Introduction

In this section, the speaker introduces themselves and explains that they have been receiving questions about PhD admissions. They also mention their desire to create new YouTube videos.

• The speaker has not made a new YouTube video in over a year.

• They plan on creating more live streams to answer questions from viewers.

• Questions from viewers will help the speaker determine if there is more information they need to cover in future videos.

Benefits of YouTube Videos

In this section, the speaker discusses how their old YouTube videos are still helping people and how it feels like "passive helping."

• Videos made two years ago are still helpful to people today.

• The speaker hasn't made a new video in over a year but plans on making more soon.

• Creating helpful content on YouTube can feel like "passive helping."

Future Video Topics

In this section, the speaker talks about potential topics for future videos and mentions that viewer questions will help guide their content creation.

• The speaker may cover PhD admissions or general grad school topics in future videos.

• Viewer questions will help determine what topics to cover.

When to Contact Professors for Fall 2023 Admission

In this section, the speaker answers a viewer question about when it's appropriate to contact professors for fall 2023 admission.

• It's recommended to contact professors a couple of months before the deadline.

• Waiting until September at the earliest is suggested since some professors may be on vacation during the summer or not checking emails as frequently.

• Reaching out too early may result in less useful responses since professors may not know if they're accepting new students yet.

Standardized Tests and Contacting Professors

In this section, the speaker answers a viewer question about whether it's okay to contact professors before taking standardized tests.

• It's okay to reach out to professors before taking standardized tests.

• Waiting until after test scores are received may be better since it can provide more information for the conversation.

• Reaching out too early won't be perceived negatively but may not result in as useful of a response.

Can You Get into a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree or Academic Publications?

In this section, the speaker answers whether having a master's degree or academic publications is necessary to get into a PhD program. The answer is that there is no straightforward answer, as it varies widely depending on the program. However, many students are admitted without these qualifications.

Admission Requirements

• There is no definitive answer to whether you can get into a PhD program without certain qualifications.

• Many students are admitted without master's degrees or academic publications.

• Admission requirements vary widely between programs and universities.

• Researching admission requirements for each program you apply to is essential.

Do All Universities Require English Proficiency?

This section discusses whether all universities require English proficiency for international applicants.

English Proficiency Requirements

• Many universities require standardized tests of English proficiency for international applicants.

• Each university has different requirements, so it's important to check each one individually.

Tools and Software for New PhD Students

This section provides advice on tools and software that new PhD students may find useful.

Citation Management

• A citation manager such as Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley can be helpful in organizing research papers.

• Keeping track of research papers becomes increasingly difficult over time, so using a citation manager from the beginning can be beneficial.

The speaker also recommends watching their first YouTube video for more advice on being a new PhD student.

Concerns about PhD Applications

In this section, the speaker discusses their concerns about PhD applications and provides advice on how to approach them.

Reaching out to Faculty

• The speaker recommends reaching out to faculty before applying.

• This is not required but can be useful for figuring out if a program is a good fit and tailoring your application.

• It can also help you learn about new research projects and potential advisors.

GRE Requirements

• GRE requirements vary by program.

• Some programs require it, while others do not.

• If it's unclear from the program's website, email someone in admissions or the graduate program administrative assistant for clarification.

How Many Programs to Apply To?

• There is no set number of programs to apply to.

• Consider what programs you would actually want to attend and focus on those.

• Applying to too many programs may spread yourself too thin.

Finding Admissions Requirements

In this section, the speaker provides advice on finding admissions requirements for PhD programs.

Check Program Websites

• Look at the program's website for admissions requirements.

• If it's unclear or missing information, look for contact information for someone in admissions or the graduate program administrative assistant.

Email Someone in Admissions

• If you cannot find contact information, email the general department information email or department chair asking who you should contact regarding admissions requirements.

How Many Programs Should You Apply To?

In this section, the speaker discusses how many PhD programs one should apply to.

No Set Number of Programs

• There is no set number of programs one should apply to.

• Focus on applying only to programs that are a good fit and that you would actually want to attend.

Applying to Graduate Programs

In this section, the speaker advises on how many graduate programs to apply to and which ones to choose.

How Many Programs Should You Apply To?

• Apply to as many programs as you can afford in terms of application fees and time.

