GETTING WHAT GETTING WHAT YOU CAME FORYOU CAME FOR

The Smart StudentThe Smart Student’’s Guide to s Guide to Earning A MasterEarning A Master’’s or Ph.D.s or Ph.D.

Peters, RL, 1997, the Noonday Press, 399 p. Peters, RL, 1997, the Noonday Press, 399 p.

Chapter 1.Chapter 1.This Book Can Help (And You Probably Need It)This Book Can Help (And You Probably Need It)Note to Readers of the Second Edition Note to Readers of the Second Edition 33

150,000 doctoral students and 1,000,000 150,000 doctoral students and 1,000,000 master students in USA (1997).master students in USA (1997).The The average fullaverage full--timetime doctoral student doctoral student to finish is 6.8 years and only half can do.to finish is 6.8 years and only half can do.Blend politics, scientific, psychology and Blend politics, scientific, psychology and planning.planning.US$ 17,000 US$ 17,000 –– 21,000 annually for tuition, 21,000 annually for tuition, fees and living expenses.fees and living expenses.

Chapter 2. What Is Graduate School Like?Chapter 2. What Is Graduate School Like?The Professional ImageThe Professional Image 66Is It Worth Going ? Is It Worth Going ? 77

Grad School is a Grad School is a ritual humiliationritual humiliation in in which novice academics are initiated into which novice academics are initiated into their respective discipline. their respective discipline. Student Student waste timewaste time floundering, waiting floundering, waiting in vain for someone in vain for someone to tell them what to tell them what to doto do..StressStress is a big problem (1st year doctoral is a big problem (1st year doctoral student = 313 points, where 100 points = student = 313 points, where 100 points = spouse had just died).spouse had just died).

Chapter 3. Do You Need To Go ?Chapter 3. Do You Need To Go ?Do You Need a Ph.D. ?Do You Need a Ph.D. ? 99Do You Need a MasterDo You Need a Master’’s? s? 1717Deciding Between MasterDeciding Between Master’’s and Ph.D. Programss and Ph.D. Programs 2020

Will you graduate ? even 1/5 of students Will you graduate ? even 1/5 of students who attain candidacy fail to finish.who attain candidacy fail to finish.Factors : Married, On schedule, In the Factors : Married, On schedule, In the sciences, Financially Secure, Have clarity sciences, Financially Secure, Have clarity of purpose, Have a good relationship with of purpose, Have a good relationship with your adviseryour adviser

Chapter 4. Should You Work First?Chapter 4. Should You Work First?Reasons to Work First?Reasons to Work First? 2323Do You Have to Work First ? Do You Have to Work First ? 2626How Long Can You Postpone ?How Long Can You Postpone ? 2626

Recharge your batteries Recharge your batteries wait for higher wait for higher motivationmotivationLearn the skills that you did not get in the Learn the skills that you did not get in the collegecollegeDevelop confidenceDevelop confidenceInvestigate field that interests youInvestigate field that interests youDevelop your own (self) motivationDevelop your own (self) motivation

Chapter 5. Choosing A School: Chapter 5. Choosing A School: The Thesis AdviserThe Thesis Adviser

What is a Thesis Adviser ? What is a Thesis Adviser ? 2828The Ph.D. as ProtThe Ph.D. as Protééggéé 2929Bad Advisers Bad Advisers 3030Attributes of a Good Advisor Attributes of a Good Advisor 3131Differences Between AdvisorDifferences Between Advisor--Student Student relationships In the Sciences and Humanities relationships In the Sciences and Humanities

3333Evaluating Potential Thesis Advisers Evaluating Potential Thesis Advisers 3434

Choose an adviser with whom you can maintain an Choose an adviser with whom you can maintain an excellentexcellentpersonal and professional relationshippersonal and professional relationshipAdviser should train you to think : how to approach problems, Adviser should train you to think : how to approach problems, plan experiments, carry out research, etc.plan experiments, carry out research, etc.The Ideal Adviser:The Ideal Adviser:

1.1. Help on first step in campusHelp on first step in campus2.2. Help to find thesis topicHelp to find thesis topic3.3. Help to choose thesis committeeHelp to choose thesis committee4.4. Read your thesis draft and edit as necessaryRead your thesis draft and edit as necessary5.5. Give moral support against detractorsGive moral support against detractors6.6. Let you coLet you co--author papers with himauthor papers with him7.7. Help you to publish your first paperHelp you to publish your first paper8.8. Cheer for you as you defend thesis in oral examCheer for you as you defend thesis in oral exam9.9. Be a mentor, part confidant and part parentBe a mentor, part confidant and part parent10.10. Bring you spiritual and temporal guideBring you spiritual and temporal guide

