Tips for SUCCESSFUL PhD Application

After taking feedback from many reputed university professors of UK, USA, Canada and Germany who look at hundreds of applications every year, we have tried to put together some tips for successful PhD Application

Tips for successful PhD application

After taking feedback from many reputed university professors of UK, USA, Canada and Germany who look at hundreds of applications every year, we have tried to put together tips for successful PhD application. The most obvious thing professors want is a decent academic record as this shows a level of intelligence, ability to work, to learn and to deliver. Most applicants these days will have first-class degrees, but when it comes to submitting a PhD application, professors could not emphasize enough how important it is that a PhD application sounds specific and directed to the concerned program/position. And what professors do not like for sure is an application that is too generic. Show that you know to who and where you are applying to. Get everything right! Show that you know your stuff and that you have read up on their work.

Clearly express your reasons for pursuing a PhD

It’s important to be really honest with yourself and with the admission committee about why you want to do a PhD in the first place. Do you love being in the lab and want the chance to work on an exciting project with other researchers? Are you passionate about pursuing a full-time career in academia? Many students are initially interested in pursuing a Ph.D. because they want to become a professor. However, a doctoral degree opens your doors to a variety of careers and prepares you for numerous exciting jobs which are very-well paid. Think carefully about why you want to do a PhD and let that enthusiasm shine through in your application. This is one of the most important tips for successful PhD application which lays the foundation of your entire process.

Also Read: Career Opportunities after PhD Abroad

Define your interests

Once you’ve decided that a Ph.D. is the right step for you, you need to identify places where you see a strong fit—essentially meaning that your research interests and goals line up closely with those of the program and your future mentor or mentors. The first step on that road is to nail down your own interests. Think about the topics, courses, projects, and experiences that pique your curiosity enough to spend a half-decade or more studying them. Your interests will likely evolve over time, but defining them now will serve as a compass guiding you in the right direction. Moreover, without defined research interests, it is nearly impossible to write a targeted cover letter or statement of purpose. So, you must be sure about your research interest if you want to submit a strong application. If you are struggling to determine your research interest then read our article on “How to develop your research ideas for PhD”.

Make sure your cover letter or SOP is targeted and enthusiastic

This, again, is one of the most important tips for successful PhD application. Cover letters or SOP can be very difficult to write…but they can be equally as difficult to read for assessors if they’re not targeted effectively and positively. Before you start writing your SOP or cover letter for the PhD program you are applying to, it is highly recommended that you spend time looking into the published research of the faculty of that program. If you’re applying for a PhD in a specific group, then make sure you’ve done all of the necessary research into what that professor is working on. Make sure that your enthusiasm for your subject and their research comes across in your cover letter or SOP. You can then target your letter around that and make relevant connections to your own enthusiasm for the project. This exercise will help you write excellent targeted SOPs which will make your application stand out and increase your chances of getting selected.

Make your application stand out

Many programs receive more applicants with stellar grades and test scores than they can admit. Therefore, top applicants set themselves apart by putting great care and attention into all the other elements of the application package. This includes a thoughtful description of their research experiences, a carefully crafted statement of their current interests, and personalized reference letters. In some fields, applications may even include samples of your work or publications. So, stay organized and give yourself enough time to carefully craft every part of the application.

Tailor your CV carefully

As we’ve already hinted, professors who select PhD interview candidates have a lot of applications to get through. That means reading hundreds of cover letters and CVs in the limited time they have available. So, what can you do to stand out?

Make sure your CV has been carefully tailored so that the key information you want to get across is on the front page. This advice goes for any kind of job application, whether academic or industrial. Highlight your key achievements (such as prizes, journal papers etc.) on the first page of your CV, because the changes are that an assessor won’t see them if they’re hidden away on page five.

It’s also a good idea to show your CV to someone else, just in case they notice any mistakes that you didn’t pick up on or can give you any further advice.

Make the research statement shine

Perhaps the most important element of the application is the research statement. Faculty members use the statement to get a sense of your writing ability, passion for the field, research experience, intellectual potential, and fit with the program. Your goal is to show that you are a deep thinker who is ready to become a scientist. Read some of the papers your potential advisers have published, think critically about them, and offer specific ideas for extending the work in new directions. Look at sample statements from graduate students in your field. Ask for feedback from as many relevant people as possible, including graduate students and faculty members in the field (not your roommate or your parents). It may feel tedious, but the practice of writing and rewriting is one of the most essential skills you will hone in graduate school.

Also Read: Tips to Write Awesome Research Proposal

Ask for reference letters early

Request reference letters at least a month before the first deadline. Try to get letters from professors who know you well and are connected to your field. Ask whether they can write a strong letter on your behalf. If a professor is reluctant to write you such a letter, they may have some reservations that could sink your chances, so don’t push it—try to find another letter writer. Give them all the information they need to write a strong letter, including: the deadlines and (e)mailing address for all your programs, a copy of your CV and research statement, and a few bullet points highlighting your work for them. These materials will help refresh their memory about all you accomplished under their guidance. Ask whether they need anything else. For more information read our article on “How to Select Referees for PhD Application”.

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5 Things that PhD Admissions Committees Consider

If you want to prepare a strong application for PhD position abroad, then after reading the tips for successful PhD application, you should read this article on top 5 factors that admission committees take into account while analysing PhD applications.

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One of the important tips for successful PhD application is submitting an impressive Research Proposal. Read this article to know all about how to write an excellent research proposal for PhD applications abroad.

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In addition to knowing tips for successful PhD application, you must thoroughly understand the eligibility criteria for PhD Abroad. Read this article to know about various eligibility requirements for PhD applications outside India.

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For more information regarding funding opportunities and PhD positions abroad, contact our team at Road to Abroad (+91 8383050912). For more general information about studying PhD in abroad in various countries like UK, USA, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, etc visit our PhD Consultation Page.

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