The most common challenge that my clients face when writing a statement of research interests or statement of purpose (SOP) for a Master’s or PhD application is how to describe, in concrete terms, what their research interests and goals are. This is understandable—some people worry they’ll be held to their still-evolving ideas as if they…
Encore: How to Get Into an MD/PhD Program [Episode 453]
We are swamped now with clients facing early January deadlines so I decided to begin 2023 with one of our most popular shows of 2022, my interview with Accepted’s own Dr. Herman Gordon AKA “Flash” in this in-depth look at MD/PhD admissions, with lots of good advice for MD applicants or Ph.D. applicants too. With…
How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose [Episode 473]
How to Write a Statement of Purpose That Gets You Accepted [Show Summary] Vanessa Febo is a PhD candidate in English Literature at UCLA and a writing instructor who has guided students to acceptance at top programs at Harvard, Stanford, and USC. In this episode, she shares her expert tips on mastering the writing required…
The Myth of the Fully-Funded PhD: Using Scholarships to Mitigate the Financial Realities of Research Degrees
When you decide to go to graduate school of any kind, you are making a financial decision that will dramatically affect your earning capacity for the duration of the program and throughout your life. While the caliber of school, available mentorship opportunities, and research resources are important factors to consider when making a decision about…
Insider Tips on Applying to PsyD Programs
You need only to poll other prospective applicants to realize that applying to a PsyD degree program cannot be “boiled” down to a simple formula or fit together like a perfectly constructed puzzle. The equation may not balance out and one puzzle piece may not necessarily fit together with all the others. However, most PsyD…
How to Get Into an MD/PhD Program [Episode 453]
Applying to MD/PhD programs? Here’s what you need to know [Show Summary] Dr. Herman “Flash” Gordon, an Accepted consultant and former chair of the University of Arizona Tucson College of Medicine’s admissions committee, provides a deep dive into the application process for MD/PhD programs, highlighting crucial preparation tips. Interview with Dr. Herman “Flash” Gordon [Show…
How to Ace Your PhD Interview: Prepare to Discuss These 10 Topics
While not all PhD programs require interviews, some do (including many overseas). If you’re invited to a PhD interview, take full advantage of the opportunity you’ve been given by preparing effectively – review your research on the department, prepare to talk about your PhD research goals, etc. (P.S. A mock interview can be helpful!). PhD…
Applying to PhD Programs: When, Where, How, and Why?
The thought of pursuing a PhD can be daunting. You may ask yourself the following key questions: When should I apply? Where should I apply? How do I get in? Why do I want to go? Let’s consider these questions one at a time. Question 1: “When should I apply to graduate school?” The right…
You’ve Caught the “Academic Ambition” Bug—Now What?
[Note: All names and identifiable information have been changed to protect the clients of Accepted.] Do you need a master’s to get a PhD? What about a perfect undergraduate transcript? The essentials for a successful PhD application, more than perfect grades or a prior graduate degree, are evidence that you are ready to undertake a…
What to Know About Applying for a PhD in STEM [Episode 410]
Are you considering a PhD, either in the United States or abroad? [Show summary] Dr. Eva Lantsoght, a professor of civil engineering who has lived and studied all over the globe, shares her insights on applying to PhD programs in STEM fields. What to expect when applying to domestic and international PhD programs. [Show notes]…
The Personal Statement That Got Me a Large Scholarship to Cambridge
When I submitted my application for the Masters program in Latin American Studies at Cambridge University, I was a bit lost in life. I was what they call a “super-senior” at UCLA, taking my last three General Education requirements during Fall quarter of a fifth year. I had already walked for graduation the June before…
Life on a PhD Waitlist: Is There Anything You Can Do?
Anyone who’s been on an admission waitlist can tell you that it’s a frustrating place to be! On the other hand, the fact that the committee has waitlisted you shows that you’re very close to the top of their admit list. Consider the fact that your materials have been read, brought into the committee room, and heavily…
Predoc & Premed Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
Often, top medical schools in the U.S. offer predoc and premed summer undergraduate research programs. We’ve compiled an all-you-need-to-know chart that includes school name, deadlines, and links to the specific predoc/premed programs for more information. Why do these undergraduate research programs exist? The purpose of these programs is to expose ambitious, talented college students to…
3 Things You Should Look for When Researching PhD Programs
Enrolling in a PhD program is a big commitment that requires you to invest a large amount of time, energy, and sometimes money. And, for many PhD applicants who are aware that the academic job market is highly competitive, exploring PhD programs can become an overwhelming and daunting task steeped in uncertainty. Choosing a program…
PhD Program Selection: Does School Ranking Matter?
Because tenure-track jobs are scarce, selecting the right PhD program is an extremely important decision that can have a dramatic impact on your future career. When it comes to making this important choice, many students often rely on school rankings to determine which PhD program is best for them, in hopes that banking on a…
How to Be a Competitive PhD Applicant and Apply to the Best Programs for You
What are your goals? If you’re considering applying for admission to a PhD program, you should start thinking about where you want to apply. Your criteria for selecting target programs will depend on your goals and circumstances, but here are a few things to think about. Getting started: Ask yourself these goal-oriented questions Let’s jump…
4 Tips for Securing Effective Recommendation Letters for PhD Admissions at Top Programs
Letters of recommendation are one the most important components of your doctoral program application. In fact, they can often make or break your candidature; for example, an outstanding letter of recommendation can make up for a low GRE score, while a lukewarm letter that reads as a template can raise flags despite good grades and…
A Harvard PhD Student and Admissions Consultant Shares Her Story [Episode 328]
Interview with Rachel Slutsky, Accepted admissions consultant [Show summary] Want to know what makes for stupendous statements of purpose or impressive MBA essays? Our guest, and recent addition to Accepted’s team of consultants, is an expert at both. But, for some of you her main claim to fame may be her status as a Harvard…
STEM Graduate Applicants: Get the Scoop on the NSF and Hertz Fellowships
If you are thinking about putting together an application for a STEM Master’s or PhD program this Fall, you should not miss the opportunity to apply for large grants that will support your research and educational goals. Many of my students at the UCLA Scholarship Resource Center have worked with me throughout their undergraduate degrees,…
The Secret to MA/MS and PhD Admissions: Contacting Potential Advisors
As admissions consultants, we talk a lot about writing great statements of purpose, putting together an impressive curriculum vitae (CV), and approaching potential recommenders. However, we don’t always discuss what sort of contact applicants should try to make with potential advisors and professors at their desired schools. If you get one thing out of this…