In USA: He is from Harvard In USA: He is from Harvard He is one of Theodore He is one of Theodore VlasinskyVlasinsky’’ss studentstudent

Chapter 6. Choosing A School: Secondary Chapter 6. Choosing A School: Secondary AspectsAspects

Prestige of the Department Prestige of the Department 4848Emphasis of the Department Emphasis of the Department 5050Attrition Policy Attrition Policy 51 51 Time to Completion Time to Completion 5151Placement Success Placement Success 5252Emotional Quality of the DepartmentEmotional Quality of the Department 5252Logistical Resources Logistical Resources 5353Teaching RequirementsTeaching Requirements 5353Financial Support Financial Support 5454Extra Year Support Extra Year Support 5555

Language Requirements Language Requirements 5555Social Climate Social Climate 5656

-- For Ph.D.s there is For Ph.D.s there is high correlationhigh correlation between between departmental prestige and job quality.departmental prestige and job quality.

-- Strength and emphasis Strength and emphasis of the researchof the research is one of is one of the variable to choose department/school.the variable to choose department/school.

Chapter 7. Application and Admission Chapter 7. Application and Admission

The Admission Committee The Admission Committee 5757What Are Committees Looking For? What Are Committees Looking For? 5959How Does The Committee Weigh Your How Does The Committee Weigh Your Credentials? Credentials? 6060Where Can You Get In ? Where Can You Get In ? 6363Maximizing Your Chances Maximizing Your Chances 6464The Application Process The Application Process 6666Deciding Among Offers Deciding Among Offers 7070

Chapter 8. Improving Your Credentials for Chapter 8. Improving Your Credentials for AdmissionAdmission

GradesGrades 7373HonorsHonors 7575Graduate Record ExaminationGraduate Record Examination 7575Other Standardized TestsOther Standardized Tests 7878RecommendationsRecommendations 7979Essays/Autobiographical StatementEssays/Autobiographical Statement 8484PublicationsPublications 8787

Chapter 9. Financial AidChapter 9. Financial Aid

The Financial Aid ProcessThe Financial Aid Process 9090Applying for NeedApplying for Need--Based FundsBased Funds 9292How Schools Asses NeedHow Schools Asses Need 9494Types of AidTypes of Aid 101101Departmental Aid Departmental Aid 102102Federal LoansFederal Loans 103103Private LoansPrivate Loans 105105Loan ConsolidationLoan Consolidation 105105Federal WorkFederal Work--StudyStudy 107107Miscellaneous SourcesMiscellaneous Sources 107107A Summary of TipsA Summary of Tips 110110

Chapter 10. The MasterChapter 10. The Master’’s Degree : s Degree : History and Hurdles History and Hurdles

A Diversity of DegreesA Diversity of Degrees 111111Terminal Versus NonTerminal Versus Non--terminal Masterterminal Master’’s Degrees s Degrees 112112Professional Versus Academic MasterProfessional Versus Academic Master’’ss 113113The Ideal MasterThe Ideal Master’’s Programs Program 114114Structure of ProgramsStructure of Programs 114114Residence RequirementResidence Requirement 115115Course WorkCourse Work 115115MasterMaster’’s Examss Exams 115115ThesisThesis 115115SelfSelf--set Requirements set Requirements 116116PartPart--Time OptionTime Option 116116

US MasterUS Master’’s degree began in 17th s degree began in 17th century as fund raising devices, Univ. of century as fund raising devices, Univ. of Michigan started to award the first Michigan started to award the first earned degree in 1859.earned degree in 1859.Confusing and poorly standardized Confusing and poorly standardized MBA, MCE, MA in physics, MA in history, MBA, MCE, MA in physics, MA in history, etc.etc.++ 300,000 master300,000 master’’s degrees at more s degrees at more than 1,000 institutions are given each than 1,000 institutions are given each year in US.year in US.Terminal Master programs are not Terminal Master programs are not designed to feed into Ph.D. program designed to feed into Ph.D. program Professional or vocational/temporary Professional or vocational/temporary mastermaster’’s program s program MBA, M.Ed., MBA, M.Ed.,

NonNon--terminal Master degrees are earned as terminal Master degrees are earned as a first step toward the Ph.D. a first step toward the Ph.D. Academic Academic mastermaster’’s program s program MA or M.Sc. in biology, MA or M.Sc. in biology, in art historyin art historyThe average masterThe average master’’s thesis takes a year or s thesis takes a year or less to research and complete in US.less to research and complete in US.The masterThe master’’s program should teach the s program should teach the student to think at a higher integrative and student to think at a higher integrative and creative level than the bachelorcreative level than the bachelor’’s s course course work + practicum + thesis or research work + practicum + thesis or research project or internship or comprehensive project or internship or comprehensive exam at the end of program (elective!)exam at the end of program (elective!)Thesis at the end of masterThesis at the end of master’’s program is s program is assigned to enter PhDassigned to enter PhD’’ program.program.

