do not have any grammatical mistakes of typos: 

• Statement of purpose
• Personal statement, and
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This is also the time to finalize your letters of recommendation. Choose recommenders who are aware of your academic potential and can vouch for your suitability for graduate research.

By May, you should be ready to submit your application. Ensure all components, including your transcript and writing sample, are tailored to each program’s requirements.

This is also a good month to start exploring financial aid options, such as the FAFSA and any available fellowships or scholarships.

June is often when you’ll hear back from programs with rolling admissions. This can give you an early indication of where you stand and may require you to adjust your strategy for other applications.

Throughout these months, it’s important to stay organized, keep track of application deadlines, and allow ample time for each step of the application process. 

July To August

July and August are typically quieter months in the PhD application timeline, but they are by no means less critical.

This period provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance your application and position yourself as a strong candidate for fall admissions. Let’s delve into some key activities you should engage in during these months.

In July, if you haven’t already submitted your application, now is the time to do a final review. Check for any grammatical mistakes or typos in your

• Writing samples.

It’s also crucial to ensure your CV is up-to-date and reflects your most recent achievements and experiences. For those who have already submitted their applications, use this time to research potential fellowship opportunities and prepare for any upcoming interviews.

August is an excellent time to reach out to the graduate programs you’ve applied to and confirm that your application is complete. This shows your continued interest and ensures that nothing is missing from your application file.

If you’re waiting to hear back from programs with rolling admissions, you might start receiving admissions decisions.

During this period, it’s also wise to start preparing for your next steps. Research the graduate schools and the areas where you might live for the next few years. Look into:

• Housing options
• Support systems available at the university, and
• Job placement statistics for graduates. 

This will not only help you make an informed decision if you receive multiple offers but also allow you to plan accordingly for your move and transition to graduate school life.

September marks a critical juncture in your PhD application timeline. This month, you’re not just a prospective student; you’re a strategist, networking to enhance your application. Here’s what you should be focusing on:

First, reach out to potential recommenders. These should be faculty members who can attest to your unique skills and academic prowess. A strong letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well can significantly bolster your application.

Ensure they are aware of your grad school application deadlines and provide them with key insights about the programs you are applying to.

Networking with current students and alumni from your target programs is also crucial. They can offer invaluable insights into the graduate program’s:

• Teaching styles, and
• Research opportunities.

If possible, plan informal visits or attend virtual sessions to get a sense of the community you’re hoping to join.

Don’t forget to make contact with the admissions team. Attending information sessions and engaging with them can provide a deeper understanding of the program’s requirements and research opportunities.

This interaction is often noted by graduate admissions teams and can influence admissions decisions.

Finally, seek input on your Statement of Purpose (SOP). Have mentors or peers review it for grammatical accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness.

Remember, a well-crafted SOP can make a significant difference in showcasing your suitability for the program.

First, finalize your list of prospective schools. It’s a strategic decision – weighing program strengths against your research interests. This is more than just ticking boxes; it’s about envisioning where you’ll live and thrive for the next few years.

By now, you should have a solid sense of the universities and programs that align with your aspirations.

Creating accounts on each graduate program’s application portal is your next step. This isn’t just a formality; it’s where you’ll:

• Submit your application
• Track documents, and sometimes
• Find out about those pesky additional requirements – like that surprise essay due in early December.

Start preparing now to avoid a last-minute scramble.

Tailoring your statement of purpose for each application can make the difference between getting noticed or overlooked. It’s not just a personal statement; it’s your narrative, tying your past achievements to future potential.

Admission committees seek candidates who not only fit their program’s ethos but also bring a fresh perspective.

Finally, transcripts are more than a formality; they’re a testament to your academic journey. Request them early to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

November To December

As November and December roll in, the timeline for applying to PhD programs becomes critical. Whether you’re eyeing the upcoming fall admission or strategizing for later, focus on these steps:

Finalize Your GRE Prep and Test Dates: Many programs still consider GRE scores pivotal. If you’re retaking the GRE to improve your score, now’s the time. Remember, it’s not just about the score but how it complements your overall application.

Secure Letters of Recommendation: Ensure your recommenders are aware of your timeline. A well-thought-out letter from a faculty member who knows your capabilities and research interests can make a significant difference.

Submit Applications: Graduate school applications are often due in early December. This includes your personal statement, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and sometimes a writing sample. Remember, a typo or grammatical mistake can be costly—proofread meticulously.

Financial Aid and Fellowship Applications Don’t overlook financial aid and fellowship opportunities, like the Graduate Research Fellowship or school-specific scholarships. The FAFSA and other financial documents are crucial and often have different deadlines.

Make contact with graduate students in these programs to provide a different perspective and understand the support systems available. You can also reach out to the professors directly.

Preparation Is Key When Applying To Graduate School 

Embarking on your PhD journey is an exciting yet intricate process that requires meticulous planning and dedication. This comprehensive timeline serves as your beacon, guiding you through the labyrinth of grad school applications.

By adhering to these timelines and embracing each step with thorough preparation and strategic thinking, you position yourself as a strong candidate.

The journey to a PhD is not just about academic rigor but also about personal growth and aligning your aspirations with the right opportunities. Stay focused, stay inspired, and your path to graduate school will lead to rewarding destinations.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

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How Do I Get Into a PhD Program? A Guide for Aspiring PhDs

Beginning the journey towards a PhD is not a quick process. Often, you’re driven to pursue a PhD because you’re engulfed in a particular field, wishing to contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and further explore your interests. These feelings can come after completing an undergraduate or Master’s thesis, or even while completing a more professional program or being in the workforce. Whichever your reason, getting into a PhD program requires research, patience, and a reasonable amount of effort!

We’re here to help walk you through all the major steps in the process – and to hopefully make it a bit less stressful!

What is a PhD?

Short for Doctor of Philosophy, the PhD is a doctoral research degree in most fields, including those in the natural sciences and humanities. There are some exceptions, such as medicine (Doctor of Medicine or MD), theology (sometimes called a ThD or Doctor of Theology), and education (sometimes called a EdD or Doctor of Education.) Besides medicine, theology, and education, the remainder of disciplines will typically fall under the umbrella of a PhD, which includes history, economics, computer science, and the vast majority of topics that are available at any institution. Fun fact – philosophy is commonly offered as a PhD program and, in that case, you’d be a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy!

As the most common type of doctorate degree, the PhD symbolizes that you have mastered your chosen topic and field of study. Most PhD programs require that you write an extensive dissertation – typically research that helps to grow and expand your field of study – and defend your dissertation in front of a committee in the form of an oral defense. Completing any PhD program requires extensive research, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation – and typically takes between four and seven years to complete . Since completion of a PhD program results in your recognition as an expert in the field, those who have earned PhDs are eligible for professorships at institutions of higher education.

Do I need a Master’s degree before I apply?

No, a Master’s degree is not required for applying for a PhD program. However, a master’s degree is typically part of the route to a PhD , coming after the completion of a Bachelor degree. The Master’s degree is also very helpful for those who need a little more preparation before pursuing a doctorate, or who are returning to academia after spending a significant time in the workforce. This is because most Master’s programs have similar, although more brief requirements, than PhDs. Additionally – the requirement of writing a Master’s thesis can also give you a headstart towards your PhD dissertation. Master’s programs are definitely a valuable learning experience that will contribute to your success and readiness for a PhD program, but it’s often not technically required for your PhD application.

What are the steps required to apply?

Applying to a PhD program depends on the policies of the university you are interested in – so building a list of potential programs is an important first step of an application. Researching programs, determining which ones are right for you, and understanding more about why you want to apply to a particular PhD program ensures that you will develop compelling and convincing writing materials, including the Personal Statement (or Statement of Purpose) that is required at most schools.

Once you’ve identified the right programs to apply to , make a checklist or spreadsheet of their admission requirements to ensure that you’re not missing any important documents – since skipping anything in the applications will reduce your chances of acceptances. In addition to a Personal Statement, most schools will also require transcripts from your undergraduate program and other grades you’ve received after high school, a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, standardized test scores usually from the GMAT or GRE, letters of recommendation, and usually answering a few questions in the form of short essays. We recommend double-checking the requirements for every university, and checking them off on your spreadsheet to keep track of everything!

What if I have a low GPA?

Grades are only one part of the application – and admissions committees typically take a holistic view of your profile, also considering your background, your essays, your test scores, and your recommendations. While a low GPA can impact your profile, there are numerous steps you can take to strengthen the content of your application, such as reaching out to those who would write strong letters of recommendation, getting a strong test score, having compelling admissions essays, and demonstrating interest in the schools you’re applying to by signing up for newsletters, attending webinars, and creating dialogue with professors and other faculty.

You can also take additional courses at another university or community college. Earning higher grades, especially in courses that are higher-level and relevant to your chosen major, can have a significant impact on displaying your readiness for grad school. Recency bias is a real phenomenon, and your more recent performance is more indicative of your ability to do well in a program than a lower grade you earned years prior!

Do I need relevant work or research experience?

Both work and research experience can significantly increase the strength of a PhD application, but needing either depends on the requirements of the program you’re applying to.

For education and business, work experience is often helpful and something admissions committees like to see at both the Master’s and PhD level. However, work experience is rarely required.

