PhD Applications | How to get into MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley, Columbia, Yale, ...

Samuel Bosch
10 Jul 202214:20
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script offers invaluable advice for aspiring PhD candidates aiming to join top-tier programs such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley, and Caltech. The speaker, a PhD candidate at MIT, emphasizes the importance of considering whether a PhD is beneficial for one's career and advises on gaining work experience before applying. The application process is outlined, highlighting the necessity of research experience and publications, as well as aligning one's research interests with those of potential PhD supervisors. The script also provides strategies for networking, such as reaching out to professors and PhD candidates, and crafting personalized emails that demonstrate genuine interest and research alignment. The importance of a well-crafted statement of purpose and the relevance of grades and GRE scores are also discussed. Finally, the speaker shares personal experiences and insights on securing admission through various methods, stressing that, regardless of connections, exceptional performance and a strong research background are paramount for success in the competitive world of PhD admissions.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 **Consider Your Path**: Before applying for a PhD, ensure it aligns with your career goals and consider gaining work experience before diving into a PhD program.
  • 🏫 **Application Process**: PhD applications are handled by the specific department at top schools, unlike undergraduate applications, and have a set deadline in December with programs starting around September 1st.
  • 🔗 **Networking**: Having connections or knowing a professor at a top school can give you an advantage, but it's not the only way to get admitted.
  • 📚 **Research Experience**: Professors value candidates with prior research experience and publications, which can significantly bolster your application.
  • 📈 **Relevant Research**: Choose a research area that is both currently popular and well-funded to align with a professor's interests and increase your chances of securing grant money.
  • 💌 **Personalized Outreach**: Crafting a well-researched, personalized email to potential PhD advisors can set you apart and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
  • 📝 **Statement of Purpose**: Your statement of purpose should clearly articulate your research interests, especially those that align with the department and professors you're interested in.
  • 🏅 **Excellence in Research**: Even if you lack connections, demonstrating exceptional research skills and a strong work ethic can lead to admission.
  • 📉 **Grades and GRE**: While grades are important to show dedication, especially for recent graduates, a poor GRE score could be a red flag, although a good one isn't a guaranteed ticket to admission.
  • 🌐 **Diverse Talents**: Unlike undergraduate applications, PhD applications focus on research specialization rather than a wide range of extracurricular activities.
  • 🤝 **Leverage Internships**: Internships or research projects at a top school can provide valuable connections and experiences that may aid in your application process.
Q & A

  • What are the key differences between applying for a PhD program in the US and Europe?

    -In the US, PhD applications are handled by the specific department and have a set deadline in December with programs starting around September 1st. In contrast, European PhD programs often allow more flexibility in starting times and may require convincing a professor to hire you rather than a formal application process.

  • What are the three major ways to get admitted to MIT PhD programs?

    -The three ways are: 1) Submitting an application without knowing anyone at MIT and hoping for the best, 2) Knowing a professor at MIT who can give your application a 'push', and 3) Having done an internship or research project at MIT and using those connections to get admitted.

  • Why is having research experience important for a PhD application?

    -Research experience is crucial because it demonstrates your ability to conduct research and shows that you have a genuine interest in the field. It also helps in securing funding for the PhD program.

  • How can one maximize their chances of getting admitted to a top PhD program?

    -Maximizing chances involves having prior research experience, ideally with publications, choosing a research area that aligns with the interests of the professors you wish to work with, and drafting a personalized and well-researched email to the potential advisor.

  • What role do grades play in a PhD application?

    -Grades are important as they show dedication to the field of research. However, for PhD applications, they are less critical than research experience and connections with faculty members.

  • Why might a student consider gaining work experience before applying for a PhD program?

    -Work experience can provide a better understanding of whether research is the right path and can also make the application more competitive, especially if the work is related to the research area of interest.

  • How does the application process differ for international students compared to domestic students?

    -The script does not specifically mention differences in the application process for international students. However, it does mention that for PhD admissions, in theory, it doesn't matter if the applicant is from the US or not, although there might be practical differences in networking and availability of research opportunities.

  • What is the importance of a statement of purpose in a PhD application?

    -A statement of purpose is crucial as it allows the applicant to clearly express their research interests and align them with the current research areas of the professors they wish to work with, thereby increasing the chances of admission.

  • Why might a student's application to a top university like Stanford not be successful even with a good recommendation?

    -An application might not be successful due to a lack of overlap in research interests between the applicant and the professors at the university. Even with a good recommendation, the fit between the student's research goals and the department's focus is critical.

  • How does the speaker suggest approaching professors when expressing interest in their research?

    -The speaker suggests doing thorough research about the professor, mentioning specific past work, and aligning the student's research interests with the professor's current research. Personalizing the email and showing genuine interest increases the chances of a positive response.

  • What is the role of GRE scores in a PhD application?

    -GRE scores are not as critical for PhD applications as research experience and fit with the department. However, bad GRE scores could be a red flag, while good scores might not necessarily lead to admission. They might be more relevant for applicants from less-known or non-US educational backgrounds.

  • What advice does the speaker give for networking and building connections for a PhD application?