Chapter 11. The Doctorate : History and Chapter 11. The Doctorate : History and HurdlesHurdles

Formal Stages of AdvancementFormal Stages of Advancement 119119SelfSelf--set Requirementsset Requirements 120120Residence RequirementsResidence Requirements 120120Course WorkCourse Work 121121MinorsMinors 121121Qualifying ExamsQualifying Exams 122122Teaching RequirementsTeaching Requirements 122122Language RequirementsLanguage Requirements 122122Miscellaneous RequirementsMiscellaneous Requirements 123123Thesis ProposalThesis Proposal 123123ThesisThesis 123123Thesis DefenseThesis Defense 123123

Why Ph.D. is called a doctor of philosophy in the field Why Ph.D. is called a doctor of philosophy in the field doesndoesn’’t have anything to do with philosophy (metaphysics, t have anything to do with philosophy (metaphysics, epistemology , etc) epistemology , etc) lover of wisdom.lover of wisdom.1st doctoral program was established at John Hopkins Univ. 1st doctoral program was established at John Hopkins Univ. in 1876 in USA.in 1876 in USA.In 1964 In 1964 14,000 PhD per year and in 1994 14,000 PhD per year and in 1994 41,000 41,000 Ph.D per year in USAPh.D per year in USAGraduate student (since master level)Graduate student (since master level) mastermaster’’s exam s exam doctoral student doctoral student Qualifying exam Qualifying exam doctoral candidate doctoral candidate (e.g. dissertator, promovendus)(e.g. dissertator, promovendus) Ph.D Ph.D 11stst year (course work) preparation for qualifying exam year (course work) preparation for qualifying exam Course work, minors, language requirements, exams, Course work, minors, language requirements, exams, proposal proposal Ph.D candidatePh.D candidate

Chapter 12. Managing Yourself Chapter 12. Managing Yourself • Things to Do Right Away 125• Set Up Your Office for Action 125• Set Up Your Computer 126• Make Daily Progress 127• Set Up A Structure: The Calendar System 127• Monthly Thesis Progress Report 131• More on PIMs 131• File System 134• Develop Good Study Habits 137• Make Contracts 137• Join A Graduate Student Support Group 138• Join NAGPS 139• Manage Your Finances 139

• 1st year = weeding process to exclude undeserving (= critical, need a fast start).

• Set up an office command centre with file cabinets, schedules, white board, etc.

• Have a good computer: internet, good I/O devices, tape recorder,

• Set up calendar system: weekly, monthly and yearly schedules, important deadlines.

• Keep an hourly log daily progress: to do list, organizer/reminder, tasks, etc

• Set up filing system: notes (papers, discussion), ideas (proposal, paper topics, thesis), conferences, seminars, etc

• Set up regular meeting with advisers: Make contracts and schedules w/ advisers

• Join grad student group: Professional association, volunteer group, student club

• Start searching thesis topics as soon as you are registered !!

Chapter 13. Playing Politics: Chapter 13. Playing Politics: Building A ReputationBuilding A Reputation

►► Start your Job Search on Day OneStart your Job Search on Day One 141141►► Playing Politics Playing Politics 141141►► Make ContactMake Contact 142142►► Image BuildingImage Building 142142►► Keep A Good AttitudeKeep A Good Attitude 144144►► Be Kind to Support StaffBe Kind to Support Staff 145145►► DonDon’’t Be Timidt Be Timid 146146►► CorrespondenceCorrespondence 146146►► ConferencesConferences 146146►► CommitteesCommittees 148148►► PapersPapers 148148

►►Meet the advisers regularly, befriend and Meet the advisers regularly, befriend and familiarfamiliar

►►Cultivate a professional image in front of Cultivate a professional image in front of advisers to gain respect and good judgment: advisers to gain respect and good judgment: be businesslike, punctual, respectful, dress be businesslike, punctual, respectful, dress neatly, work on time, appear serious.neatly, work on time, appear serious.

►►Never say bad things about advisers, Never say bad things about advisers, administrative workers, secretaries but try to be administrative workers, secretaries but try to be friendly and be kind with other grad students friendly and be kind with other grad students and be kind to support staff.and be kind to support staff.

►►Go to conferences as many as you can, present Go to conferences as many as you can, present your papers, meet people and professionals, your papers, meet people and professionals, expand network, help to organize conferences.expand network, help to organize conferences.

►►PhD student should at least publish 2 papers PhD student should at least publish 2 papers in professional or peerin professional or peer--reviewed journals reviewed journals before graduationbefore graduation

►►Thesis can be virtually be a collection of Thesis can be virtually be a collection of previously published papers. previously published papers.