Similarly, some sort of research experience in your field can be helpful when pursuing a PhD, because in writing a Personal Statement you’ll need to showcase your interest in the topic you’d like to study – and how much you’ve already done. One important note – research does not necessarily mean you need to have been published in an academic journal.

By following these steps, you will be able to increase your chances of admission into any PhD program of your choosing. Remember that there are lots of different potential PhD programs out there and lots of potential ways to reach your career goals. Good luck – we’re rooting for you!

For over a decade, Chris has supported students across the globe in fulfilling their college aspirations. Chris started out as a college admissions consultant, where he helped community college students reduce their loan obligations by constructing comprehensive transfer strategies, maximizing the use of CLEP and AP credits, and scoring scholarships. ‍ During his graduate studies at Harvard, Chris held numerous roles in education, including working as a research assistant and advising students on the college admissions process. Chris holds extensive experience in essay development and preparation for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. His guidance has enabled students to gain admission into diverse programs at institutions including UC Berkeley, Princeton, the University of Chicago, Michigan, Harvard, Fashion Institute of Technology, Embry-Riddle, Notre Dame, and Duke. ‍ Chris holds an Master’s in History from Harvard University and is currently working towards a Master’s in Education at UIUC. He also received a College Advising Program Certificate from Columbia University, completed the Independent Educational Consultant Certificate from University of California Irvine, and earned the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) from Cambridge. Nowadays, Chris continues to serve a full-time role as a College Counselor for WeAdmit, write insightful articles for Magoosh, and teach at Education First summer camps!

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How to prepare to study a PhD

Studying a PhD represents the pinnacle of academic study. Requiring hard work and dedication it's a big decision to make to study at a doctoral level. We explore how to prepare and what you can expect.

Ready to take your academic journey to the next level? A PhD is considered to be the pinnacle of academic life, allowing you to explore a particular research area with greater independence. If you are dedicated, hard-working and have the relevant qualifications, a PhD could be the right choice for you.

We explore what it means to study at PhD level and how you can prepare, plus advice from Alexandra Gruian, an international PhD graduate who moved from Romania to the UK for her studies.

What is a PhD?

If you complete and pass a PhD, you will receive a Doctor of Philosophy qualification and will be awarded the title of Doctor, though this cannot be used in the same way as a medical practitioner.

If studied full-time, a PhD typically takes between three to four years to complete, in which time you will be working towards a thesis and developing your own original research. Some PhD students aim to have their work published, so expectations are particularly high at this level of academia.

What will I do on a PhD course?

Most of your time will be preoccupied with researching, reading and writing a thesis. However, this doesn’t mean always being cooped up in a library. Depending on your chosen field, a PhD could involve lab work, fieldwork, interviews, group discussions etc. You will also be assigned a supervisor who will work closely with you throughout the PhD. You can discuss your thoughts and findings with them to gain their views and guidance.

Alexandra explains that each year of her PhD at the University of Leeds was quite different in terms of her day to day life. She said, “I read a lot in the first year. I would read ten books for example and summarise my findings, then I would have a meeting with my supervisor who would give feedback.”

She added, “In year two I went back to live in Romania to conduct my fieldwork where a day would involve trying to contact people that I wanted to talk to, scheduling meetings with them, going to interviews, analysing documents, writing up transcripts and also piecing together everything that I found.”

Search for a PhD course today!

Why should I study for a PhD?

Asking yourself this question should be the first step when considering and preparing for a PhD. Each person will have their reasons for choosing to pursue a degree at this level of education, but some of the most common might include:

• To gain a great sense of accomplishment
• To become an expert in a field
• To expand your mind
• To remain in academia
• To gain valuable skills
• To contribute to a particular area of research

Alexandra explained her reasons for choosing a PhD and said, “I tended to be very good in school, so I realised academic life was for me. I liked studying and I did a masters in gender studies and so it just flowed naturally. I also looked forward to living abroad and this was a way of doing it while being in a protected environment.”

What are the challenges of a PhD?

Part of preparing for a PhD involves considering the potential challenges and thinking about whether you would be able to deal with these. So, as mentioned, doing a PhD requires hard work, this is a given. But what other challenges might you face?

Supporting yourself financially when studying for a PhD

If you’re about to embark upon a PhD, then have probably already completed or are finishing a postgraduate degree. As an international student, you’re likely to have paid tuition fees without a student loan and so it’s vital that you can afford to do a PhD. Will you be funding this yourself? Will your family be supporting you? Or are you looking for external funding?

You can look specifically for funded research projects, scholarships or loans depending on the university and country you choose for your PhD. Want to start searching for scholarships today?

Staying motivated during a PhD

A PhD demands lots of self-motivation and independent work which might dip at certain points throughout your course. This is to be expected but you will need to remain positive and try to push through this lack of motivation. Persevering will benefit you in the long run. However, working independently can be difficult, so if you start to struggle, you can use our mental health guide for support and advice.

Working independently when studying for a PhD

While you will receive one on one support from a supervisor, a PhD does require a lot of independent work and managing your own time effectively. Alexandra felt this was true for her own experience, commenting, “For the first time I found myself having to figure out a lot on my own, particularly with fieldwork, I was worried about finding something relevant to finish my thesis.”

She added, “My PhD was very different from my undergraduate and master’s degrees, mainly because I was moving to a new country which for me was a very big thing.”

How can I prepare for a PhD?

You might decide to apply for a PhD while finishing your master’s degree or you may take a break and apply later on. Either option is totally fine. However, if you do decide to take a break and apply at a later stage, you may need to retrain your mind and get up to scratch with academic reading and methods of learning. Whether you’re in the early stages of considering a PhD or looking to send off an application, here are some tips for ways to prepare:

• Read articles, books, journals related to your topic of interest
• Find out what you need to do for your application
• Ask your current lecturers for their advice on studying for a PhD
• Look into how to write a research proposal
• Find a supervisor who works in a relevant field
• Decide on your references (people who know you in an academic context)
• Sit an English language test (if necessary)
• Prepare your financial and educational evidence for your application

When speaking about her PhD, Alexandra said that she researched relevant supervisors at universities in the UK which helped her choose the country and course. She notes, “My choice of university was ultimately dependent on finding the right supervisor with the right specialisation and having scholarships available. I had to sit my English language test which I did specially for the PhD programme, and I wrote a three-page proposal.”

Will a PhD help my career?

The truth is that while some argue against the value of studying a PhD, others see the benefits, so it really depends on what you’re looking to achieve for yourself and your career as to whether this is the right choice for you.

There is no doubt that a PhD will provide you with heaps of experience and transferable skills that will be useful for any future profession. One example would be the opportunity to teach undergraduates within the university. This work is usually paid, offering the chance to financially support yourself through the course.

You will also be contributing to existing research, which means you may have the opportunity to present your findings to other scholars with an interest in your work.

Alexandra added, “You end up with a lot of soft skills that are transferable like analytical skills, writing, presentation, research, interviewing and so on. These are all things that I developed in my PhD and helped me get my current job.”

Want to know more about the skills employers want from graduates?

Now you know what a PhD involves and how to prepare,  you may also find it useful to read our guide on transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate study and some of the top postgraduate degrees .

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What is a pre-masters course?

If you have had your eye on studying a postgraduate qualification, and particularly a master’s degree you would have encountered pre-master’s programmes in your research. Sometimes it’s not always easy to understand the differences between the qualifications and courses on offer and why you would apply or enrol for a pre-master’s programme. We take a closer look at pre-master’s courses and programmes, demystifying the details.     What is a

MA vs MSc: What is the best choice?

Two popular postgraduate master’s degree qualifications are an MA and an MSc, but what do these letters mean and how are they different? What are the entry requirements for each one and how will they benefit your career in the future? Read on to find out the answers to these questions.   What is an MA?   A Master of Arts (MA) is a postgraduate qualification with a focus on subjects in the humanities and social sciences

What are professional degrees?

When evaluating your study options and doing your research you’ll probably have come across qualifications that are categorised as professional degrees. Perhaps you’re not entirely sure what this means or what differentiates such programmes and courses from academic degrees. You may also be asking yourself if they have a particular impact on your career trajectory. We take a closer look at professional degrees for you and examine what they’re all about.  

Get in touch

• PhD/Master's Application Process

Who is Eligible to Apply? 

If you have completed your undergraduate degree (bachelor's or equivalent) or will have completed it prior to your intended matriculation date at Yale, you may apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

A Master's degree is not required to apply for a PhD at Yale, although some programs give preference to applicants with post-baccalaureate training. Consult your program of interest directly for information on how it evaluates applications.

We value diversity of all kinds at the Graduate School, and we encourage students from all backgrounds to apply if Yale is a good fit for your intellectual and professional goals. All are welcome to apply, without regard to citizenship or immigration status, socioeconomic level, race, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, etc.

Requirements for All PhD and Master's Degree Applicants

You will need to provide the following with your application for admission:

• A statement of academic purpose. You will find the prompt for the statement of purpose in our Application Question FAQs . 
• A list of all the prior colleges or universities you have attended, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with your application. Official or paper transcripts are not needed at this time. 
• Three letters of recommendation. Enter the names of your recommenders directly in the application and they will receive a link to upload a letter on your behalf. 
• $105 application fee or fee waiver. 
• Standardized tests . GRE requirements vary by program. TOEFL or IELTS are necessary for most non-native English speakers. 
• Resume/CV . 
• Some programs have additional requirements, such as a writing sample . You can find information about any specific requirements on the program's website. 

