I totally agree with Casey! For my whole undergrad career, I have had professors who are chairs of the admission committee tell their students that they don't care about grades as much as they care about research. Graduate school is mainly about research and if the committee doesn't feel you are a good researcher, they won't let you in. PLEASE make sure you get some research experience before applying.
My first Ph.D. application got rejected. I received an email today stating that they received many applications this time, hence the competition is extremely high. I'm looking at this as a stepping stone to other opportunities. I will keep trying. Sometimes 'No' means 'Not Yet' :-)
Despite I have research experience as a master's student and two publications, but it seems that the standards of some Ph.D. programs are so high. I find the most difficult part is writing the motivation letter because I have to answer so many questions like, why I want to do this research, do I really have the ability they need. Thank you Casey for this video, which gives me more confidence to apply for Ph.D. positions.
My piece of advice here: Check very (VERY) well who you will be working with. Look at their number of alumni. Are they successful? Were they happy? Did they keep in touch with their advisor (check publications)? Also, you want to understand where you will be going: Do they have people from your ethnicity? Do they recruit and guarantee people with your demographics succeed? Don't simply follow big names. You will be mentored (or not) by people who may fit or not your goals, expectations, background, and experiences. Evaluate very well who that mentor will be: burnout is real, mental health is real, and especially, your well-being is by far the most important factor you should have in mind. Hopefully, you'll meet a great mentor. Just be cautious, as you don't want to work with people who don't see you, disrespect you, or invalidate you. Good luck!
For folks who are interested in the kinds of things that this commenter brings up, I have multiple videos on choosing programs to apply to, choosing which program to go to, and choosing an advisor!
One comment to alleviate many of the issues you raise. Contact a prospective advisor to find out if: 1) that that prof is accepting students. In the sciences accepting a new Ph.D. student is often tied to funding availability; 2) your specific research interests are consistent with the prof's interests at the time. Communication with propective advisors is essential in my opinion to get a good match and to avoid wasting time and money applying to programs where you have no chance of doing what you want to do if you are admitted. I base these comments on my experience as a prof (now retired).
Holy moly these points were so informative and spot on!! Wish I could’ve found you earlier before I submitted my applications! But now I’m just waiting for the results while binging on your videos just in case I’ll have to apply again. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights!!
I love this series. I'm applying to PhD programs right now and these were beyond helpful. I do have one question - I already took the GRE, before I realized that most of the programs that I'm applying to are not looking at GRE scores this year due to COVID. I paid for the test, studied, and did really well. I was excited when I saw my results and then subsequently disappointed when I realized that they won't be looked at by 90% of the schools I'm applying to. Should I still send in the scores? I feel like they can't hurt, but your comment on making mistakes and attention to detail made me reconsider. Will they think I was sloppy with my application if they received a GRE score from me when they were not asking for one this year?
I would say that if they explicitly say they don't accept them, then you should not send them - unless you email and ask, which you could certainly do! But I actually think it's more common for them to be optional (this is what our department does), in which case if you think they will help you you should definitely send them! Good luck!
Dear professor, Your videos are very helpful. I would like to seek your advice regarding switiching to a different research area and graduate program. I am currently in the third year of my graduate program. Because of multiple unforseen circumstances we had to change the project direction into a completely different area that is not of my interest and expertise. I am looking to change my reasearch area back to biosciences, in which I am a post graduate in. I am feeling extremely stuck in my career as I did some research and found negative thoughts about switching a PhD program after two years. Is it impossible to start afresh with a new PhD program?? I really want to do a PhD in the area of biosciences. I have never been more motivated but finding a position seems difficult and I feel very depressed with the possibility that my PhD dreams might come to an end. Kindly guide on this.
I’m a sophomore planning on doing a phd after graduating and this video helped me figure out what I should prioritize for the next 2 years in order to make myself a more competitive applicant! Thanks so much :)
Oh I'm so glad! I'm also planning a video specifically about what to do as an undergrad to set yourself up well, but the short answer is: research experience + get to know faculty.
I have my 2 cents to share: every program is different, and you can't predict what they like. I have two MS ( two 1st author journal publications, 6 conferences, etc) and tried to apply to a very prestigious research facility. I got rejected for the first time and asked for a current Ph.D. student for his insight. What he said really shocks me: this program doesn't like people with MSs, they barely recruit students with MS, they like younger students. Undergraduate students who have a very solid background but not very rigid/defined research intereste can appear more welcoming to that committee. They like students with more flexibility. I guess the takeaway is that the Ph.D. admission is really unpredictable.