►►Even before you start the thesis, while still Even before you start the thesis, while still searching for a thesis topic you may find a searching for a thesis topic you may find a publishable result from your research after publishable result from your research after consulting the advisers.consulting the advisers.

►►Try not to get grandiose when writing your Try not to get grandiose when writing your papers, they should be modest and sharply papers, they should be modest and sharply focused on results.focused on results.

Chapter 14. MasterChapter 14. Master’’s Comprehensive and Ph.D. s Comprehensive and Ph.D. Qualifying ExaminationQualifying Examination

MasterMaster’’s Exams Exam 152152Ph.D. Qualifying ExamsPh.D. Qualifying Exams 153153Scoping Out MasterScoping Out Master’’s and Doctoral Examss and Doctoral Exams

155155Preparing for the ExamPreparing for the Exam 156156Taking the ExamTaking the Exam 157157If You FailIf You Fail 158158

Usually there is a single (oral and written) Usually there is a single (oral and written) comprehensive exam at the end of master course. comprehensive exam at the end of master course. Develop a list of possible exam questions from Develop a list of possible exam questions from many sources (previous exam, senior, text books, many sources (previous exam, senior, text books, handhand--out, etc) out, etc) discuss with the advisordiscuss with the advisorTerminal Master program = easier, Master Terminal Master program = easier, Master program leading to PhD program (program leading to PhD program (nonterminalnonterminal) = ) = difficult.difficult.PhD Qualifying exams are large and terrifying PhD Qualifying exams are large and terrifying to certify that student is qualified to be PhD to certify that student is qualified to be PhD candidate. candidate.

Examiners (committees) may ask and go Examiners (committees) may ask and go beyond your field and courses.beyond your field and courses.One professor said that he regularly asked One professor said that he regularly asked his student in the prelim exam an obscure his student in the prelim exam an obscure or even selfor even self--contradictory question. What contradictory question. What he wanted was an honest statement that he wanted was an honest statement that the students didnthe students didn’’t know the answer t know the answer followed by thoughtful analysis of the followed by thoughtful analysis of the question and EXPLANATION of how to do question and EXPLANATION of how to do the research necessary to find the answer the research necessary to find the answer of questions.of questions.

Start early to find out what will be covered Start early to find out what will be covered on the exam, review exams from previous on the exam, review exams from previous years, ask older grad students about their years, ask older grad students about their experience, find out who will be on the experience, find out who will be on the exams committee, ask the advice from exams committee, ask the advice from professors.professors.The best defense against nervousness is The best defense against nervousness is to know the materialto know the materialPh.D candidates : Publish academic papers, Ph.D candidates : Publish academic papers, Go to conferences, Get on committees.Go to conferences, Get on committees.

Chapter 15. Choosing and Chapter 15. Choosing and Managing Your Thesis CommitteeManaging Your Thesis Committee

•• What Does The Committee Do ?What Does The Committee Do ? 159159•• What Does Your Committee Expect of You ?What Does Your Committee Expect of You ?

160160•• What Should You Expect from Your Committee ? What Should You Expect from Your Committee ?

161161•• Choose Your Committee CarefullyChoose Your Committee Carefully 161161•• Manage Your CommitteeManage Your Committee 165165•• Solving Problems with Your CommitteeSolving Problems with Your Committee 170170•• DisappearancesDisappearances 172172

•• The formal obligations of thesis committee are to The formal obligations of thesis committee are to approve your thesis proposal and to judge the quality approve your thesis proposal and to judge the quality of your thesis and its defense. (of your thesis and its defense. ( high degree high degree control)control)

•• The committeeThe committee’’s expectations of you : s expectations of you : 1.1. Develop the ability to do independent workDevelop the ability to do independent work2.2. Keep contact with them and make regular & constant Keep contact with them and make regular & constant

progressprogress3.3. Be honest about progressBe honest about progress4.4. Be responsive to their advice (they should know that Be responsive to their advice (they should know that

youyou’’ve done what they asked to)ve done what they asked to)5.5. Develop professionalism, personal maturity, strong Develop professionalism, personal maturity, strong

work ethic, proactive, creative.work ethic, proactive, creative.6.6. Remain friendly and cheerful.Remain friendly and cheerful.