Where Do I Begin?

Decide whether you will apply for a PhD or a terminal Master’s (MA, MS) in one of the programs available at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . (Note that you will earn one or more Master's degrees en route to a PhD.) Learn about the program: its faculty, course offerings, and resources. Read the faculty's research publications. If you can identify and articulate why the program is a good fit for you and show how your preparation and interests align well with it, you will have a strong application.

A note to students applying to one of Yale’s professional schools or programs:

• If you are applying for a PhD in Architecture, Environment, Investigative Medicine, Law, Management, Music, Nursing, or Public Health; for an MS in Public Health; or for an MA in Music, be sure to use the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences PhD/Master's application.
• If you are applying for any other degree at one of the University’s professional schools (Art, Architecture, Divinity, Drama, Environment, Global Affairs, Law, Management, Medicine, Music, Nursing, and Public Health), visit that school’s website for further instructions. Those programs have separate admissions policies and processes that are administered by the professional schools, not GSAS.

Application deadlines vary by program, so please see Dates & Deadlines for information about your program of interest. 

All new students matriculate in the fall. The admissions process begins nearly a year in advance of matriculation.

Some PhD and Master’s degree programs require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Check your program's standardized testing requirement before you apply. 

In addition, applicants whose native language is not English may need to take an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS).

The application for Fall 2024 entry is closed. The application for Fall 2025 entry will be available starting in mid-August 2024. 

Be sure to complete and submit the application before your program's application deadline. 

Your application fee or an approved fee waiver is due upon submission of your application. 

Your letters of recommendation do not need to be received before you will be able to submit your application. However, since programs begin reviewing applications shortly after the respective application deadline, please be sure that your letters of recommendation are submitted promptly.

What Happens After I Submit My Application?

The faculty admissions committee in each department and program begins reviewing applications shortly after their application deadline. Led by the director of graduate studies (DGS) or director of graduate admissions (DGA), the committee will recommend students for admission to the Graduate School. Once confirmed by the deans of the Graduate School, the admissions office will release final decisions to applicants.

Unlike undergraduate admissions, the admissions office and staff of the Graduate School maintain the application, the application process, and other administrative transactions, but the admissions staff does not review applications or make admissions decisions. That responsibility is handled by the faculty of each department or program.

Most admissions decisions are provided between February and early March. You will receive an email notification when your admissions decision is available.

If you are accepted for admission, you will need to decide if you wish to accept our offer by April 15. We abide by Council of Graduate School's April 15 Resolution , regarding graduate financial support. 

Ready to apply? Begin your application today.

PhD/Master's Applicants

• Why Choose Yale Graduate School?
• Dates and Deadlines
• Standardized Testing Requirements

Non-Degree Program Applicants

Looking for non-degree programs? In some cases, it is possible to enroll at the Graduate School as a non-degree student. Non-degree students receive a transcript and many of the benefits of being a Yale student, but do not earn a degree upon completion of their enrollment. We offer three types of non-degree programs.

• Non-Degree Programs

• Neurodiversity Task Force
• Leadership in Graduate Diversity Awards
• Anti-Racism Initiatives
• Graduate Diversity Task Force
• Graduate Diversity Pilot Program
• Post-Baccalaureate Program
• Inclusive Excellence Summer Research Experience
• Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair

Preparing Your Application for Graduate School

• Pipeline to the PhD Bootcamp
• Information Request Form
• Inclusive Excellence Hub
• AIGP Events and Programs
• AIGP Current Students
• AIGP Prospective Students
• Data Science for Social Justice Workshop
• Inclusive Excellence in Quals Prep Program
• Financial Resources
• Prospective Undocumented Graduate Students
• Wellness Resources
• For Faculty and Staff
• Legal Resources
• Path to the Professoriate Program
• PPG Foundation
• STEM*FYI Team Building Events
• STEM*FYI Photos
• Meet the Ambassadors
• Get Involved
• STEM*FYI Events
• STEM*FYI & PPG Foundation Grants
• AAPI Wellness Guide
• Firebaugh Scholars Program
• GiGS Mentees
• GiGS Mentors
• Undergraduate Research Programs
• Native American Graduate Student Funding
• The Future of Higher Education Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
• Diversity Fellow: Day in the Life
• Birgeneau Perelman Fund for Undocumented Graduate Students
• OGD Newsletter
• Campus Diversity Professionals
• Connect with the Diversity & Community Fellows
• Campus Resources

How to Prepare to Apply to Grad School

We’ve curated some information to help you think through whether graduate school is right for you, and if so, how to prepare your application to put your best foot forward.

Is Graduate School Right For Me?

This information is adapted from materials available at the UC Berkeley  Career Center . The  Career Center’s Graduate School page also contains additional information on admissions tests, the statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

What is Graduate School?

Graduate school constitutes an advanced program of study focused on a particular academic discipline or a specific profession. Traditionally, graduate school has been “academic” (centered on generating original research in a particular discipline), but it may be “professional” (centered on imparting skills and knowledge to future professionals), or a combination of both traditions.

Do you really want to be a graduate student?

• Are you willing to invest the time, energy, and money associated with going to graduate school? Have you thoroughly investigated these costs?
• Are you prepared to spend the majority of the next 2-7 years studying while living with a reduced income?
• Can a single topic or narrow range of topics sustain your interest for the next 2-7 years?
• Do you need a break from school?
• Will career-related work experience help you get into graduate school?
• Are you comfortable initiating and carrying out independent research?

Why do you want to go to graduate school?

• Do you want to enter a profession that requires an advanced degree?
• Do you want a higher salary? (Will a graduate degree really affect your salary?)
• Are you uncertain about making a career decision? (Have you talked to a career counselor?)
• Are you applying to graduate school because “everyone else is doing it?” (The decision to attend graduate school is ideally based on your own criteria, including how graduate education will fit in with your goals).
• Are you applying to graduate school because you feel like you have no career options? (Have you used all job search methods? Have you talked to a career counselor?)
• Do you know what your short and long term goals are and how a graduate degree can help you achieve them?

Gathering Information

• Talk to faculty on campus and at other institutions that teach in the field you plan to pursue; they often can provide you with the best information that will help steer you in the direction of good programs.
• Since most universities have websites, the Internet is a great resource to find information quickly and easily. Some sites will provide complete information, while others may tell you where to write to get additional information.
• Contact programs directly to get more detailed program information such as courses, professors, costs, financial aid and application forms.
• At the Career Center Info lab, or local library, you will find books, brochures, catalogues, directories and guides that list information on universities that grant graduate or professional degrees. One such guide is the Peterson’s Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs, which contains both short and long descriptions of virtually all accredited graduate programs.
• Conduct informational interviews with current graduate students, professionals, and faculty in the graduate programs you are considering to gain insider information about programs.
• Read professional and academic journals related to your area of interest.

Deciding Where to Apply: Factors to Consider

After researching your options, the next step is to decide where to apply. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating programs:

• The Reputation of the Faculty : What are their academic degrees/credentials and research specialties? What is the student/faculty ratio? Some faculty may have homepages that include some of the above information.
• The Quality of the Program : This is measured by many different factors, many of which are mentioned below. Talk to several faculty members and graduate students in the field you are pursuing to get an informed view on the variety of graduate programs available. You may choose to look at graduate school rankings to help you assess a program’s quality; however, you need to realize that the rankings may be based on criteria that are different from your own, and that many scholars, deans, and advisors question the validity of such rankings.
• Financial Cost of the Program : What are the opportunities for fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships? What other sources of financial aid are available?
• The Program Requirements : Inform yourself of specific requirements to gain admittance into your programs of choice in terms of GPA, test scores, undergraduate coursework, and specific entrance examinations.
• Available Course Offerings : Are courses you need to fulfill degree requirements frequently offered? Will the course offerings help you meet your professional or educational goals?
• Facilities : Consider the quality of on-site facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and research facilities.
• Employment : Where are graduates of the program working, and how much are they earning?
• Geographic Location : Will studying in a particular location help you meet personal or professional goals?
• Student Life : Consider the diversity of students, student organizations, housing, and campus support services.

What kinds of admissions tests are there?

Most graduate and professional schools require that you take a standardized admissions test. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General and Subject tests are required by many academic programs (Masters and Doctoral degrees). MBA programs usually require the GMAT. Other tests are required in other fields, such as the LSAT for law school, the MCAT for medical school, the DAT for dentistry school, the OAT for optometry school, and the TEOFL English proficiency test for international students.