This is absolutely true. Hence my final point about the large amount of randomness in the process! There's just no way to know, but the good news is, the randomness sometimes works in your favor.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Professor, Do you think if European of American universities tend to reject people applying for PhD scholarships from outside those regions? For example from South or Southeast Asia? I've heard somewhere that some universities tend to reject them because getting them is a complex process involving visa applications and many other things.
Hey Casey i know im late to the party but im currently finishing up my Masters in Public Health and actively working on applying to several PHD programs for Epidemiology. My question to you is by me conpleting my masters how strong of an applicant will i be?
My typical thought on this is that an applicant isn’t necessarily stronger by virtue of having a masters degree, but that applicants with masters degrees very often have stronger applications because they have more research experience, better letters of rec, etc.
What do you suggest for a 35 year old woman who has background and bachelors in business but is now interested in human life development cus of a family tragedy (and founded a not for profit bc of it) ... I want to get a PhD in this field but don’t want to start back and start over with a human resource degree. Do you find these kind of circumstances are considered in an application process?
just had an interview for a PhD position in an European country. I was really startled with the number of detailed technical questions they asked regarding the research proposal I wrote for the position. I expected a challenge but not to this extent. I still hope I get the position.
From my experience applying to both the US and several universities in Europe, European unis expect quite a lot more technical knowledge during the writing and interview phase because since you need a masters to apply, you should’ve already had some early experience in research. This is especially relevant for smaller programs, 3-year PhDs, because from day 1 you’re doing your research project. US applications are far easier in those terms because you just need to demonstrate being a good fit, not necessarily a knowledgeable person with a clear path. I actually find myself more confident with doing European applications because I can be precise, show why my skill set is relevant to the field in a practical process and interview with professors who will be my colleagues for sure in the field. Hope you did well!
Thank you so much! This definitely helped me lower the anticipation and anxiety whole awaiting a decision. Thanks a ton and do continue with your series❤️
Thank you so much for such a lovely and encouraging video. I did masters but did not have any publications and I almost lost hope. But your words give me hope. Thank you
How much does a professors interest affect admission decision?. I had gotten a a positive reply from a professor who told me he would get in touch with the admission chair however I was rejected from the university. A lot of replies I had gotten were for example, " I am interested to take you, please let me know if you are admitted". Do professors actually have a say in the admission comittee?
I had a 3.7 GPA in undergrad 3 published papers as a third author and 2.5 years of research experience and 2 post baccalaureate certificates but all schools denied me because I could only get 2 letters of recommendation ..... disgusting that a stupid letter of recommendation determines your future
Did they all tell you that was the reason? That surprises me a little but if so I expect it was just because it meant the application was incomplete... so the good thing is, that's something that you can remedy for next time.
Thank you so much for this video! I will be completing my master program next spring. It’s a non-thesis track which means less research requirements.However,I’d work as a associate scientist at a pharmaceutical company with years of lab experience. Would this be consider as a research requirement when applying to a PHD program? Thank you.
Hi, thank you for this video. I'm a 8th year teacher interested in PhD. Currently, I am undergoing an EdD in Leadership, but as I am going through my dissertation and collecting data for research on my own, I am noticing Iam very interested in researching more on student motivation, psychology of the brain and performance. I would be finished with my EdD in 2 years time. I don't have any research experience other than my dissertation process, but i do have several PD's taken from National Teacher's Association, and an Inclusive Project course taken online. My plan would be applying after my EdD. What would be the likelihood schools would deny me because i already have my EdD or over achieving since most PhDs are applicants straight from an undergrad degree
This is super helpful. Thank you. I just graduated and am between either applying for MS or PhD programs right now. It looks like MS is honestly a better fit for me and where I want to go. alight, hope you have a good one.
Wow, ended up coming back to this comment over a year later. Guess what? I'll earn my MS in a couple months. Now am looking at PhD programs to apply to. Thank you for these videos
Isn't availability of funding a huge part of the selection process too?. Candidate may be good with demonstrated history of research (papers etc), but if there is no funding, obviously candidate is rejected right?.
This essentially part of "advisor fit" or "bad timing." If the person best to advise you is out of money, it could be a problem. :( But this isn't always true, because a lot of programs have enough support in terms of teaching assistantships to cover a lot! How much funding plays into admissions is highly variable from department to department.