•• You can expect your thesis committee to :You can expect your thesis committee to :1.1.Thoughtful guidance and timely fulfillment of Thoughtful guidance and timely fulfillment of

obligationsobligations2.2.Consistent orders and keep & respect each Consistent orders and keep & respect each

otherother’’s dignity.s dignity.•• The adviser The adviser the chairperson committee; other the chairperson committee; other

committee members you may choose or be committee members you may choose or be chosen by the facultychosen by the faculty

•• ?? ?? ““The ideal student should be invisible, The ideal student should be invisible, detectable only a few times a year when he detectable only a few times a year when he quietly slides a thesis chapter under his adviserquietly slides a thesis chapter under his adviser’’s s door and then scurries awaydoor and then scurries away””

•• Keep the lines of communication open between Keep the lines of communication open between you and committee memberyou and committee member

•• Present your thesis to the adviser/committee as Present your thesis to the adviser/committee as you go along (piece by piece is better than a you go along (piece by piece is better than a bundle of complete thesis at once bundle of complete thesis at once to avoid a to avoid a whole revision)whole revision)

•• Beware of the conflict between you and the Beware of the conflict between you and the committee or between committee memberscommittee or between committee members

•• Be assertive (donBe assertive (don’’t be afraid to ask for t be afraid to ask for something good from the committee)something good from the committee)

•• Be careful of replacing or even losing an adviser Be careful of replacing or even losing an adviser (dead or leave non tenure) (dead or leave non tenure)

Chapter 16. The Thesis Topic : Chapter 16. The Thesis Topic : Finding it !!Finding it !!

When Should You Start LookingWhen Should You Start Looking 176 176 What Is A Thesis, Anyway ?What Is A Thesis, Anyway ? 177177Why ItWhy It’’s Scary: The Myth of the Perfect Thesiss Scary: The Myth of the Perfect Thesis 178178Two Ways to Find a ThesisTwo Ways to Find a Thesis 180180DonDon’’t Worry If Nothing Interests Yout Worry If Nothing Interests You 181181Get Perspective by reading Theses and ArticlesGet Perspective by reading Theses and Articles

181181Phone ResearchPhone Research 182182Start Research Project Start Research Project 183183Use Your ProfessorsUse Your Professors 184184Start A Topic File Start A Topic File 184184Criteria for Evaluating Potential Thesis TopicsCriteria for Evaluating Potential Thesis Topics 184184Start Writing ImmediatelyStart Writing Immediately 189189

Dreaming in a vacuum Dreaming in a vacuum hoping a sudden burst of hoping a sudden burst of magical insight or mystically appear superficial thinking magical insight or mystically appear superficial thinking and ideas.and ideas.Ideas are generated by intellectual crossIdeas are generated by intellectual cross--fertilization and fertilization and the process of problem solving (PBL / Problem Base the process of problem solving (PBL / Problem Base Learning is good and appropriate)Learning is good and appropriate)To find a topic you must (To find a topic you must ( core strategy = process of core strategy = process of intellectual exploration):intellectual exploration):

1.1. Dive deeply into research, Dive deeply into research, 2.2. Discuss the ideas with as many people as possibleDiscuss the ideas with as many people as possible3.3. Write about the subject as many as you canWrite about the subject as many as you can

Start to find thesis topic as soon as you begin school (Start to find thesis topic as soon as you begin school (even better before you enroll)even better before you enroll)

PhD thesis is expected to be an PhD thesis is expected to be an originaloriginal contribution contribution knowledgeknowledgeOriginalOriginal is the potential to do at least one of the is the potential to do at least one of the following :following :

1.1. Uncover new facts or principlesUncover new facts or principles2.2. Suggest relationships that were previously unrecognizedSuggest relationships that were previously unrecognized3.3. Challenge existing truths or assumptionsChallenge existing truths or assumptions4.4. Afford new insights into littleAfford new insights into little--understood phenomenaunderstood phenomena5.5. Suggest new interpretations of known facts that can alter Suggest new interpretations of known facts that can alter

manman’’s perception of the world around hims perception of the world around himRather than Rather than ““thesis topicthesis topic”” think think ““thesis questionthesis question””Begin w/ major (or wide & basic) question then develop Begin w/ major (or wide & basic) question then develop subordinate (or subsidiary & minor) question that will subordinate (or subsidiary & minor) question that will help the answerhelp the answer

Choosing a thesis topic is a lot like choosing a mate Choosing a thesis topic is a lot like choosing a mate there are thousands upon thousands of thesis topics there are thousands upon thousands of thesis topics ““with with which you can live happily ever afterwhich you can live happily ever after””Instead of thinking yourself must become Einstein, think Instead of thinking yourself must become Einstein, think yourself as apprentice, learning techniques and ways of yourself as apprentice, learning techniques and ways of thinking from your advisers or professors.thinking from your advisers or professors.Right now your goal is Right now your goal is to learn howto learn how to do research from to do research from someone who is very good at it and then someone who is very good at it and then to demonstrateto demonstratethis knowledge with a good and acceptable thesisthis knowledge with a good and acceptable thesis2 ways to find a topic thesis : be provided (immediate 2 ways to find a topic thesis : be provided (immediate blessing) & by yourself (need time)blessing) & by yourself (need time)