• Only apply to schools that you would want to attend.

• Ask yourself if you would rather attend a program or try again next year before applying.

Choosing Which Programs to Apply To

• Consider factors such as location, advisors, and program fit when deciding where to apply.

• Assume your lowest choice is the only option available and ask yourself if you would still want to attend that program.

• The number of programs you should apply for depends on various factors.

Asking Professors for Feedback on Statement of Purpose

In this section, the speaker answers a question about whether it's appropriate to ask a professor interested in having you as a student for feedback on your statement of purpose.

Is It Okay To Ask A Professor For Feedback On Your Statement Of Purpose?

• Different professors may react differently, but it's generally okay if done carefully.

• Be mindful of their time and don't make it an extra demand if they're already helping you with other things.

• Good people to ask for feedback are your letter writers since they have experience writing recommendation letters and can provide valuable insights.

Assessing Graduate Programs

In this section, the speaker provides advice on how to assess graduate programs when deciding which one(s) to attend.

Factors To Consider When Assessing Graduate Programs

• Look at the faculty members' research interests and publications.

• Check out the curriculum and course offerings.

• Consider the program's reputation and ranking.

• Look at the funding opportunities available, such as assistantships or fellowships.

Other Tips

• Attend open houses or visit the campus to get a better sense of the program and its culture.

• Talk to current students and alumni to get their perspectives on the program.

Asking for Advice on PhD Applications

In this section, the speaker discusses how to ask for advice from letter writers and whether to apply to PhD programs if you are unsure of your proposal quality.

Asking for Advice from Letter Writers

• Ask letter writers for their opinion on the list of places you are applying to.

• They may have suggestions for other places you should apply.

Applying to PhD Programs with Uncertain Proposal Quality

• If you failed to get an offer after multiple cycles, re-evaluate the kinds of places you applied to.

• Consider applying to newer or less prestigious programs where your odds might be slightly higher.

• Audit your application and ensure that you did everything that was required.

What To Do If You Don't Get Accepted into a PhD Program

In this section, the speaker provides suggestions on what to do if you were not accepted into a PhD program.

Re-Evaluating Your Application Profile

• Re-evaluate your application profile and identify areas that need improvement.

• Consider retaking standardized tests if they were low in previous applications.

• Consider getting a master's degree instead of a PhD first.

Working with a PhD Advisor

• Both new professors and established professors can be great advisors depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

• New professors tend to need students more often and may have better odds of accepting new students because they need them more than established professors who already have many students under their guidance.

• Established professors have more experience and better connections, which can be useful for networking purposes.

PhD Program Deadlines and CV Questions

In this section, the speaker discusses the deadlines for applying to a PhD program and whether it is appropriate to include research papers from classes on a CV.

PhD Program Deadlines

• The deadline for applying to a PhD program is typically in December.

• It is unlikely that an application submitted after the deadline will be reviewed separately.

• Applicants can ask the contact person for the PhD admissions if they ever do admissions off-cycle.

Including Research Papers from Classes on a CV

• It would be unusual to include research papers from classes on a CV.

• If an applicant has a thin CV, they could consider including classes, but it is still unusual.

• A paper written for a class should not be included on a CV unless it was published or used for something else.

Putting Papers Under Preparation on a CV

In this section, the speaker discusses whether it is appropriate to put papers under preparation on a CV.

• In humanities disciplines and some STEM fields, it is common to put papers under preparation on a CV.

• This is not something that should be put on a public CV but could be added if an applicant has a thin CV and needs more content.

GRE Scores and Applications

In this section, the speaker discusses whether GRE scores are necessary when applying to graduate programs.

• Many schools are making GRE scores optional.

• If a school says that GRE scores are optional, it means they are truly optional and not submitting them will not count against an applicant.

• Some students may choose to submit high GRE scores if they have a low GPA or other deficiencies in their application.

Contacting Multiple Professors in the Same Department

In this section, the speaker answers a question about whether it is okay to contact multiple professors in the same department if their research interests align with yours.

Contacting Multiple Professors

• It is okay to contact multiple professors in the same department if their research interests align with yours and you tailor your message accordingly.

• However, avoid sending the exact same email to everyone as it shows that you did not do your research properly.