Getting Started

One of the initial steps in applying to a graduate or professional school is to research application deadlines so that you can develop a timeline of when to submit test scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, etc. Below is a timeline to help you in planning your application process:

Junior Year

• Begin researching available programs by talking to faculty/alumni/current students in the program, reviewing grad school guides/directories, requesting promotional materials and visiting schools’ websites
• Start exploring financial aid resources
• Study, then take practice tests for standardized exams
• Sign up for required standardized test
• Attend Career Center Graduate/Professional School Workshops
• Identify potential letter writers
• Order an unofficial transcript and check for and correct any discrepancies
• Take the required standardized test

Senior Year – Fall Semester

• Write the first draft of your statement of purpose
• Request your letters of recommendation from faculty
• Order official transcripts
• Write final draft of statement of purpose
• Complete and mail your applications
• Apply for aid available through departmental programs; assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, etc.
• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Senior Year – Spring Semester

• Visit prospective campuses if possible, and talk to faculty/students to help you make your final decision
• Follow-up with schools to make sure your file is complete
• After receiving acceptance from the school of your choice, send in the required deposit, and contact other schools and decline acceptances
• Write thank you notes to people who helped you

Personal Statement Guide

The University of California at Berkeley is committed to excellence and equity in every facet of its mission. Teaching, research, professional and public service contributions that promote diversity and equal opportunity are encouraged and given recognition in graduate admissions and fellowships. Guidelines, such as those below, may be considered when composing the personal statement for the UC Berkeley graduate application.

• Potential to bring to one’s academic career the critical perspective that comes from a non-traditional educational background or one’s understanding of the experiences of groups historically under-represented in higher education;
• Communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize effective collaboration with a diverse cross-section of the academic community; Demonstrated significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage;
• attendance at a minority serving institution;
• ability to articulate the barriers facing women and minorities in science and engineering fields;
• participation in higher education pipeline programs such as, UC Leads, Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), or McNair Scholars;
• Academic service advancing equitable access to higher education for women and racial minorities in fields where they are underrepresented;
• Leadership experience among students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education;
• research that addresses issues such as race, gender, diversity, and inclusion;
• research that addresses health disparities, educational access and achievement, political engagement, economic justice, social mobility, civil and human rights, and other questions of interest to historically underrepresented groups;
• artistic expression and cultural production that reflects culturally diverse communities or voices not well represented in the arts and humanities.

Writing the Statement of Purpose

Things to keep in mind.

• What the admissions committee will read between the lines: motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student.
• Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active voice, not a passive voice.
• Demonstrate everything by example; don’t say directly that you’re a persistent person, show it.
• If something significant occurred that affected your grades, such as poverty, illness, or excessive work, state it. Write it affirmatively, however, showing your perseverance.
• Make sure everything is linked with continuity and focus.
• The essay should be approximately (1.5 – 2 pages) single-space, 12pt. Font.
• Introduction Tell them what you’re interested in, and perhaps, what sparked your desire for graduate study.
• Research you conducted. Indicate with whom, the title of the project, your responsibilities and the outcome. Write technically, or in the style of your discipline. Professors are the people who read these statements.
• Important paper or thesis project you completed, as well as anything scholarly  beyond  your curricular requirements.
• Work experience, especially if you had any kind of responsibility for testing, designing, or researching or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in graduate school.
• Indicate your current activities If you graduated and worked prior to returning to grad school, indicate what you’ve been doing: company or non-profit, your work/design team, responsibilities, what you learned. You can also indicate here how this helped you focus your graduate studies.
• Indicate your area of interest, then state questions, concerns, and thoughts associated with the topic. This should be an ample paragraph!
• Look on the web for information about departments you’re interested in, as well as the professors and their research.  Are there professors whose research interests parallel yours? If so, indicate this. If you can infer that you’ve read their work, all the better.
• End your statement in a positive manner, indicating a readiness for the challenges ahead of you.

Strengthening Your Application for Admission to UC Berkeley

The following is a list of suggestions that if followed closely, will strengthen your application in the competitive process of graduate admissions to UC Berkeley and other programs.

• Plan ahead Research the colleges and universities where you would like to apply, focusing on the best programs that are the right match pertinent to your academic interests and personal needs. Find out if any of the faculty are doing research in an area that interests you. Go on-line or call the University for application and information materials. Double-check the deadlines (most programs will not accept late applications). Some schools have two deadlines: a fellowship deadline, which is earlier, and a later general application deadline. Make sure you apply before the first deadline if you wish to be considered for university fellowships. In general, you should consider applying to a minimum of five schools. Ideally, you want to obtain the right match of the university, and the faculty you wish to work with.
• Letter of Recommendation For graduate study, letters of recommendation are extremely important. Admission committees usually prefer letters from faculty since they believe only faculty can truly ascertain your scholarly potential. You need three letters of recommendation. Try to get all three from faculty with whom you’ve had an upper-division class, or have done research with. Some graduate programs require related work/internship experience, and you may need one or two letters from these entities in addition to one or two from faculty.Professors will invariably state your class grade in the letter, so use caution when choosing your evaluators. Approach the faculty member and ask her/him if they are able to write a positive letter of recommendation for you. If they hesitate, or say they can only write a neutral letter, approach someone else.Provide the evaluators with additional material such as copies of your transcript, resume, your statement of purpose, and personal statement (which should provide information about any pertinent personal history). This can strengthen the letter they write for you. Make sure to give them all the proper forms and deadlines. Follow up with a note of thanks.
• You can buy GRE study guides and exams at bookstores or online.
• Your GRE score will improve if you take the practice examinations in a timed format mimicking real testing conditions.
• Order the software/practice tests from ETS (link is external)  to better prepare for the computer administered test.
• Many students suggest taking the practice exam on the computer, as it improves preparation for the actual test.
• Consider taking a test preparation class to help with test-taking strategies.
• Don’t randomly guess answers. Make calculated guesses that will narrow your choices.

The Analytical portion of the GRE is in essay format. You will be asked to write two essays on certain topics. Focus on an analytical response, backing up what you’re “arguing” with logic and analysis. The Quantitative section of the GRE is considered of greatest importance to admission committees in sciences and engineering. It is expected that scientists and engineers should do well on this section. There is no calculus on this test.

• Your College GPA The college GPA is a critical component of the admissions process. A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required by UC Berkeley for admission, though typically, the cut-off for most departments is higher. (Exceptions can possibly occur depending on circumstances.) Many admissions committees will consider upward trends in grades. However, the better your GPA, the better your chances of getting admitted. Careful attention should be paid to any courses taken at the undergraduate level that are pertinent to the area you are considering for graduate study. If you are admitted to a non-terminal Master’s program you may be able to continue toward the Ph.D. pending passage of the preliminary examination and have at least a 3.5 graduate GPA.
• Research/Work Experience During summer, or the academic year, try to gain research experience in an independent study with a professor or research program. This will give you an edge in the admission process, provide you with insight about your own future research interests, and augment your knowledge and skills. Professors in all disciplines often regard students as highly motivated when they partake in research as undergraduates.
• Statement of Purpose The statement of purpose is one of the most important parts of the application process. It is from this essay that the admissions committee will discern the seriousness of your intentions, your experience, and your motivation for graduate school. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with three different parts. The first part is a brief paragraph stating the program you want to study and your research focus. The second part should be a summary of your college experiences. Briefly describe what brought about your interest in graduate study. Describe any research experience, clarifying your responsibilities, experimental results, and if you presented the findings at a conference or published them in a journal. You may be as specific as possible, as professors in your discipline will read this statement. The third and most important part of the essay discuss why you want to go to graduate school, what you wish to study (research), and ideally, whom you would like to work with. Perhaps you wish to address an issue or topic that hasn’t been addressed before, or expand an undergraduate research project. Professors are looking for students with scholarly potential, intellectual passion, and serious intentions about graduate study.
• Personal Statement Indicate any challenges, hardships or obstacles you may have overcome. (We look at this as a sign of perseverance.) Let us know if you’ve supported yourself through school, if you’re a first generation college student, took on a leadership position, tutored or mentored underrepresented students, or took advantage of unique opportunities.
• Financial Support Make sure you apply for graduate admission by the university’s fellowship deadline. This insures that you will be considered for various university fellowships. Apply for any other private, national, or corporate based fellowships. You should also fill out the FAFSA to receive consideration for loans and other aid.  Visit the Graduate Division website for more information regarding other fellowships. (link is external)
• Suggestions If you need to submit a writing sample in your application, use a great paper you’ve written, checked for grammar and content.

Once you are admitted, visit the campus if possible, and speak to current graduate students. Ask them why they chose that particular university.

Be on time; be organized, prepared, and thorough. No application to any university will be processed unless all materials are in by the deadline. All application materials are usually available in September.

Following these guidelines will strengthen your application to Berkeley and any other graduate school you wish to attend.

Creating a Backup Plan

There are a variety of factors that interplay in the  graduate admissions process (link is external) . Top-ranked graduate programs typically prefer a GPA of 3.5 or better. Exceptions occur, but many students give up their quest to attend graduate school due to what they believe is a non-competitive GPA. While there are no guarantees, the following some of the suggestions below might improve your chances.

Before graduation

• Strive for ‘A” grades in your remaining classes, particularly those related to your intended area of study. Repeat classes where you obtained poor grades if possible. Graduate Admissions representatives will pay attention to a definitive turn-around, or an upswing in grades. Mention this in your statement of purpose, noting the higher GPA(s) achieved for each subsequent years/semesters. Inform your faculty recommenders about any positive changes.
• Undergraduate research can enhance admission to graduate school. Get involved in a formal research program (at your home or another institution), or through an independent study. Get to know the professor’s research interests before approaching them.
• Standardized Exams: If possible, take a test preparation course, as it will generally help you perform better. Make sure to study and take practice exams.
• Seek to improve your writing skills. Take an extra class if possible. Good writing skills will impress graduate admission reviewers and will enable you to boost the quality of your papers, theses, proposals, and dissertations.
• If you are a re-entry student, or had a break in your education, think about the skills you acquired while not in school. These skills may contribute to your knowledge base and attract the attention of admissions committees.