CoCo--author papers with your adviser author papers with your adviser closely closely ally your work w/ adviserally your work w/ adviser’’s researchs researchDonDon’’t worry if nothing interests you t worry if nothing interests you it it develops from immersion & activitiesdevelops from immersion & activitiesGet perspective by reading, criticizing, Get perspective by reading, criticizing, evaluating many theses, articles & papers evaluating many theses, articles & papers find similar topic & methods.find similar topic & methods.In doing research, serendipity (In doing research, serendipity (kebetulankebetulan) will ) will play a big roleplay a big role

Make Make thesis idea filesthesis idea files your ideas and their your ideas and their action plans, notes in advising process, action plans, notes in advising process, relevant journal/paper, critics of other thesis relevant journal/paper, critics of other thesis or similar topicsor similar topicsCriteria for evaluating potential thesis topics :Criteria for evaluating potential thesis topics :

1.1. Does sufficient background information Does sufficient background information exist ?exist ?

2.2. Is the topic narrow enough ? Is it hot ?Is the topic narrow enough ? Is it hot ?3.3. Has it been done already ?Has it been done already ?4.4. Is it tractable ? Is it fundableIs it tractable ? Is it fundable5.5. How long will it take to do your How long will it take to do your

research ? research ?

Start writing immediately after you start Start writing immediately after you start evaluating 3 or 4 thesis topicsevaluating 3 or 4 thesis topicsUse preUse pre--proposal outlines as tools for proposal outlines as tools for sharpening the topic search (sharpening the topic search ( explicitly explicitly ask the research questions and make the ask the research questions and make the action plan)action plan)Use your written preUse your written pre--proposal / outline as proposal / outline as a tool to discuss w/ advisersa tool to discuss w/ advisers

Chapter 17. The Thesis Chapter 17. The Thesis ProposalProposal

What Is a Thesis ProposalWhat Is a Thesis Proposal 191191A Cautionary TaleA Cautionary Tale 177177Uses of a Thesis ProposalUses of a Thesis Proposal 193193Typical Proposal StructureTypical Proposal Structure 195195Detailed Discussion of Proposal OutlineDetailed Discussion of Proposal Outline

198198Tackling the Proposal ProcessTackling the Proposal Process 204204

Ph.D. thesis proposal describes in detail on Ph.D. thesis proposal describes in detail on what, why, how and when (schedule) about what, why, how and when (schedule) about plan to do research.plan to do research.The proposal is at once : The proposal is at once :

1.1. a a research research planplan, , 2.2. an an evaluationevaluation tooltool, , 3.3. aa trial runtrial run at writing thesis, at writing thesis, 4.4. a a contractcontract with yourself, advisers or with yourself, advisers or

department, department, 5.5. a a sales pitchsales pitch/point/point..

Is it possible to tell from this proposal Is it possible to tell from this proposal precisely what I plan to do ??precisely what I plan to do ??

A A proposalproposal = a working document that is = a working document that is likely to be changedlikely to be changedThe The IntroductionIntroduction : what you: what you’’ll do and ll do and why, general to specific (beginning with why, general to specific (beginning with an overview of the general problem and an overview of the general problem and ending up with the specific research ending up with the specific research question that you will answer)question that you will answer)The proposal writing process has The proposal writing process has several stages & involves several stages & involves interactioninteractionwith adviserswith advisersPrePre--proposal proposal proposal proposal proposal proposal defense (less stressful then Qualifying defense (less stressful then Qualifying Exam)Exam)

Chapter 18. The Thesis : Writing itChapter 18. The Thesis : Writing itStructureStructure 208 208 Overview of the Thesis Writing ProcessOverview of the Thesis Writing Process

214214Getting the Darn Thing WrittenGetting the Darn Thing Written 218218Back Up Everything Twice Back Up Everything Twice –– The Most The Most Important Advice in this BookImportant Advice in this Book 234234Computer HelpComputer Help 235235

Writing thesis ? Writing thesis ? lonesome, unsanitary, lonesome, unsanitary, maddening, going crazymaddening, going crazyBlind men describing an elephant Blind men describing an elephant too too many modelsmany models enough to develop your enough to develop your ideasideasReasonable writing rate for PhD candidates Reasonable writing rate for PhD candidates is 3 pages per day (weekend = off)is 3 pages per day (weekend = off)Early draft Early draft get on committees get on committees final final draft draft Write thesis/dissertation/ideas Write thesis/dissertation/ideas as much as much as possible as possible as early as possible as early as possible as as soon as you can soon as you can Make course paper = thesis research Make course paper = thesis research published or presentationpublished or presentation