• Tailor your message to each professor and make sure that it is relevant to their area of expertise.

• If there are several professors doing research in similar areas, it is reasonable to write to all of them.

Toxicity and Work-Life Balance in Academia

In this section, the speaker discusses toxicity and work-life balance in academia.

Toxicity and Work-Life Balance

• There is toxicity in academia.

• Getting mad at PhD students for having work-life balance is not reasonable. You do not want someone like that as your advisor.

• A professor can have bad work-life balance without pushing it onto their PhD students.

• When a professor has bad work-life balance, they should not let their PhD students feel guilty about asking for help or support.

• When choosing an advisor or a PhD program, find out what the culture is like and how a professor treats their students. Avoid advisors who get mad at you for not working 60 hours a week.

Feeling Distraught About The Process

In this section, the speaker addresses feeling distraught about the process of pursuing a PhD.

Feeling Distraught

• Pursuing a PhD can be a difficult and overwhelming process.

• It is normal to feel distraught at times.

• Seek support from your advisor, peers, or mental health professionals if needed.

• Remember that you are not alone in feeling this way.

PhD Applications and Deadlines

In this section, the speaker advises on how to approach PhD applications and deadlines.

Spreading Out the Application Process

• It is recommended to spread out the application process.

• Most PhD applications in the US are due in November or December.

• Make a schedule and set deadlines for each task.

Timeframe for Applying

• If you're already thinking about applying, you have plenty of time.

• The fact that you're considering it means that you have enough time to prepare.

Commiserating with Others

• It can be helpful to know others who are also applying to PhD programs.

• You can commiserate with them and share experiences.

TOEFL Scores

In this section, the speaker discusses TOEFL scores and their importance in the PhD application process.

Minimum Requirements

• The speaker does not know if a high TOEFL score is necessary for admission.

• Total score has not come up in discussions during their PhD program's application process.

• Glancing at minimum requirements is usually sufficient when looking at an application.

High Score Definition

• The speaker does not know what a high TOEFL score is or what it's out of.

Contacting Professors for Admission

In this section, the speaker explains whether contacting professors guarantees admission into a PhD program.

No Guarantee of Admission

• Contacting a professor does not guarantee admission into a program.

• Even if they respond positively, it doesn't mean that you will be admitted.

• Individual faculty members may have more power than others to admit students.

Capacity Issues

• Admissions decisions depend on many factors such as funding, capacity issues, and randomness in the application process.

• Even if a professor wants to admit a student, they may not be able to due to capacity issues.

Lack of Response

• If you do not hear back from a professor after emailing them before applying, it does not necessarily mean that you should not apply.

• There are many reasons why someone might not respond, and it's best to apply regardless.

Applying to PhD Programs

In this section, the speaker provides advice on applying to PhD programs and how to handle concerns about being denied by a prospective supervisor.

Choosing a Prospective Supervisor

• If a professor agrees to be your prospective supervisor for fall 2023, it is an incredibly good sign.

• If you are certain that you have decided not to apply anywhere else, ask them very clearly if they think there's any chance at all that you won't be admitted.

Application Rejection

• If you were rejected from eight programs, consider getting someone in your field to help review your application materials.

• Ask your letter writers to have a look at your application materials.

Dealing with Toxic Advisors

In this section, the speaker provides advice on dealing with toxic advisors and communication barriers.

Communication Barriers with Toxic Advisor

• Talk to your advisor first about whether this is a good fit.

• If it's a really toxic relationship and you can't talk to your advisor, figure out who the staff member is whose job it is to work with graduate students and go to them.

Research Methods in PhD Programs

In this section, the speaker discusses whether research methods should be considered when choosing which program to apply for.

Consideration of Research Methods

• This will vary depending on the professor. Some professors only do qualitative work while others only do quantitative work.

Choosing a PhD Advisor

In this section, the speaker discusses how to choose a PhD advisor based on their research methods and interests.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Methods

• It is important to pay attention to the research methods of potential PhD advisors.

• If a professor only does qualitative research and you are interested in machine learning, they may not be the best fit for you.

• Some professors do both qualitative and quantitative work, but there should still be a reason why you want to work with them.

Alternative Doctorates for Industry Jobs

• There is no stigma against professional alternative doctorates for industry jobs.

