How I got into TWO Harvard Ph.D Programs (Application Review)

[@swicheroo1]

For those in the thick of applications, I'll add this as someone who did a PhD and got a tenure track professorship: The Statement of Purpose doesn't always have to be about your research. It's much broader in scope. It can really about how you situate yourself in the world and why you want to pursue your path in a life of research. It is the most important differentiating component of your grad school application, especially if you are already applying to a Top 20 program, where everybody has very similar scores and grades. I had three publications in top journals by the time I applied (yes, took two years off in between) and never once mentioned those in my Statement. I did, however, list them in my Publications Section. Schools are really investing in people, not research. Research paths change. And most entering students really don't know how to think about research in ways that are compelling.

[@sajidakadar9759]

Not talking about research experience or publications is a risky thing to do in my case as i haven't been awarded at a conference or nominated for any type of fellowships. I decided to drop some hints in my statement about articles and experience.

[@JudeMarchisio]

I had to state what research I had done in my SoP and how it would tie in with the Professor's work. They wanted to know how it aligns with the school's current research objectives and stated so on their website.

[@OFarrillColon]

Thisis a very unique experience you had. Iremember to specifically mentioned the research projects i had worked on previously.

[@ezzanaveed]

I needed to hear this. Thank you

[@misskeelybarton]

Thank you for this!

[@yunchiu1849]

Finally a biology phD youtube channel!:D As a senior aiming biology phD programs all of your videos are really helpful !

[@xyzxyzuvwuvw7633]

well, youre not looking to get employed then, biology field is over saturated, its like thinking i want to do psychology

[@shambhavidwivedi5817]

Yuriy Dovhan u r very pessimistic! Go away! And stop demotivating!

[@Biomeducated]

@@xyzxyzuvwuvw7633 I heard/read the same about Biomeds in the US. The same doesn't apply for Europe though... many of my fellow graduates immediately got jobs. Then again, biotech industry is booming in Belgium :D I made a small video on it (top 5 companies in Belgium). Cheers!

[@xyzxyzuvwuvw7633]

@@shambhavidwivedi5817 unless you get top grades research and a killer MCAT score and get into medical school, the degree is inherently worthless

[@xyzxyzuvwuvw7633]

@@Biomeducated don't take my pessimism the wrong way, your channel looks as if it's trying to sell something, I would personally advice everyone to just get a job programming

[@kat-yuh]

As someone who just graduated high school and admittedely underperformed/slacked off a lot, its so reassuring to hear that you managed to form those study skills in college and get in to these top tier universities for grad school regardless

[@devangshunandi7039]

You easily deserve more subscribers. Hands down.

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Thanks :) I'm hoping these videos help science education become accessible to more people!

[@remoykirsten]

I am not a prospective PhD student..I’m actually not even going to college..why is this in my recommendations? But I decided to watch this anyways. 5 mins in and I’m already getting stressed out

[@sampsonchen5453]

I am a student who seeking information on Ph.D. biology, after watching this video I just want to quit

[@UrBigSisKey]

I got stressed from the title 😂😂😂😂

[@louiseee8487]

@@sampsonchen5453lmao 😂😂

[@GeoScientist121]

I love the way you expressed about not getting interviews from MIT and when you said you got into other programmes and smiled, I was like yaay she did that.. It's 2022 and you should be now almost close to graduating? Wow.. Somehow you're inspiring

[@biohazzzard404]

I think you'll make a great professor one day, keep at it. You really know how to inspire people, I'm subscribing!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

I really appreciate that 😭 Comments like these really help make it through the rough days

[@isabellasalgueroc5468]

You’ve given me so much hope with this! I’m just applying to my undergrad degree right now, and I want to major in biology. I was so scared that not getting into a top college for undergrad would leave me completely out of research opportunities like the one’s you had, and for some reason people make it seem like there’s no other way to be successful. I’d love to know more about how you got the spots at those conferences and all! Thank you

[@lillianinequilibrium]

I totally understand. During my career I've realized that at the undergrad level it's all about taking advantage of the opportunities you do have and using that to get where you need to be. Most conferences I applied for a travel scholarship, but I'll be making a video on conferences and all later. Stay tuned :)

[@OFarrillColon]

As a first-gen college student, I wish I knew all these things before I went down the BA route! So, please, if you sumble upon people not knowing what they gonna pursue in college, help them out!

[@DarkFreaker955]

Love the My Hero Academia poster!

[@TotusTuus85]

Just found your channel. This is filling a much needed niche. I'm waiting to hear back on my PhD app!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Good luck!

[@brayancampos-salazar7751]

Thank you so much for your lovely video, Lillian! This is so much valuable for us who dream to study abroad! Greetings from Peru!

[@ajkihn5626]

I want to thank you for this, I am applying for PhD, in programs all over the globe, only programs I really want to be in. Hopefully, I will make it.

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Good luck!

[@elizawilson199]

I love your videos. I just finished my 1st semester and I was not able to do well. I have 7 more semesters before phd so I think I will be able to do well in those.I need to work really really hard...Your videos are indeed great... interesting and I love watching them.

[@michellebrookesmith]

Thank you for this series!! Currently applying to graduate school. Definitely subscribing!

[@michellebrookesmith]

Wow! Thank you! I needed those words!

