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Preparing & Writing PhD Applications

Preparing & Writing PhD Applications. CGU Writing Center. Why the PhD?. What are your goals? What makes you happy? Is this right for you?. Summer Research Schools Research Rankings Research Programs Research Contacts Research Awards/Scholarships/Fellowships Create a Preliminary List

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Preparing & Writing PhD Applications

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  1. Preparing & Writing PhD Applications CGU Writing Center

  2. Why the PhD? What are your goals? What makes you happy? Is this right for you?

  3. Summer • Research Schools • Research Rankings • Research Programs • Research Contacts • Research Awards/Scholarships/Fellowships • Create a Preliminary List • September • Contact Recommenders • Contact Grad Advisors • Complete Draft 1 • Complete Entry Exams (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) • October • Finalize List • Begin Online Applications • Complete Draft 2 • Set up Interfolio Account • November • Input Recommendations • Request Transcripts • Retake Entry Exams (if needed) • Complete Draft 3 • December/January • Submit Applications • Confirm Receipt • January-March/April • Waiting Game TIMELINE FOLLOW THE PHD PREPARATION PATH

  4. Preparation Research, Research, Research

  5. 1. Do Your Research • Rankings • Programs • Faculty • Events • Courses • Extra-curricular activities • Quality of Life • Location

  6. Admission Requirements: Example ►School: Claremont Graduate University ► Required admission materials vary by department. - Application (online or paper) - Statement of Purpose - Resume / Curriculum Vitae - Official transcripts - 3 Letters of Recommendation - GRE; TOEFL / IELTS or CBEST/CSET - Application fee ►Program: SBOS

  7. 2a. Organize Your Findings • School • Due Date • Document Requirements • Testing Requirements • School Website • Username • Password • Physical Mailing Address • Graduate Advisor • Faculty Mentors

  8. 2b. Organize Your Findings

  9. Choosing Your Recommenders How familiar are they with your work? With you? Are they invested in you as a student? Will they write you a strong letter? Are they well-connected? Can they open doors for you?

  10. Writing the Application It’s all about FIT

  11. Statement of Purpose: Always Required

  12. Statement of Purpose • Things to Consider: • Page Limitation • Aesthetic Value • Academese • Honesty • WHAT do you want to do? • WHY do you want to do it? • WHY are you a good FIT? • Field of Study • Dissertation Ideas • Faculty • Programs, Seminars, or Centers • Experiences • Goals • Responsibilities as a graduate student • Expertise

  13. Words of Advice • “Remember your statement of purpose should portray you as (1) passionately interested in the field; (2) intelligent; (3) well-prepared academically and personally; (4) able to take on the challenges of grad school; (5) able to have rapport with professors and fellow grad students — in other words, collegial; (6) able to finish the graduate degree in a timely fashion; and (7) a potentially outstanding representative of that grad school in your future career.” –University of Northern Iowa

  14. Ideal OrganizationAdopted from V.Gotera (UNI) • (1) passionate hook; • (2) segué to your background in the field; • (3) specific classes by title and professors you have had (especially if well-known in the field); • (4) related extracurricular activities (especially if they hint at some personal quality you want to convey); • (5) any publications or other professional accomplishments in the field (perhaps conference presentations or public readings); • (6) explanations about problems in your background (if needed); • (7) why you have chosen this grad school (name one or two professors and what you know of their specific areas or some feature of the program which specifically attracts you).

  15. Personal Statement: Often Required

  16. Let’s Get Personal • WHO are you? • HOW have you become this person? • HOW have your experiences molded this identity? • HOW does this identity FIT with the school? • HOW does this identity contribute to the school? • Concise • Explanatory • Not saccharine sweet

  17. Writing Sample: Always Required

  18. Writing Sample • Do’s: • Field & Subject Specific • Know Your Audience • Have Several Versions (10pg, 15pg, 20pg) • Conform to Style/Field Restrictions • Edit, Review, & Share • Citations & References • Don’ts • Be Controversial • Be Arrogant/Facetious • Be Off-topic • Make Assumptions • Send more than requested

  19. CV: Always Required

  20. Education • Awards/Honors • Research Experience • Relevant Work Experience • Publications • Presentations • Languages • Research Interests CV Most professional CV’s include the following:

  21. Additional Essay Prompts: Be Prepared

  22. Final Checklist • Don’t stress out • Be organized • Be prompt with submissions • Be respectful of recommender, graduate advisors, and faculty members • Be reflective • Use all available sources • Start now

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