• Many people who work in industry research do not have PhDs.

Importance of Recommendation Letters

• Recommendation letters are important, but deficiencies in an application can always be made up for by strengths.

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Should You Ask About Living Requirements Before Applying to a PhD Program?

In this section, the speaker advises on whether or not to ask about living requirements before applying to a PhD program.

Asking About Living Requirements

• If living requirements are a deal-breaker for you, it's okay to ask about them before applying.

• However, be careful how you ask. You don't want to come across as demanding or inflexible.

• It's better to wait until after being admitted and then inquire about living requirements.

• If you get into multiple programs, consider living requirements when deciding which one to attend.

How to Ask About Living Requirements Without Being Perceived Negatively

In this section, the speaker explains how to ask about living requirements without coming across as negative.

Asking Before Applying

• Be careful how you phrase your question. Don't make demands or sound inflexible.

• Avoid giving the impression that you won't attend if your needs aren't met.

• Consider waiting until after being admitted before asking about living requirements.

What To Do Before and After Starting a PhD Program

In this section, the speaker provides advice on what to do before and after starting a PhD program.

Before Starting

• Enjoy your summer before starting your program. You're not a student yet!

• Read up on topics related to your field of study if you feel like it.

• Attend lab meetings remotely if possible and read papers related to your field of study.

After Starting

• Take time getting acclimated and don't rush into things too quickly.

• Find balance between work and life outside of school.

• Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.

• Attend conferences and network with others in your field.

Is it Worth Talking to the Chair of Graduate Studies?

In this section, the speaker discusses whether or not it's worth talking to the chair of graduate studies.

Asking Questions

• If you have questions about a program, it's a good idea to ask the chair of graduate studies.

• Be sure to check if there is someone else listed as a contact person before reaching out to the chair.

• The speaker has been running PhD admissions in their department for years and is often listed as a contact person.

Contacting Professors and Choosing Faculty for Dissertation Committee

In this section, the speaker provides advice on contacting professors and choosing faculty for a dissertation committee.

Contacting Professors

• It is okay to contact multiple people when researching faculty fit.

• If you are having trouble researching the faculty, reach out to the director of graduate studies and ask if there are any faculty members who specialize in your area of interest.

• Following up with an email is not unreasonable as professors' inboxes can be overwhelming.

Choosing Faculty for Dissertation Committee

• Most PhD programs require one or two people outside of the department on your committee.

• Your advisor can give you suggestions for potential committee members, and taking classes related to your interests in other departments can also help you find suitable candidates.

Volunteering at Conferences and Identifying Reach Schools

In this section, the speaker discusses volunteering at conferences and identifying reach schools.

Volunteering at Conferences

• Being involved with conferences in your field before becoming a PhD student shows interest and commitment to your scholarly community.

• While it's not expected, it can be beneficial to include conference involvement on your CV during applications.

Identifying Reach Schools

• There isn't a foolproof way to identify reach schools.

Applying to PhD Programs and Extracurriculars

In this section, the speaker discusses how to choose which PhD programs to apply for and the importance of extracurricular activities in the application process.

Choosing Which PhD Programs to Apply For

• Giving a list of places you're applying to your recommenders can help them write better letters.

• Ask your recommenders if they have any suggestions for other places you should apply.

• A good range of schools is important, but don't apply to too many or too few.

Importance of Extracurricular Activities

• Relevant extracurricular activities are more important than unrelated ones.

• Activities that show leadership or skills relevant to your field are valuable.

• Not having extracurricular activities is not necessarily a problem.

What Makes an Amazing Recommendation Letter?

In this section, the speaker talks about what makes a great recommendation letter for PhD applications.

• The best recommendation letters come from professors in the same or adjacent fields as the applicant who say glowing things about them.

• The top-tier recommendation letter would say something like "if they applied to our PhD program, I would admit them in a heartbeat."

• Good recommendation letters evaluate research experience, aptitude, professionalism, maturity, communication skills and other qualities that make a good PhD student.

Advice for Meeting with Graduate Students

In this section, the speaker gives advice on how to make a good impression when meeting with graduate students who are part of the research group you want to join.

• Learn from them and ask questions.

• Make a good impression by being professional and respectful.