After graduation

• Seek admission to a Master’s program with a good reputation, preferably with a research/ thesis component. Aim for a 3.5 GPA or higher to get into high-ranking Ph.D. programs.
• Complete a thesis you’ll be proud to write about in your subsequent applications.
• Get to know your MA/MS professors. You will need letters of recommendation from them.
• You can also enroll in classes as a non-matriculating student at a university offering course credit.
• If you can’t get advice on specific classes, enroll in foundational/theoretical courses that will give you appropriate background/current knowledge.
• Get to know the professors from these classes, as they may be able to write strong letters of recommendation for you.
• Approach a professor about the possibility of conducting research. Acquiring research in this capacity is highly regarded as you will be learning new skills, obtaining advanced knowledge, and showing commitment to future study.

Round out your strategy by getting creative

• Volunteer to conduct research with a faculty member from your alma mater.
• Participate in an internship where you can work on an academically focused project.
• Take classes to increase your skills in areas needing improvement.
• Seek advice from current graduate students enrolled in your proposed area of study.
• Find an academic mentor who might guide you through the application process.

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A Blueprint for Success

Tips for a successful phd application.

Read a summary or generate practice questions using the INOMICS AI tool

Whether you are applying to a structured program like those typically found in the United States, an independent research PhD like those in much of Europe and elsewhere, or a hybrid of the two, the first step is to gather your thoughts (and paperwork) in an effort to convince the admissions board that you are the most qualified and motivated candidate for the position.

Regardless of location or discipline, your application will almost certainly include a personal statement, transcripts, copies of your previous degrees and letters of recommendation. If you plan to start your PhD application this autumn, download our free guide " How to successfully apply to a PhD in Economics ".

1. Apply broadly, but only if you’re really interested

When applying to college many people send out dozens of applications, including ones to universities they aren't even particularly interested in attending. While at undergraduate level these 'safety' schools might be a good idea in order to guarantee you'll get an education (although there's also an argument for taking another year out to improve your grades and reapplying), at the graduate level this isn't necessarily the best strategy.

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Yes, applying to only your two dream departments is an extreme gamble, but it's probably better to put your all into applying to those places, as well as maybe one or two  backups you'd still be happy to attend, in order to ensure your most important applications get the lion's share of your attention and time. That way you can really put your heart into your applications, which will shine through and likely help land you a spot in the program of your dreams. Moreover, if you’re actually interested in a program at the outset, you’re much more likely to be able to maintain that momentum and ultimately work your way through to a completed dissertation. If you attend a school you don't particularly like, and especially if your program isn't exactly what you wanted to do, you may find yourself getting demotivated down the line, and a PhD is big jump up in terms of work quantity and self-discipline than even a Master's degree.

2. Spend ample time on your dissertation proposal

Although a thoroughly researched dissertation proposal is a key component of many applications, it remains conspicuously absent from others. Yet, whether you are asked to include a 10-page proposal or simply a paragraph highlighting your specific interests, this description is often the crux of what separates an admitted PhD candidate from one who is left wondering why they were rejected.

The proposal you write in your application will possibly have little to do with the research you will actually conduct - many change their research several times over the first few months, and your tutor will help you narrow down and improve your topic. That being said, the clarity of focus you have in your proposal, along with the reasons you give for wanting to work with specific professors, can make all the difference. So don't be fooled into writing off the thesis proposal element of your application because you know your research topic will change anyway. Instead, use this as a chance to show how passionate and committed you are to your discipline while also showing off your great writing, research and organizational skills, as well as showing that you're familiar with the research interests of your chosen tutors. Speaking of which...

3. Familiarize yourself with the professors you’d like to work with

Even if your PhD application does not specifically ask you to list professors with whom you would like to work, an awareness of the research being done in the department to which you are applying and a readiness to talk about how you could add to it will give you a firm leg up in case you are called in for an interview. Additionally, drawing connections between your own research interests and the work of specific professors demonstrates that you have done your homework – it shows you are familiar with the department and can offer a detailed argument for why you would be a good addition to it.

A good tactic is to get in touch with potential advisors before you apply. This can be a great idea because they can give you tips on your proposal before you formally apply, and can tell you before whether they'd be interested in attaching themselves to your research. Remember, you'll be working a lot with your tutor in order to make this the best piece of academic writing you've ever done, so they have to be excited by it too. Saying this, some programs specifically ask you not to contact anyone individually until you’ve already made the cut, so look at the application guidelines carefully and choose to send that email or not based on what they suggest.

4. Highlight relevant qualifications and don’t dwell on those that aren’t

Many young people's academic and career journeys do not follow a perfectly straight trajectory. And this is fine. In fact, it can arguably add to the breadth of your knowledge base and make you a more well-rounded candidate than those who have only gained experience in one specific area.

Thus, in your application, do not apologize for a hodgepodge CV. Instead, draw a map for the admissions team by highlighting the interconnectedness of various positions you have held, while simply omitting those that may not be relevant. There is no reason to explain past jobs or studies that are not related to your current interests, and doing so might draw attention away from all of your other qualifications that make you a great candidate. Yet, if questions arise then be prepared to discuss your winding path and offer sincere and confident reasons for why you’ve made the choices you have – giving emphasis to how they’ve shaped your current interests, and how they can (if they can) help you moving forward.

5. Thoroughly prepare for your interview

If you make it through to an interview, be it in person or via Skype or telephone, make sure you have a clear understanding of what type of interview it will be and prepare yourself accordingly. Don’t be afraid to ask for as many details as possible – will it be a one-on-one interview or will you be addressing a group of professors? Should you prepare a presentation or is it more of a casual conversation? The more information you have beforehand the better you can prepare, thus minimizing the risk of being caught off guard. Moreover, once you’re in the interview you should also come prepared with more detailed questions, both to show your interest in the program and to help you figure out if it really is a good fit for you.

And don't forget the obvious stuff: dress smartly, be polite (thank yous and pleased to meet yous), and remember a smile can go a long way.

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Ph.D. Program Preparation

A PhD in economics is a research degree. Students should pursue this degree if they are interested in a career answering questions on issues from health to monetary policy to development using economic models and/or data. Although the requirements of the economics degree at Yale will give you a good foundation for graduate studies, most Ph.D. programs expect students to have taken additional courses, particularly in statistics and mathematics.

Mathematics. Most graduate programs expect familiarity with multivariate calculus (for example, Math 120), linear algebra (Math 222, or even better, a proof-based course such as 225 or 226) and real analysis (Math 255 or 256). More advanced mathematics work in linear algebra, differential equations, analysis and other proof-based courses is useful preparation for graduate work.

Econometrics and Statistics.  It is strongly recommended that students take at least two semesters of econometrics. More advanced courses in econometrics (for example financial time series or applied microeconometrics) , or in probability, statistics and stochastic processes (offered in the math or statistics departments) are useful preparation for graduate work.

Economic Theory.  Although the more mathematical theory courses (Econ 125, 126, 350, and 351) are not required for admission to graduate school, taking one or more of them gives extra preparation and exposes students to the kind of course material they can expect in graduate school.

Research Assistance. Working as a research assistant to an economist on campus  or off campus , provides excellent exposure to the type of work that PhD economists do.

Senior Essay.  The independent research experience involved in writing a senior essay is extremely valuable as preparation for graduate school.

Additional Resources.  Each year the department has an information session for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a PhD. The slides from the most recent meeting are here . The American Economic Association (AEA) has an informative section on Preparing for Graduate School  to help students wade-through the process of a terminal degree in economics.   This article in the AEA annual newsletter, Committee on the Status of Women in the Economics Profession , gives a good overview of getting into and finishing a PhD program.

AEA Summer and Scholarship Programs .  Since 1974, the AEA Summer Training Program and Scholarship Program have increased diversity in the field of economics by preparing talented undergraduates for doctoral programs in economics and related disciplines. AEASP is a prestigious program that enables students to develop and solidify technical skills in preparation for the rigors of graduate studies. As many as 20% of PhDs awarded to minorities in economics over the past 20 years are graduates of the program.

All students receive 2 months of intensive training in microeconomics, math, econometrics and research methods with leading faculty. At 3 credits per class, students have the opportunity to earn 12 college credits.

Which program are you applying to?

Phd application package.

When you purchase the PhD Package, you'll get more than just editing – you'll receive complete application guidance from conceptualization to final review. Your experienced graduate school admissions specialist will guide you through the entire application.

The Comprehensive PhD Package provides:

Brainstorming session for one personal statement or statement of purpose

We help you uncover and reveal your competitive advantage and fit. 

Outline and editing of one statement of purpose

The outline provides structure and saves you time. Editing polishes your statement so it gleams.

Outlining and editing of one research proposal 

We help you outline one research proposal of up to 1500 words.

Letters of recommendation guidance 

We advise on recommender choice and critique up to two recommendations, if available.

Polishing your CV 

Your consultant edits your CV or helps you transform your professional resume into an academic CV.

Interview Prep 

We provide a mock interview for all schools where you have an interview and for which you purchased an application package.