Hello, I have a PhD (no Masters) in Mechanical Engineering from USA. But since I cannot find a Postdoc, I am thinking of going for a Masters or PhD in Mechanical Engg. in Canada. Do you think this will be a problem when I apply for Canadian study permit?? From the standpoint of the Visa Officer who will be granting the visa, should I apply for Masters or a PhD what's your suggestion?
@@CaseyFieslerPhD I think you will find that for a lot of students getting acceptance into Universities is far easier than securing a Study Visa. So that's the part most of us students worry about.
Hi Casey, I got rejected to my PhD but they offered me Master instead. However, I plan to go for Master. Can you make video about Master student should do to success to become PhD and the workload of Master student (bc some of them can have part-time job). Appreciated!
I'm sorry to hear that! Have you seen this video? I think this covers the advice I would have! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0zf9LVNipQ0.html
I received a rejection email from a prospective supervisor after weeks of going back and forth, talking about funding opportunities, enthusiasm about my proposal from other members in the department,etc. The main reasons listed where that my scope of the proposed research wasn’t clearly indicated and that my personal familiarity with certain techniques wasn’t plainly evident. It felt like a list of excuses rather than a legitimate indictment of my unsuitably. The program that I wanted to enter requires that the first year of the program is dedicated to the design of the project. That is precisely when scope and the designation of particular techniques should actually be developed. I don’t know. I’m crushed more than anything. I have a masters, two bachelors and know that I am a fit candidate for a PhD program.
Bro/sis whatever you sound smart af fam. You sound like YOU know wtf you wanna do - so get out there and do it. F that person that rejected you. Ok to the next
None of this means you aren't suitable for a PhD program, for sure. There are a lot of things beyond your control! If you haven't seen it, here's a video about how to think about regrouping after a rejection: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0zf9LVNipQ0.html
I contacted a supervisor in advance and she said yes to take me on, but my application is still declined by the University. Is it something usual? I am feeling so hopeless.
I'm very sorry to hear that. :( If you haven't seen this video you might find it helpful: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0zf9LVNipQ0.html Good luck to you!
One of the reasons for rejection for a PhD study is that the topic is either not novel or will not make an original contribution. The other reason is that a university receives many applications and has a place for only a few.
Hey Dr Casey, Please would you help me out here: So I received a response from a PhD professor saying that his lab is planning on taking a PhD student, and that I should look at the graduate school requirements and the selection process involves a comittee, and that he encourages me to apply. But he didn't set up any meeting or anything, and just asked me what I would like to work on, I did reply to that, but no reply since over a week, do you think I should take my chance and go ahead and apply to that school?
Hey Casey!! I got rejected from 2 of my dream schools ... other 7 schools I have applied to I have not heard back from them till now ... does that mean I am not 1st priority in these schools and most likely I will be rejected? Like I am either in the rejection list or I am in the waitlist just in case someone rejects the acceptance offer if the school then only I will get a chance ?? Please give an honest answer
My BS is in Computational & Data Science... a hard major that's not related to psych, but related to research. I believe that my GPA of 3.5 is considered pretty alright in this major, because its difficult coursework!
Our program expects a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission. The average GPA of admitted students is significantly higher. We typically interview ~10 to 15 applicants and accept 8 to 10, based on funds. I cannot recall an applicant that was accepted without research experience. All admitted students are guaranteed 5 years of funding from the program. All admitted students are required to do two to three rotations, even if they are certain which lab they will join. It is surprising how many people who fought against doing rotations end up changing their minds. I selected my mentor based on lab culture. People in the lab knew who to make life in the lab fun. I viewed my thesis research as a way to keep myself busy while I went about the process of learning enough about the field. so that I could make an informed decision about my postdoc.
I'm very sorry to hear that. :( If you haven't seen this video you might find it helpful: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0zf9LVNipQ0.html Good luck to you!
Actually I am really taking it serious to become a college professor in specific communication, I would like to be a communication professor, however I would like to earn a Master's degree in Media Studies. I can't earn a Ph.d I am not that type of person that is capable of earning a Ph.d a master's is the highest I could work, the silver lining is with a master's I could teach at a junior college and a university.
Hey, thanks for your great set of videos. It's a great help! I had a few additional questions: 1. Do applying to a PhD and a Masters simultaneously in the same dept. of a University reflect badly? Does it have any negative consequence? 2. There are multiple depts. faculties are affiliated to. For instance PhD in CS, HCI or Info. Sci. Does applying to all or multiple of them increases my chances? Or it has something related to the view "the candidate is confused"?
