Preparing & Writing PhD Applications

CGU Writing Center

Why the PhD?

What are your goals?

What makes you happy?

Is this right for you?

TIMELINE

FOLLOW

THE

PHD

PREPARATION

PATH

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

Preparation

Research, Research, Research

1. Do Your Research Rankings Programs Faculty Events Courses Extra-curricular

activities Quality of Life Location

Admission Requirements: Example

► 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

►School: Claremont Graduate University

►Program: SBOS

2a. Organize Your Findings School Due Date Document

Requirements Testing Requirements School Website

Username Password Physical Mailing

Address Graduate Advisor Faculty Mentors

2b. Organize Your Findings

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?

Writing the Application

It’s all about FIT

Statement of Purpose: Always Required

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

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

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).

Personal Statement: Often Required

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

Writing Sample: Always Required

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

CV: Always Required

CV

Most professional CV’s include the following:

Education Awards/Honors Research Experience Relevant Work Experience Publications Presentations Languages Research Interests

Additional Essay Prompts: Be Prepared

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