Final Review 

Final review of the material you've worked on with your consultant.

Waitlist Support

If you are waitlisted, we advise you on waitlist strategy and edit any waitlist correspondence from you.

Decision counseling 

In the event of multiple acceptances at these schools, we guide you once again. 

Create Your Custom Package

1-application package: $4,600, 2-application package: $6,550, 3-application package: $8,095, 4-application package: $9,095, 5-application package: $10,095, 6-application package: $11,000, 7-application package: $11,900, 8-application package: $12,750, one additional application package: $2,125, notes about the package:.

Our rates provide prompt two-business-day turnaround.

• The PhD Package does  not   include assistance with a writing sample. If you need assistance selecting or editing a writing sample, please see  https://www.accepted.com/grad/services/writing-sample-package  or  https://www.accepted.com/grad/services/essay-editing.
• Please purchase PhD Application Packages in the application cycle in which you will apply.
• Advising on financial aid or the essays associated with financial aid applications is not included and will incur additional charges.
• The letter of recommendation critique provides a broad review of the letter's content. The package does not include editing of the letters. Letter of recommendation editing will incur additional charges and is only available if we can communicate with your recommenders.
• We are happy to provide interview prep for schools not included in your application package, but that prep is not included and will incur additional charges.
• The interview prep does not include case interviews or technical preparation for your field.
• If you request to change consultants or work with a second consultant, you will incur additional charges.

Don't Need Comprehensive Help?

Here are some other ideas for you:

Boring But Important Stuff

• All rates are expressed and billed in U.S. dollars.
• Our regular rates provide two-business-day turnaround for each round of editing. 
• Services are subject to availability.
• All prices are subject to change without notice.

Ph.D. Application & Admission

The application deadline for those seeking full consideration for financial aid is January 10.

For more information or questions regarding the PhD program – e-mail us

DO NOT E-MAIL FACULTY MEMBERS DIRECTLY. THEY WILL NOT RESPOND TO YOUR REQUESTS. Please submit ALL your inquiries to the e-mail link above.

STEM Designation Our PhD program has recently been reclassified as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). Students in STEM degree programs can apply for a 24 month STEM extension of F1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Overview of Ph.D. Admissions at Texas A&M

Our admissions decisions are based on a combination of prior preparation in economics, mathematics, statistics, and other technical courses, grade point averages in these topics, overall grade point average, perceived quality of undergraduate and, if applicable, masters training, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and so on. We do not have minimum thresholds for GPA, GRE scores, or courses taken. Admission is only granted for students entering in the fall semester; we do not admit students entering in the spring semester.

An undergraduate major in economics is not a requirement, but students are expected to have taken some economics courses, including at least intermediate theory courses. Students should also have a solid background in mathematics. The recommended math courses are calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical statistics, but more math is generally considered an advantage. A master’s degree is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program, nor for completing the Ph.D. degree.

Each year we receive around 200 applications to the PhD program. We admit 10 to 15 percent of those applicants. Of the admitted applicants, an average of 15 begin our PhD program each year. The average GRE scores of those students is 156 in verbal, 164 in quantitative, and 4.0 in analytical writing.

The Department awards an average of 10 assistantships to each first-year PhD class. These assistantships include a monthly stipend, a tuition waiver, and a health insurance package. Assistantships are renewable each year for five years so long as students remain in good standing in the department.

How to Apply to the PhD Program

• Submit an application and upload documents online at  Texas A&M Grad CAS

Required Application Materials

• Program Application

Apply on-line at  Texas A&M Grad CAS

• Personal Statement/Essay

The Economics Department does not have any specific requirements for the essay. This essay is simply a way for applicants to share information about themselves that the admission committee might not otherwise see when looking at other application materials. This essay is uploaded via the  Grad CAS website .

• All transcripts from prior institutions/colleges (International applicants: one transcript in your native language and one translation in English)

Scanned copies of your transcripts should be uploaded to the Grad CAS  website . These scanned copies are sufficient for the department to review your application and make admission and funding decisions.  While it is also possible for you to instead submit paper copies to the address below, we strongly discourage submission of paper copies as part of your application since it will slow down the processing time for your application significantly and may cause you to miss out on funding opportunities. Instead, please upload scanned copies to the Grad CAS website.  However, in order for you to ultimately enroll at Texas A&M University, you must submit official copies of the transcripts. The preferred way is to submit “official” versions of electronic transcripts via the one of the university-approved vendors which includes AVOW, SPEEDE, eScrip-SAFE or National Student Clearinghouse. Electronic transcripts from other vendors will not be accepted by the university (similarly, the university does not consider copies you scan of your “official transcripts” to be official). The less-preferred (but still acceptable) way of submitting official transcripts is to mail them directly to the registrar at:

Graduate Admissions Processing Office of Admissions Texas A&M University P.O. Box 40001 College Station, TX 77842-4001

To summarize, while you will eventually need to submit either official paper copies or university-sanctioned electronic copies of your transcripts to the Office of Admissions before enrolling at Texas A&M University, to avoid lengthy delays in the processing of your application you should upload electronic copies to Grad CAS when applying. If you would like to additionally submit official transcripts to the address above, you are welcome to do so, even though it is not necessary unless you are accepted and enroll.

• Official degree statements or diplomas for any degrees awarded (International applicants: one in your Native language and one English translation)

These statements should be submitted in the same manner as your transcripts. That is, scanned copies should be uploaded to the  Grad CAS website  in order for your application to be reviewed.  If you decide to enroll at Texas A&M, you will need to submit official copies of degree statements, just as you do for transcripts. Directions for doing so are the same as for transcripts, as described above.

These scores should be sent directly from Educational Testing Service. The scores must be from a test date within five years of the date of your application. For information on test dates and locations, please visit www.gre.org. The institution code for Texas A&M University is 6003.

• TOEFL scores

This test is required only if your GRE verbal score is below 146, and if you come from a country where English is not the native language. These scores should be sent directly from the testing service, and must be from a test date within two years of the date of your application.

• Three Letters of Recommendation

Letters should be from people who are familiar with your academic background (i.e., professors or advisors), and should preferably be written on letterhead. Professional references (i.e., employers) are acceptable if academic references are unavailable.  The names and email addresses of your letter writers should be entered into the  Grad CAS website . Once you enter the names and email addresses of your professors into the Grad CAS website and complete that part of the application, the system will email them asking for them to upload their letters for you.

Optional Application Materials

• Optional Writing Sample

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit an original writing sample. It should be sole-authored and written in English. For example, applicants may choose to submit a research paper written for a prior course. Submission of a writing sample is recommended but not required for consideration for admission and funding. If you would like to submit a writing sample, you should upload it as a “supporting document” to the to the  Grad CAS  website.

For information on current tuition rates, please visit  http://sbs.tamu.edu/accounts-billing/tuition-fees/cost-attendance/ .

Financial Aid

Qualified applicants will be considered for financial aid in the form of assistantships and fellowships. The application for admission also serves as the application for financial aid. There is no separate application form for financial aid.

To be considered for funding, applications and the supporting materials should be submitted no later than January 10. The department will continue to accept applications until March 1, though applications received after January 10 are not guaranteed full consideration for financial aid. That means while we will attempt to consider applications received after December 15 for financial aid (the sooner we receive the materials the better your chances), we do not guarantee full consideration.

• Assistantships

The department primarily funds PhD students via research or teaching assistantships. In general, research and teaching assistants devote up to 20 hours per week helping faculty members with their research projects or teaching. Most assistantships also include tuition waivers. The Department has also been able to fund additional assistantships from external research grants and awards. All applicants, including those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, are eligible for assistantships.

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The Glenn College admits talented individuals from the United States and abroad with superior academic records and a strong interest in careers emphasizing research and scholarship in public policy and management.

We encourage applications from students with varied life experience, skills, academic training, perspectives, and scholarly interests.

Historically, all Glenn College doctoral students have been fully funded (including tuition, stipend, and healthcare benefits) for at least four years. Stipends and healthcare benefits are competitive with those of other top schools of public affairs.

All applicants are considered for funded positions as part of the application review process.

University Fellowships

All qualified applicants are considered  for university fellowships that provide full funding (including tuition, stipend and healthcare benefits) with no work requirements. These are typically awarded for students’ first year in the program, but some students receive them for multiple years.

Explore university fellowships.

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The most common forms of financial aid are Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) and Graduate Research Associate (GRA) positions. Students work 20 hours per week as teaching or research assistants in return for full funding (including tuition, stipend and healthcare benefits). These are also great opportunities to develop research and teaching skills.

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The Glenn College considers an applicant’s whole application. Applicants can compensate for weaknesses in one area with strengths in another.

Given our emphasis on the whole application, we urge applicants to carefully craft their personal statements to demonstrate that they have adequate preparation to complete our program and that their interests align with those of some of our faculty.  We provide more guidance below.

Applicants previously or currently enrolled in other graduate programs at Ohio State should submit a “Intra-University Graduate Transfer (IGT) application” and do not need to pay the application fee. Contact [email protected] for more information.

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• $70 for international applicants
• This fee is nonrefundable.

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If you feel you qualify for an application fee waiver based on your participation in any of the diversity initiatives through the Graduate School Program or Ohio State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, or if you feel you qualify because of economic hardship, please select the appropriate box(es) under the application fee waiver section of the online application. 