For #1, I suspect it's fine, though I can't say for sure. For #2, this is definitely a situation where you should reach out to potential advisors and have a discussion about it, especially if faculty have affiliations in multiple departments. e.g., I can advise students in both infosci and CS, but could give a prospective student guidance about which program might be better for them as well as which program might be more likely for me to be able to be their advisor. So they can likely give you advice!
I had an interesting experience. I applied to several universities for a Master's degree in math. One university rejected my application for the master's, but, recommended, that I apply to their PhD program as they were still accepting applications for the following school year! Needless to say, I was accepted into the master's program at my current university and received it about a year later. Never did go for the PhD.
Thank you for this video. It includes some really good advice. I only wonder if all academics are as open minded as you are. I am glad grades are becoming decreasingly important. Some geniuses in the history and science had bad (or, at least, not so good) grades. So, it is reasonable for universities to take this into account and realise that, at least in some cases, people with bad grades can actually be really talented people.
Thank you for this video!! I am in the midst of finishing my MS in Behavioral Neuroscience and am applying for PhD programs in the same field and at the same University -- however with different PIs. Specifically, I'm applying to the same university because of the programs dedication to a just and equitable system, it's community, academic rigor, and research facilities. I am also applying there because I am somewhat geographically locked for now due to my partner's job in the area. When you mentioned that it should be mentioned if you "Adjusted" to your circumstances, what do you mean specifically and what is a good example of what to say to explain my geographical situation? Thanks!!
Oh, basically... it doesn't hurt to mention that (in addition to other things that matter a lot more) you can mention that you also like the program because you'd like to stay in that area. That lets them know that if they make you an offer of admission you're likely to come.
I am 51 years old and I would like to complete a PhD in management. What are the least expensive universities and can I study in them?How do I get approval from the supervisor?
I accepted a PhD offer after 4/15. After doing so, a waitlisted program accepted me. What happens if you change your mind after accepting an offer? Is this considered withdrawing from the university if classes haven't started yet, and I immediately reject the offer after accepting?
I'm honestly not sure exactly how it works, but I doubt it would e.g. generate a transcript or whatever. I might be more complicated if you've signed a contract. I think you'll just need to ask!
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you so much. I will explain this situation and certainly let the initial school know. Anyways, wonderful video and such a wealth of information. This really helped me with such a big decision.
Hi casey , Have a good day i did my enginnering studies in india for 16 years ,currently i am doing my masters in germany currently in second year in my masters i wanted to apply for US For my PHD is that is the good idea ???
🥰thanks for the reply, I would like to frame my question this way, Is that European masters add an advantage to my Carrer life of PhD in USA for getting admit in the universities ? Because I am following many of the RU-vidrs blog for USA PhD none of them had talked about after doing masters in European countries is it a plus point to do PhD in USA , It would be great if you make a video on this as well as eagerly waiting for your suggestions thanks in advance @@CaseyFieslerPhD Cheers, Saroja
@@sarojajn862 My best advice is to go to the best program for you (which can be best for any number of reasons, including location) regardless of where it is.
Impossible to answer that question because an application is so much more than a GPA! Or rather, if your question is, do you have no shot because of a low undergrad GPA, the answer is no.
I have completed my M.PHARMA IN 2018...I didn't have any work experience but I have done 2 research papers and 1 review article...now my husband supporting me to do..Ph.D. Can I eligible to apply to US universities without any work experience
Casey, you've been so so helpful! Thank you very much. I have a question: I understand that I should mention professors that I would like to work with. However, should I mention that the professor replied to my email saying that my thesis sounds interesting, or is it too much? lol I appreciate your time and generosity
Oh, I don't think you should mention that directly in your SOP. But do make sure you let that professor know you're applying so that they can be on the lookout for your application. Good luck!
I get the impression that PhD applicants love the theory, but hate applying it to the real world and dealing with the obstacles. This is also known as real work. They are hoping to make the theory dept while avoiding real work because that's someone else's problem.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD thank you. Doesnt one need to reach out to faculty first, so that faculty would agree to become supervisor first, before one is applying, so one might already know whether the 'formal' application on the website will be accepted beforehand?
@@fintech1378 I have a video (on this same playlist) about reaching out to prospective advisors and the purpose of doing this. (Note that there are some differences re: different countries and different disciplines.) But in general, a single faculty member does not make an admissions decision alone, and even if they are heavily involved in the decision, you would still need to wait for an official decision from the program.
Thank you for your valuable information ,the only thing i struggle with is that if i can mention two different interests or not? i am applying for PhD in management and they all have two different specialties, strategic management or organizational behavior, although they have some overlaps but i am not sure whether mentioning both of them in my sop as research interest gonna be a negative point or not?
