On choosing where to apply for a PhD (or making sure it’s the right one for you).
Choosing where you earn a #PhD is not a simple process. It should be the result of a methodical process - where you talk to several schools, submit applications & then select the very best school that fits your goals.
Yet.
For many students, applying for and selecting a graduate school is not methodical.
I know.
Because when I joined a #PhDprogram, I only looked at one program.
Once accepted.
That was it.
I went.
Looking back.
While my career has worked out.
I will always wonder what would have happened if I had applied to a program with a stronger brand.
Why?
Because brands shape career trajectories.
And while I love my alma mater, its brand constrained which schools would consider hiring me, which journals would consider me for their editorial board, and which would consider me for an endowed chair.
It took some effort to overcome that halo effect.
So how do you manage your search? Such that you can earn admission to a program that fits you? & start your career on the right foot?
First, understand that most PhD programs provide good training.
They are flagship programs in departments & uni’s.
They vary in the course content, resources, & social networks they offer access to.
Second, understand that while most programs provide good training they are not the same.
The quality of courses, the number of resources, & breadth of networks vastly differ.
Third, understand that only you can assess whether a program is right for you.
You need to asses what is offered & how it fits with your goals.
So how to decide?
First, assemble a list.
Identify schools with good reputations in the field.
Second, rank them.
Consider who is there, where they have placed students (if you can find the info), where they publish (based on a discipline-specific list), and what they publish (based on your interests).
Third, inquire.
Learn admission standards, assistantship package, & cost of living.
The package should include support for research.
Fourth, reassess.
Do not let the stipend drive the decision.
Consider your qualifications vis a vis point two above, admission standards, & livability afforded by the assistantship package.
Your rankings will change.
Fifth, apply.
Most schools won’t interview until you apply.
I receive email inquiries every day.
Until you apply, you usually don’t get much attention unless there is a personal connection - bc most emailers never apply.
Sixth, interview.
Confirm what you know & your comfort with the faculty.
It really helps if you like the faculty.
Seventh, select.
Make sure there is someone you can work with; but, also consider the whole group.
Faculty come & go.
In the end. I’m glad I went to my alma mater.
I received the training & support I needed to become successful in my career.
I was lucky.
You don’t need luck if you do a little background work as you pick your school.
Happy hunting!
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