Applying to PhD Programs

In this section, the speaker discusses applying to PhD programs and whether it is looked down upon to attend the same institution for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Attending the Same Institution for Undergrad and Grad School

• Attending the same institution for undergrad and grad school is not looked down upon.

• It is recommended to talk to professors in the department you are interested in applying to, as they can provide insight into whether you would be a good fit for the program.

• There are many reasons why someone may want to stay at the same institution, such as liking living there or having a partner who will also be attending school there.

Dealing with Interview Rejection

In this section, the speaker provides advice on how to deal with rejection after an interview.

Coping with Rejection

• The speaker advises that it's important not to stress too much about a bad interview because it's already done.

• It's likely that you did better than you think, as people tend to be their own worst critics.

• There may not be anything you can do about a bad interview except move on from it.

Department Chair Power in Admissions

In this section, the speaker discusses how much power department chairs have in admissions decisions.

Department Chair Power

• The amount of power that department chairs have in admissions decisions varies by program.

• In some programs, individual advisors have more power than others when it comes to admissions decisions.

• If there is an admissions committee, they typically have more power than any one individual professor or department chair.

Writing a Note or Report

In this section, the speaker answers a question about how to write a note or report in one page.

Writing a Note or Report

• The speaker asks for clarification on whether the person is applying to PhD programs or already in a program.

• Without more information, the speaker cannot provide advice on how to format the note or report.

Writing a Statement of Purpose

In this section, the speaker provides advice on what to focus on when writing a statement of purpose.

Writing a Statement of Purpose

• The speaker has a video with five tips for writing a statement of purpose.

• When writing a statement of purpose, it's important to share information about yourself, your research experience, and your plans for the future.

English How Prior Experience Helps in PhD Applications

In this section, the speaker discusses how prior experience can be beneficial for career changers looking to pursue a PhD. They provide examples of relevant experiences and skills that can demonstrate potential as a PhD student.

Relevant Experience and Skills

• Prior experience can be some of the best things to write about in a PhD application, especially for career changers who have been out of academia for a while.

• Demonstrating potential as a PhD student involves highlighting experiences that resemble research in your field. This could include project management or data analysis.

• Relevant experience does not have to be an exact match but should resemble the kind of work done by researchers in your field.

• If you lack relevant experience, mentioning skills like project management can still be useful.

English Writing Diversity Statements for Graduate School Applications

In this section, the speaker shares their thoughts on diversity statements for graduate school applications. They discuss their mixed feelings about these statements and offer advice on what to include.

Thoughts on Diversity Statements

• The speaker has mixed feelings about diversity statements for both graduate school applications and faculty positions.

• It can be uncomfortable to ask applicants who add diversity to perform their diversity.

• Diversity statements may be most useful for applicants who are not adding diversity to their field.

• For example, cis-straight white men applying to computer science departments could talk about why they think diversity is important.

What To Include in Diversity Statements

• Applicants could mention how their work could contribute to diversity initiatives in their field.

• The speaker does not have concrete advice on what to include but suggests finding out more about what departments look for.

English Writing Short Notes for PhD Applications

In this section, the speaker offers advice on writing short notes for PhD applications.

Advice on Writing Short Notes

• The speaker is unsure of what PhD programs might be looking for in a short note.

• They suggest writing it similarly to how you would write something for a class.

Emergency Situations and Contacting Potential Advisors

In this section, the speaker answers questions related to emergency situations that may arise before a scheduled interview and how to tackle family emergencies as an international student during your PhD. The speaker also provides insights on when it is appropriate to start contacting potential advisors.

Disclosing Emergency Situations Before Scheduled Interview

• If an emergency situation arises before a scheduled interview, disclose it if it will impact your ability to do the interview.

• Ask if you can reschedule the interview if necessary.

• If it won't impact your ability to do the interview, there's no need to say anything.

Tackling Family Emergencies as an International Student During Your PhD

• Tell someone (advisor or director of graduate program) that you're dealing with something that might be impacting your studies.

• If taking classes, tell professors and advisor about any personal emergencies that may affect your studies.

When to Start Contacting Potential Advisors

• It's a bit early to start contacting potential advisors in July.

• Wait until September at the earliest before contacting them.

• Professors may not know yet whether they're taking on new students or waiting for funding.