Thanks for your video, I had to ask that I failed prelim exam in one of the university and now applying for other universities and I am also very honest in my application process while telling them everything. Is it good to be honest!
It's good to be honest of course (i.e., not being dishonest) but there are some things that I would think aren't necessarily relevant in the early stages of applying.
@@CaseyFieslerPhDthanks for replying so should not I mention about failing in prelim exam then? Can I talk to you over the email or zoom meeting please ? As I am too much worried because there are my visa issues too right now.
@waqasiqbal9441 I’m afraid I can’t answer this for you. I’m only saying that I don’t think it’s inherently necessary information for a PhD statement of purpose.
Thanks Professor for replying and I didn’t mention this in statement of purpose rather I only mentioned in the additional words section of the application.
Thanks for the video. I’m thinking about applying to a PhD. One question: is it a plus if a faculty member of the program you’re applying to writes you a recommendation letter?
Thank you so much for this informative video! I’m an international student looking to apply for a PhD program in Business Management to start next year. 1) My undergraduate gpa was 2.7 and my MBA gpa was 3.26, will this help my overall application? 2) For letters of recommendation, should I ask my professors from my MBA or from my undergraduate; or a mix of both? 3) I have 5 years of relevant work experience in the field I want to go into, will this help my overall application and make up for the low GPA and GRE score? 4) What are the steps I need to do before applying, do all programs require me to find a supervisor prior to the program? Thank you so much in advance!!
You might find the rest of my videos helpful! And for some of these questions the answer depends on your field do you might ask someone with more specific knowledge.
I finished Master's study as well as Master's thesis in Astrophysics which doesn't have that many positions. Got low grades in some courses (aproximately equivalent to D) because, maybe, I was not used to English oral exam or not able to follow what professors were saying in class haha. My grade of my second-year thesis was decent (like A?) and I thought I could flaunt about it if I got an interview. But the truth that I only got 1 interview out of ~20 application (which I failed) in the past whole year really makes me wonder if I am undercompetitive. Well I don't mean to request an answer because your video is detailed enough, but just want to spit my feelings out to a stranger because I don't think anyone I know can relate and they might just say "then try to do ***". I just feel like I am not motivated to apply anymore because I have almost zero (let alone positive) feedback for what I have been doing, but I occassionaly got anxiety attack at late night and had thought like "what if I could know this earlier or do better" in recent time. Anyway, thank you for your opinions and advice!
Thank you ! Just want to share with you my concerns . I got married in 2015 and living in USA on H4 visa . Now I am willing to enroll in PhD program (2022 fall ). Due to some reason I was homemaker for 6 year with volunteers project . I am updated in my stream during these times but still little nervous towards my SOP . Is that universities really take long gap as one of the reason for rejection checklist .
My cgpa is 2.26 its 66-73% I studied from a reputated private university and my Department is EEE. Is it possible for Masters program in canada.I am very frustrated. Please comment me & keep me in your prayer.
It's not a necessity! Though if you're still in school, you might find this video helpful: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ToaS0QgITZ8.htmlsi=YpQzPQgWB9VWVw-M Or if you're out of school, you might find this one helpful: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0zf9LVNipQ0.htmlsi=dF21TFJ2XeVqaxy9
Hi Casey, I’ve contacted with potential supervisor before submit my proposal and having some advice to revise my proposal. During revision period I don’t want to go with this supervisor who I don’t like her style how advice me. It’s before the submission even, I want to apply other uni other supervisor, how to tell her I don’t want to go with her anymore😂
I applied for a PHD in Mental Health and accidentally referred to it in my personal statement as PHD in Global Mental Health instead of PHD in Mental Health. I was interested in an area in the PHD Mental Health area called Global Mental Health and realized I accidentally added Global. This is bad 👎 Right? Please advise. No wonder I have not heard from the University and when I check my applicant portal it says your application is currently under review🤥🤥
Hi, Does it matter which school I have done my Master's from? I am from the Rank 1 school in India, will it help my PhD applications? I am confident that I can get good LORs, i have a paper under submission and I have the top grades in class, both in my bachelor's and master's degree.
My experience is in the U.S., yes. Some of this I think is applicable anywhere but you should certainly get advice as well that’s specific to your discipline and country.
I took time to look at how much work you have done, now am wondering, why are you an Associate Professor and not a Full Professor. I think you deserve Full Professorship.