    -The speaker advises putting extra effort into networking, reaching out to professors and PhD candidates, and making use of any existing connections. They emphasize that even without initial connections, persistence and effort can lead to finding someone who can assist in the application process.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 PhD Application Overview

The speaker, a PhD candidate at MIT, discusses the application process for top PhD programs globally. They highlight that while procedures vary, especially in Europe, the tips provided are broadly applicable. Unlike undergraduate admissions, PhD applications are managed by the specific department. The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering whether a PhD is beneficial for one's career and suggests gaining work experience if unsure about research commitment. They outline three main methods of admission to MIT PhD programs: direct application, knowing a professor at MIT, and conducting prior research or an internship at MIT. The speaker shares their personal experience with all three methods.

05:05
🔬 Demonstrating Research Experience and Interest

The speaker underscores the importance of past research experience and ideally, publications, for PhD applications. They share their own journey of fighting for research opportunities and the significance of performing well during these experiences. The speaker also advises on how to select research projects that are currently funded and in demand, and how to connect with potential PhD advisors through tailored and personalized emails. They also discuss the importance of aligning one's research interests with those of the department's professors in the statement of purpose.

10:06
📚 Other Considerations for PhD Applications

The speaker addresses other factors that influence PhD applications, such as extracurricular activities, which are less important compared to undergraduate applications. They discuss the importance of grades and GRE scores, noting that while good grades show dedication, poor standardized test scores can be a red flag. The speaker also shares insights on getting admitted through connections or prior stays at a university like MIT, emphasizing that even with connections, a candidate must be truly exceptional. They conclude with encouragement and an offer to provide more personalized advice in the comments section.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡PhD programs
PhD programs are the highest level of academic degree awarded by universities in many countries. They are typically research-focused and require the candidate to make a significant original contribution to their field of study. In the video, the speaker discusses the various strategies and considerations for applying to top PhD programs such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford.
💡Research experience
Research experience refers to the hands-on work done by an individual in a particular field of study, often leading to the creation of new knowledge or understanding. In the context of the video, having research experience is crucial for PhD applications as it demonstrates a candidate's ability to contribute to the academic field and their commitment to research.
💡Publications
Publications are scholarly articles or papers that have been written by researchers and published in academic journals or at conferences. They are a key indicator of a researcher's contributions to their field. The video emphasizes the importance of having publications, especially as a first author, to strengthen a PhD application.
💡Statement of Purpose
A Statement of Purpose is a critical component of PhD applications. It is a written document that outlines the applicant's research interests, motivations for pursuing a PhD, and future goals. In the video, the speaker advises applicants to clearly articulate their research interests and align them with the work of potential advisors at the target university.
💡Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are written endorsements from individuals who can speak to the applicant's qualifications, skills, and character. They play a significant role in PhD applications, as they provide an external perspective on the candidate's suitability for the program. The video suggests that researchers with whom the applicant has worked closely are ideal candidates to write these letters.
💡GRE
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test that is often required for admission to graduate programs in the United States. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The video mentions that while good GRE scores won't guarantee admission, poor scores could be a red flag for admissions committees.
💡Networking
Networking refers to the process of building and maintaining professional relationships. It is highlighted in the video as a key strategy for those without existing connections to professors at top universities. By networking, applicants can establish relationships that may lead to recommendations or insights into the application process.
💡Admissions process
The admissions process for PhD programs involves a series of steps that an applicant must go through to be considered for enrollment. This includes submitting an application, often with supporting documents like a Statement of Purpose and letters of recommendation. The video discusses the specifics of the PhD admissions process, including deadlines and the importance of departmental rather than central university admissions.
💡Funding
Funding in the context of PhD programs refers to the financial support provided to students, often in the form of scholarships, grants, or stipends. Professors and departments must have sufficient funding to support new PhD students. The video emphasizes the importance of aligning with research areas that are likely to receive funding.
💡Exceptional candidates
Exceptional candidates are those who stand out from other applicants due to their unique skills, achievements, or potential contributions to a field. The video stresses that even with strong connections, an applicant must be truly exceptional to gain a professor's personal endorsement and increase their chances of admission.
💡Work experience
Work experience refers to the practical knowledge, skills, and expertise one gains from working in a professional setting. The video suggests that gaining work experience before applying for a PhD can be beneficial, as it allows candidates to clarify their research interests and career goals.
Highlights

The speaker is a PhD candidate at MIT and provides tips applicable to top schools worldwide.

PhD application procedures vary between the US and Europe, with the latter allowing more flexible start times.

Three major ways to get admitted to MIT PhD programs are discussed, with varying levels of difficulty and approach.

Having a professor 'push' your application can slightly increase your chances of admission.

Doing an internship or research project at MIT can help establish connections useful for admission.

The speaker was admitted to MIT through method #1, by simply submitting their application.

For method #2, having a good word from a known professor can put you in a strong position for admission.

Research experience and publications are crucial to demonstrate your potential as a researcher.

Highly motivated individuals should seek out and excel in research opportunities, even if unpaid.

Professors are looking for candidates with prior research experience and alignment with their research interests.

Choosing a research project that is currently 'hot' and well-funded can increase your appeal to professors.

Crafting a personalized email to a professor can increase your chances of a positive response.

The speaker recommends reaching out to PhD candidates for potential insights and responses.

The Statement of Purpose should clearly outline your research interests and alignment with department faculty.

Extracurricular activities are less important for PhD applications compared to undergraduate ones.

Good grades are important to show dedication to the field of research.

GRE scores are not highly weighted unless they are poor, which can be a red flag.

Networking is crucial for candidates without existing connections to top-tier universities.

Even with connections, being truly exceptional is a must for admission to top-tier PhD programs.

The speaker encourages applicants to put in extra effort and not be discouraged by a lack of initial connections.

Transcripts

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