It is It is hard for committee to fail a thesishard for committee to fail a thesisthat has been largely validated by peer that has been largely validated by peer review and publication in a journalreview and publication in a journal peer peer review is sometimes more generous than review is sometimes more generous than your committeeyour committee?? ?? ““Just bind up your papers, and you Just bind up your papers, and you have already done your thesishave already done your thesis””The biggest problem most writers face is The biggest problem most writers face is remaining motivatedremaining motivatedABD = All but dissertation ABD = All but dissertation ““the the uncompleted dissertation hangs over the uncompleted dissertation hangs over the candidate like a black cloud, interfacing candidate like a black cloud, interfacing with his career, his domestic life even his with his career, his domestic life even his peace of mindpeace of mind””

How to get started to write ?How to get started to write ?1.1. Be comfortable, Be in place where no Be comfortable, Be in place where no

distraction at alldistraction at all2.2. Talk about your ideas to anyone who will Talk about your ideas to anyone who will

listen listen crystallize the ideascrystallize the ideas3.3. Keep to a regular schedule of moderate but Keep to a regular schedule of moderate but

constant progressconstant progress4.4. Find critical time to keep writing in mind Find critical time to keep writing in mind

(late night, early morning)(late night, early morning) keep boiling keep boiling point to generate ideas and exploratory point to generate ideas and exploratory writingwriting

5.5. Write down all and any kind of ideas onto Write down all and any kind of ideas onto your listyour list

6.6. DonDon’’t try to be a brilliantt try to be a brilliant just hack the just hack the stuff outstuff out be yourself, be smoothbe yourself, be smooth

Large writing projects require consistent, Large writing projects require consistent, wellwell--organized effort and a system of selforganized effort and a system of self--imposed incentives to overcome imposed incentives to overcome procrastination and writing blocks, to procrastination and writing blocks, to organize your work clearly and to sustain organize your work clearly and to sustain progress.progress.????””What I am really trying to say here?What I am really trying to say here?””????””What is the first thing IWhat is the first thing I’’d tell someone d tell someone about this issue?about this issue?””Einstein : Einstein : ““Say it in English, make it as Say it in English, make it as simple as possible but not more sosimple as possible but not more so””

Start your paragraphs with topic Start your paragraphs with topic sentencessentences to start the paragraph with a to start the paragraph with a statement that guides the reader in statement that guides the reader in understanding what follows (deductive understanding what follows (deductive process)process)DonDon’’t try to handle too many ideas at t try to handle too many ideas at once in a sentence or too many topics in a once in a sentence or too many topics in a paragraphparagraphSignpost with transitional phrases : Signpost with transitional phrases : however, nevertheless, for example, however, nevertheless, for example, moreover, admittedly, specifically, etcmoreover, admittedly, specifically, etcAvoid passive construction, avoid adverbs Avoid passive construction, avoid adverbs (very, extremely, seriously), delete double (very, extremely, seriously), delete double negativesnegatives read it loud when finishedread it loud when finished

Chapter 19. The Thesis DefenseChapter 19. The Thesis Defense

• What Is the Thesis Defense? 237 • Can You Fail ? 239• Preparing for The Event 241• Surviving the Event 245

• For several days before the defense, I felt like I was sleepwalking through a nightmare. I was so afraid that I couldn’t focus on preparing. I couldn’t conceive of what the ordeal would be like, I couldn’t imagine the questions that would be asked and worst of all, I couldn’t visualize myself answering them. During the defense, I was sweating, blanked out from time to time and talked nonstop to others. I felt I wasstupid. I ended up passing with some minor revisions but it was an awful experience.

• I was on very good terms with my committee, I knew they thought my thesis was great, and I’d really prepared my presentation well. So I gave my talk, they asked interesting questions and then we all had a spirited discussion for about an hour. All in all, it was more like giving a seminar than taking an exam.

• Prepare your committee :1. Make allies with advisers and committee members2. Schedule your defense far in advance, prepare an abstract

early3. Distribute your thesis early meet with each committee

member after they have read it

• Prepare yourself :1. Talk to other students about their experience2. Observe the defenses of other students3. Ask your committee members for tips4. Read up on the latest literature5. Make a list of possible questions6. Prepare your formal presentation carefully7. Practice your formal presentation repeatedly8. Familiarize yourself with the exam room9. Read your dissertation carefully and keep every important

detail in your mind

• Keep your perspective defense is not an open-book exam but you wrote the book

• If you get in trouble in defense :1. You shouldn’t come across as arrogant but don’t

cowed2. Don’t panic and show nervousness3. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know4. Defense isn’t really about what you know and you

don’t know it is about whether you can conduct yourself as a professional

5. Demonstrate that you are confidence and skillful6. You can seek refuge to the ultimate source of

authority your main adviser

Chapter 20. Oral Chapter 20. Oral Presentations : The Key to Presentations : The Key to Being A StarBeing A Star