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• You must submit proof in order to qualify for an application fee waiver. 
• You cannot submit your online application until your application fee waiver request is approved or your application fee is paid. You will be notified if your application fee waiver request is not approved, at which time you should return to the online application and submit the application fee.

GPA and GRE Submission

The submission of GRE scores is optional . We encourage applicants to submit GRE scores if they help demonstrate a strength or can compensate for a weakness (e.g., low GPA).

The OSU Graduate School requires a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average (cGPA) (on the 4.0 scale used at this university) in the last degree relevant to the program of study earned by the applicant. 

English Proficiency Requirements

All international applicants must meet the Glenn College’s proficiency requirement, which is a score of 100 or above on the TOEFL exam (or an equivalent score on another accepted exam). For more information (e.g., regarding exemptions based on prior degrees or country of origin), applicants should consult the Graduate School’s rules regarding proof of English proficiency .

Deadlines and Timeline

Domestic applicants: December 1

International applicants : November 1

Formal application review starts December 1. Decisions are made by early February.

Faculty can only review complete applications. Visit appstatus.osu.edu to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

All applicants for the PhD program are required to submit the following materials to Graduate Admissions via the online application:

• A completed Graduate School application
• Transcripts of all prior academic work*
• At least three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty or researchers, assessing the applicant’s potential for doctoral-level work*
• A personal statement summarizing the applicant’s preparation, career goals, and primary research interests as they relate to our PhD program*
• A resume or CV. Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academic and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, any publications and other significant activities.*

* NOTE : If you choose not to attach these materials when completing the online application, you may attach them later, using the online uploader.

Application Status

Application status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit appstatus.osu.edu to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Guidance on Personal Statements

Personal statements are important, as they provide the applicant with an opportunity to make an overall case that their research and programmatic interests fit well with the research and programmatic focus of our program .

Statements should be no more than three single-spaced pages and should be well written .

Specifically, the personal statement should describe the applicant’s preparation, career goals and primary research interests as they relate to our PhD program:

• Preparation : Describe your preparation for doctoral study in public policy and management. Have you taken courses related to government, research methods or some other key feature of our curriculum? Did you do well in those courses? Do you have research experience? Do you have professional experience that has helped prepare you for doctoral study?
• Career goals : Describe your career goals. Do you wish to become an academic or perhaps a researcher in another setting? Explain how learning to conduct high-quality public policy and management research might help you realize those goals.
• Research interests : Describe in specific terms what your research interests are (e.g., “non-profit management,” “policy evaluation,” etc.) and identify some of our faculty who do research that is of interest to you. Do not feel obligated to identify specific research questions, and you are surely not committing to any specific topics you might provide. But it is very important that we can determine from your personal statement whether we have the faculty capacity to help you become a successful scholar.

Guidance on Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must have three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty or researchers, assessing the applicant’s potential for doctoral-level work.

• Letters must be submitted electronically using the online application (select “Public Policy and Management”).
• While completing your online application, please provide your recommender’s name and email address. The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions will send an email to the recommenders instructing them to complete a short assessment and upload a PDF recommendation letter. 
• Inform your letter writers that they will receive an email from Ohio State once you submit the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure letters of recommendation are completed by posted deadlines. 
• If recommenders experience difficulties accessing the link or using the online system, please contact the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions directly at [email protected] .
• Letters of recommendation sent directly to the Glenn College will not be accepted.

Funded Opportunities

Energy system resilience and equity, assessing the early childhood policy landscape in ohio.

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Preparation

An undergraduate degree in economics is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program, provided that applicants have achieved an adequate background in economics and mathematics at the undergraduate level.

UPDATE 12/18/2020 (a note on P/NP grades since the Covid-19/Coronavirus Pandemic):

UC Berkeley evaluates applicants for admission to its graduate and professional schools holistically, meaning that we consider an applicant’s combination of personal accomplishments, letters of recommendation, personal statements, academic record, and test scores in making our admissions decisions. Such a review will take into account the significant disruptions of COVID-19 when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials during the pandemic. Thus, we will not penalize students for the adoption of P/NP grades and reduced research experiences during this unprecedented period, whether the choices were made by institutions or by individual students. What is most important is that applicants demonstrate that they pursued a challenging curriculum that was relevant to their plan for graduate or professional school.

As we have continued to observe in admissions cycles, Berkeley graduates have a remarkable track record of success in graduate school admissions to the most competitive programs in the country. Our graduates are admired for their academic abilities and resilience, and are assessed, as always, on their overall performance. We are confident that graduate admissions committees will make generous allowances for the academic challenges produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economics All applicants are expected to have completed intermediate math-based economic theory courses. Further education in economics and economic theory is helpful, but not required.

Math Applicants must have knowledge of multivariate calculus, basic matrix algebra, and differential equations; completion of a two-year math sequence, which emphasizes proofs and derivations.  Some knowledge of statistics and elementary probability is highly desirable, as is additional coursework in algebra and real analysis.  Descriptions of the Math courses offered at UC Berkeley which fulfill this requirement are as follows:

MATH 1A : An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions.

MATH 1B : Continuation of 1A. Techniques of integration; applications of integration. Infinite sequences and series. First-order ordinary differential equations. Second-order ordinary differential equations; oscillation and damping; series solutions of ordinary differential equations.

MATH 53 : Parametric equations and polar coordinates. Vectors in 2- and 3-dimensional Euclidean spaces. Partial derivatives. Multiple integrals. Vector calculus. Theorems of Green, Gauss, and Stokes.

MATH 54 : Basic linear algebra; matrix arithmetic and determinants. Vector spaces; inner product spaces. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; linear transformations. Homogeneous ordinary differential equations; first-order differential equations with constant coefficients. Fourier series and partial differential equations.

MATH 104:  The real number system. Sequences, limits, and continuous functions in R and R. The concept of a metric space. Uniform convergence, interchange of limit operations. Infinite series. Mean value theorem and applications. The Riemann integral.

MATH 110:  Matrices, vector spaces, linear transformations, inner products, determinants. Eigenvectors. QR factorization. Quadratic forms and Rayleigh's principle. Jordan canonical form, applications. Linear functionals.

STAT 134: An introduction to probability, emphasizing concepts and applications. Conditional expectation, independence, laws of large numbers. Discrete and continuous random variables. Central limit theorem. Selected topics such as the Poisson process, Markov chains, characteristic functions.

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• 12 March 2024

Bring PhD assessment into the twenty-first century

You have full access to this article via your institution.

Innovation in PhD education has not reached how doctoral degrees are assessed. Credit: Dan Dunkley/Science Photo Library

Research and teaching in today’s universities are unrecognizable compared with what they were in the early nineteenth century, when Germany and later France gave the world the modern research doctorate. And yet significant aspects of the process of acquiring and assessing a doctorate have remained remarkably constant. A minimum of three years of independent study mentored by a single individual culminates in the production of the doctoral thesis — often a magisterial, book-length piece of work that is assessed in an oral examination by a few senior academic researchers. In an age in which there is much research-informed innovation in teaching and learning, the assessment of the doctoral thesis represents a curious throwback that is seemingly impervious to meaningful reform.

But reform is needed. Some doctoral candidates perceive the current assessment system to lack transparency, and examiners report concerns of falling standards ( G. Houston A Study of the PhD Examination: Process, Attributes and Outcomes . PhD thesis, Oxford Univ.; 2018 ). Making the qualification more structured would help — and, equally importantly, would bring the assessment of PhD education in line with education across the board. PhD candidates with experience of modern assessment methods will become better researchers, wherever they work. Indeed, most will not be working in universities: the majority of PhD holders find employment outside academia.

Collection: Career resources for PhD students

It’s not that PhD training is completely stuck in the nineteenth century. Today’s doctoral candidates can choose from a range of pathways. Professional doctorates, often used in engineering, are jointly supervised by an employer and an academic, and are aimed at solving industry-based problems. Another innovation is PhD by publication, in which, instead of a final thesis on one or more research questions, the criterion for an award is a minimum number of papers published or accepted for publication. In some countries, doctoral students are increasingly being trained in cohorts, with the aim of providing a less isolating experience than that offered by the conventional supervisor–student relationship. PhD candidates are also encouraged to acquire transferable skills — for example, in data analysis, public engagement, project management or business, economics and finance. The value of such training would be even greater if these skills were to be formally assessed alongside a dissertation rather than seen as optional.

And yet, most PhDs are still assessed after the production of a final dissertation, according to a format that, at its core, has not changed for at least half a century, as speakers and delegates noted at an event in London last month on PhD assessment, organized by the Society for Research in Higher Educatio n. Innovations in assessment that are common at other levels of education are struggling to find their way into the conventional doctoral programme.

Take the concept of learning objectives. Intended to aid consistency, fairness and transparency, learning objectives are a summary of what a student is expected to know and how they will be assessed, and are given at the start of a course of study. Part of the ambition is also to help tutors to keep track of their students’ learning and take remedial action before it is too late.

PhD training is no longer fit for purpose — it needs reform now

Formative assessment is another practice that has yet to find its way into PhD assessment consistently. Here, a tutor evaluates a student’s progress at the mid-point of a course and gives feedback or guidance on what students need to do to improve ahead of their final, or summative, assessment. It is not that these methods are absent from modern PhDs; a conscientious supervisor will not leave candidates to sink or swim until the last day. But at many institutions, such approaches are not required of PhD supervisors.