•• Speaking Well Under Pressure Is Essential Speaking Well Under Pressure Is Essential to Your Careerto Your Career 248248

•• Train Yourself in Public SpeakingTrain Yourself in Public Speaking 251251•• Writing a PresentationWriting a Presentation 253253•• Software to Help Your PresentationSoftware to Help Your Presentation 256256•• Preparing to Give the SpeechPreparing to Give the Speech 259259•• During the PerformanceDuring the Performance 261261

•• Painful, annoyed & bored to see some badly organized Painful, annoyed & bored to see some badly organized and poorly presented lectureand poorly presented lecture

•• Strong presentation makes people respect the speaker Strong presentation makes people respect the speaker brilliant work and skillbrilliant work and skill

•• In oral presentation, audience is easily swayed by good In oral presentation, audience is easily swayed by good visual aids, tricks of rhetoric, emotion, and the force of visual aids, tricks of rhetoric, emotion, and the force of your personality.your personality.

•• Gravitas (= weight and worth; Roman) Gravitas (= weight and worth; Roman) good speaker, good speaker, professional reputationprofessional reputation

•• Poor communication skill Poor communication skill rejecting of a job applicantrejecting of a job applicant•• Public speaking is a skill that need a long term training Public speaking is a skill that need a long term training

and practice and practice a learned skilla learned skill•• Know your audience wellKnow your audience well•• Extra care with beginning and ending of presentationExtra care with beginning and ending of presentation•• Use examples and analogies wherever possibleUse examples and analogies wherever possible•• Use simple words and short sentencesUse simple words and short sentences

Chapter 21. Dealing with Stress and Chapter 21. Dealing with Stress and DepressionDepression

Coping with StressCoping with Stress 267267Coping with discouragement and depression 177Coping with discouragement and depression 177I was very depressed in grad school largely because I I was very depressed in grad school largely because I hate it. It was hard, boring work. I couldnhate it. It was hard, boring work. I couldn’’t find a t find a good thesis topic. I got no exercise to shape up my good thesis topic. I got no exercise to shape up my body. I sat in a chair for 10 hours a day. Then my body. I sat in a chair for 10 hours a day. Then my wife left me because she felt boring and unhappy. wife left me because she felt boring and unhappy. THEN I asked myself why I was killing myself for a THEN I asked myself why I was killing myself for a degree that wouldndegree that wouldn’’t even get me a job. t even get me a job. Increase human contactIncrease human contactAct undepressed, avoid negative thoughtsAct undepressed, avoid negative thoughtsGet moving on your progress of researchGet moving on your progress of research

Chapter 22. The Social MilieuChapter 22. The Social MilieuRelation to Your Fellow StudentsRelation to Your Fellow Students 279279Building Relationships with FacultyBuilding Relationships with Faculty 282282Relationship StressesRelationship Stresses 284 284

Chapter 23. Swimming with The Chapter 23. Swimming with The Mainstream: Returning Students, Mainstream: Returning Students, Women, Minorities and Foreign Women, Minorities and Foreign StudentsStudents

Returning StudentsReturning Students 290290Special Problems Faced by WomenSpecial Problems Faced by Women 292292Minority StudentsMinority Students 300300Foreign StudentsForeign Students 307307

Chapter 24. Bringing It All Together : Chapter 24. Bringing It All Together : the Jobthe Job

You Need a Clear Vision of Your Future CareerYou Need a Clear Vision of Your Future Career 319319

How to Develop a Clear Vision of Your Future CareerHow to Develop a Clear Vision of Your Future Career 322322Step 1 : Evaluate Your Skills and Step 1 : Evaluate Your Skills and AffinitesAffinites 323323Step 2 : Research Your Career PossibilitiesStep 2 : Research Your Career Possibilities 324324Step 3 : Talk With People in the FieldStep 3 : Talk With People in the Field 327327Step 4 : Earning Knowledge and ExperienceStep 4 : Earning Knowledge and Experience 333333

On the Hunt : Getting Serious About Getting A JobOn the Hunt : Getting Serious About Getting A Job 334334Informational Interviews RevisitedInformational Interviews Revisited 338338The Formal Job InterviewThe Formal Job Interview 342342Other Methods of Finding JobsOther Methods of Finding Jobs 345345

Salary NegotiationSalary Negotiation 349349Resumes and Cover LetterResumes and Cover Letter 350350Computer HelpComputer Help 35535510 Keys to Success in Job Hunting : A Review 10 Keys to Success in Job Hunting : A Review 357357

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