Part of the difficulty is that PhD training is carried out in research departments by people who do not need to have teaching qualifications or awareness of innovations based on education research. Supervisors shouldn’t just be experts in their field, they should also know how best to convey that subject knowledge — along with knowledge of research methods — to their students.

It is probably not possible for universities to require all doctoral supervisors to have teaching qualifications. But there are smaller changes that can be made. At a minimum, doctoral supervisors should take the time to engage with the research that exists in the field of PhD education, and how it can apply to their interactions with students.

There can be no one-size-fits-all solution to improving how a PhD is assessed, because different subjects often have bespoke needs and practices ( P. Denicolo Qual. Assur. Educ. 11 , 84–91; 2003 ). But supervisors and representatives of individual subject communities must continue to discuss what is most appropriate for their disciplines.

All things considered, there is benefit to adopting a more structured approach to PhD assessment. It is high time that PhD education caught up with changes that are now mainstream at most other levels of education. That must start with a closer partnership between education researchers, PhD supervisors and organizers of doctoral-training programmes in universities. This partnership will benefit everyone — PhD supervisors and doctoral students coming into the research workforce, whether in universities or elsewhere.

Education and training in research has entered many secondary schools, along with undergraduate teaching, which is a good thing. In the spirit of mutual learning, research doctoral supervisors, too, will benefit by going back to school.

Nature 627 , 244 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00718-0

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AI Is Coming to Teacher Prep. Here’s What That Looks Like

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Will artificial intelligence transform the way teachers are trained? At least one preparation program is banking on it.

The Relay Graduate School of Education, an accredited not-for-profit preparation program with locations in about a dozen states, is developing several AI-driven simulators that will give prospective teachers a chance to practice interacting with students—before they actually set foot in a classroom.

“In order for a teacher to become great, they need high-quality practice,” said Lequite Manning, the department chair of clinical practice and residency for Relay, at the SXSW EDU conference here. “We see AI as an engine for getting more educators more opportunities for high-quality practice and feedback.”

But this isn’t meant to take the place of real, live student-teaching.

“What we envision is an approach to teacher preparation that is both the standard student-teaching in real rooms with real kids and real colleagues, ... all supplemented with very regular opportunities to engage in skill-building in a fully simulated environment,” said Mayme Hostetter, the president of Relay.

At SXSW EDU, Manning and Hostetter demonstrated a prototype for one “virtual classroom” that Relay has developed with Wharton Interactive, a project of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. This text-based simulator focuses on an early skill teacher-candidates need to learn—getting to know their students.

What an AI teaching simulator looks like

A teacher-candidate is first taken to a landing page with a reminder that the tool is AI-driven and some principles to keep in mind. The candidate is then asked to enter their own demographic information, as well as their experience level in the classroom, which will be used to customize their interactions in the simulator.

The candidate is also asked to share their hobbies: “Part of what we’re teaching them to do as new teachers is to incorporate their students’ interests into how they teach,” Hostetter said, adding that the simulator will model how to do that.

Then, the candidate will take a pretest on what Relay calls the empathy interview, or a getting-to-know-you conversation with students. Afterward, the prospective teacher is again reminded that they will be interacting with AI and is given a list of tips—to provide context and ask direct questions, for example, and to keep in mind the AI’s limitations.

The candidate then watches a video of Hostetter and Lacey Robinson, the president and chief executive officer of UnboundEd, which designs professional learning for educators, sharing best practices for empathy interviews.

Finally, it’s time to interact with the AI. The candidate gets an email from their AI “teacher mentor,” named Sheryl Cameron, who introduces herself and shares demographic information of the school where the simulation takes place. The candidate can ask Cameron for advice on building rapport with students. Cameron answers, based on information input by the teacher educators at Relay.

When the candidate is ready, they begin interacting with the “students.” The students’ personas are not built by AI, Hostetter said. They’re based on real kids she and Robinson have taught over the years.

In the scenario, the teacher-candidate sits down at their students’ lunch table and strikes up a conversation. The candidate picks among several choices for how to start the conversation. The kids respond, and the candidate goes back and forth with them a few times before the exchange comes to a close.

The candidate is then asked to reflect on their experience with Cameron, the AI teacher-mentor. The candidate shares their takeaways, what they learned about the students in that exchange, and how they’d incorporate what the kids shared about their interests and strengths into an upcoming lesson.

Based on those responses, Cameron offers some final feedback about what went well and what they could improve. Finally, the candidate watches a video of Hostetter and Robinson where they either say “great job!” or “try it one more time.”

The future of AI-driven simulators

Hostetter said the simulator will be piloted with candidates this summer, but there’s no firm timeline yet for when it will be incorporated formally into Relay’s curriculum.

Meanwhile, Relay is building additional simulators with Kyron Learning, an AI-based learning startup, that cover other foundational skills, such as giving clear instructions to students and setting up classroom routines.

Classroom simulations in teacher preparation are not new , but generative AI is making them more responsive and—it’s hoped—realistic. Lilach Mollick, the director of pedagogy at Wharton Interactive, said she wants to eventually integrate AI voice and video into teaching simulators.

Hostetter said she hopes these AI-driven simulators will become as much of a staple in professional development for the teaching field as flight simulators are for pilots.

“We see the power of AI being able to really create a much more realistic practice opportunity for teachers who have to navigate so many things going on in their classrooms,” she said. “That can be a huge overwhelm for new teachers in particular. The simulator lowers the stakes—[it] allows people to practice getting it right while the stakes are low, so that they get it right when the stakes are high in front of their real students.”

A version of this article appeared in the March 20, 2024 edition of Education Week as AI Is Coming to Teacher Prep. Here’s What That Looks Like

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Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at UC Davis

2023 Retreat at Fallen Leaf Lake

• by Cameron Vasquez
• March 21, 2024

Every year for the past 20-ish years, the T32 Training Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology hosts an annual retreat at Fallen Leaf Lake to foster cohesiveness and community.  In October 2023, we joined the UC Davis T32 graduate students and faculty on their retreat.  

A brisk 3.5-hour drive to Fallen Leaf Lake, a smallish lake near Lake Tahoe, took us to a cabin-style conference center (and resort where Stanford alumni spend their summers) that has stood for more than a century. Over this retreat weekend, I took in the wooded scenery and intriguing science.

The first evening was for the late-night poster session. My cabin mate, a UC Davis MARC undergraduate, gave a poster presentation on chronic acetaminophen intake’s effect on hepatocyte health. Other undergraduates, grad students, and even faculty also presented their work. I enjoyed the posters and power point presentations that showcased research, with many engaging ones. These talks made me even more enthusiastic for graduate school; at the time, I thought, "I could be involved in graduate school research within the next year! I could be researching similar topics and questions discussed here by then. I could even be presenting my graduate school research at a department retreat with other like-minded researchers." How exciting!

On Saturday afternoon, we had a small block of free time to explore the area, and we all partook in various activities. I went kayaking with fellow PREP scholars Andrew and Christian. The silence of the lake environment was even more apparent out in the middle of the water. There were even better views of the mountain faces teeming with trees from that little kayak (although the thought that I might drop my phone whilst taking pictures did cross my mind). Afterwards we played volleyball with other students. Twelve of us played at any one time with others on the sidelines ready to substitute at a moment’s notice. It was a joyous time connecting with each other this way.

The Fallen Leaf retreat includes yearly traditions. Faculty members try to guide students up hikes to the peak of the mountains overlooking the lake every year. I say try because in recent years, the students typically do not complete the hike and turn back. The faculty said that not packing water was a reason for this ( …well…if they’re talking about the summit of Mt. Tallac, the faculty have a point – it’s over 9700 ft. and not a casual stroll for the unprepared. Seriously. – Editor ). Fortunately, this year was different – a group of students triumphed!

A Saturday morning polar bear lake plunge is another of these traditions. Instead, I decided to go kayaking at the time people were doing the polar bear plunge. So, I did not do the plunge… until 7:45am on Sunday. This last day of the trip was the only chance I had left. Andrew stood on the dock just in case. Then I jumped. One second underwater passed, and I felt nothing. All was calm. Maybe a half second went by before I was super cold from head to toe and paddled hastily back to the dock ( …mmm….you can watch the video and check out the timing and spatial coordinates for yourself -- Editor ). What a way to wake up!

Going to a retreat like this was a nice way to meet other like-minded researchers and to keep in touch with those I’d met UC Davis as an undergrad or in campus DEI programs. It was also pleasant to see former research colleagues. Hearing updates about what my network of peers are working on is neat, and it may be possible for us to collaborate on research in the future.

Living – albeit temporarily – in the cabins has left me with a more nuanced appreciation for the privilege of living amidst California’s natural wonders. Waking up to the serenity of the lake, walking amongst the trees from the cabin for breakfast, watching the nighttime stars….it was a small paradise and we in PREP were grateful to be guests.

The retreat further amped up my enthusiasm for graduate school. I will soon be conducting graduate school research of my own, it could possibility be related to current research at UC Davis, and I will get to connect with a community of colleagues at my graduate school at events like the Fallen Leaf Retreat.

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