[@michellebrookesmith]

Thank you SO much for doing it! I have no words to explain how much I needed it. Thank you and God bless you too ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Wishing you the best of luck with your application! Feel free to ask any questions (esp in the video series I'm running right now about applications). If I don't know the answer then someone else might :)

[@mateusmacedoquintano5693]

Watching you just brought me a great deal of inspiration for a bunch of reasons! Thank you so much!

[@fredimorales5157]

You are amazing. I am getting emotional just listening to your videos. Viva Mexico!

[@perfumelfish13]

Feeling grateful to your video and thanks to youtube's recommendation algorithm🤩 😍😍

[@amarchhabra2175]

Congratulations to you! Thanks for sharing. Wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors!

[@TheKatherina44]

My gpa is 3.1 I am finishing second year in college. 3.9 is great and it is shocking number at the same time(to me at least)😂😂

[@TheYay1995]

It's still doable... Harvard doesn't have a minimum GPA for admission lol... but you definitely need to get a stronghold in research experience and other stuff.

[@jacob9673]

She also went to a liberal arts school doing biology, so there’s much more inflation there.

[@nainawhyyy]

Hey! Thank you so much for this video, it was very informative and you were so genuine with everything! Could you maybe please upload your next video about people from non-science programs, and how to go about the research paper and conferences, please?

[@toytiny666]

I am preparing for my Ph.D interview. This is very useful for me!

[@dragraider]

This was so helpful! Thank you for sharing :)

[@abcdefg1234597]

This video was so helpful! this gives me hope that I am on the right track with my studies. I really like your videos, you are a great speaker you will be an awesome professor one day ^.^

[@MMMM-ui3ct]

This was incredibly helpful! Thank you!!

[@med9371]

Thank you for the video, good luck in your program :)

[@jaebucknor]

Thanks for this video. I finished my BBS application this past fall and am waiting for the results. It's a great program! Hope you are enjoying it.

[@cocotulle23]

Thank you, thank you! You’ve given me so much hope!

[@Luxuberrys]

Love this video. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@CAGonRiv]

She's so lovely. Glad to have you in STEM

[@mdtokitahmid2970]

Thatz cools to hear❤ I applied this fall :') to biomedical informatics... Lets see what happens!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Fingers crossed!

[@krystalthewriter6031]

I will be applying to my first PhD program soon!!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Woohoo! Best of luck!

[@electoristasenaprietos529]

Querida AlphaGenesis: ya decía yo que eras de México, o bien que tenías ascendencia mexicana. Lo comprobé en el video: además del papel maché picado y del sarape, estabas frente a algo que parece un "cubre sillón" con forma de cobija. Bien por ti. Pues bien, yo también quiero matricularme en Harvard para un doctorado. Seguiré viendo tus videos. Muchas gracias por compartirlos.

[@anuvaagarwal3492]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It was very useful and excellently made.

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miantgv]

You are such an amazing girl!! I have enjoyed your video so much. I love your enthusiasm and charisma.

[@yashchauhan1699]

you inspired me to try and improve at which level for betterment, thank you for your videos and all information

[@kubraakalin8992]

You are amazing👏thanks for video🤗

[@debrah_dante2939]

Wow thanks for inspiring me 😘🥰 keep on inspiring the youth

[@vanessaramos-madrid3278]

Thank you for your video it was so informative !

[@geekfreak2000]

Your videos are super helpful!

[@frutiofam]

Loved your channel

[@reenaisdyno]

This was so helpful. Thanks 🙂🙂

[@devashriroy]

Thank you very much for this video it was very helpful!!!

[@leong5059]

Great video! keep up the good work 👏

[@georgewilbert]

UC Merced is a great school, but compared to the others on the list, it seems more like a safety school lol Congrats on your admission, although this comment is so late, you probably already have your PhD

[@Maria-kg1nh]

this was great. thanks for the info. God Bless!

[@khadijaw1630]

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@lomachemanoti]

Very informative..Thank you for sharing. I have subscribed

[@alexisivec5831]

Hi Lillian! As a first-gen student going through the PhD application process, I have found your youtube channel and website SUPER helpful, thank you! I did notice in another video, you mentioned that the vibes of the two Harvard programs to be slightly different. What made you initially decide to apply to both programs, and was there anything you had to keep in mind when submitting two applications to the DMS? Thank you so much!

[@jackieb2853]

You're awesome-subscribed!!

[@alexiskelley8821]

Ayyee you applied in to my school :) UC Merced

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Yesss! Such an amazing school. Hope it is going well.

[@ifunanyaokeke508]

Hello! I thought you looked so familiar, and now I think it's because I may have seen you around Keck! I also went to the Claremont Colleges (Scripps, class of 2019). Based on you mentioning that you did research at UC Merced, I'm guessing you're from the central valley (if so, me too :) ). You have a great channel!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Awesome! I miss being at Keck. Congrats on graduating :) I'm not from the CV, but I LOVED my time there and considered it one of the greatest experiences I've had in my life thus far.

[@vishalpise3619]

your videos always motivate me to do study one day I will also be doing phd like you

[@reemalshanbari]

Congrats!

[@luvsilly60]

She is one reason why I would not apply to any of the schools she applied to. Those schools are for people who are gifted. I just work hard. I am State school material. More power to you. I can see your passion. That will carry over through out your career. They see a spokesperson in you.

[@fuquplz9983]

Your face is so relaxing its crazy

[@sarahcoull669]

I'm currently in chemical engineering as an undergrad and physics is KILLING ME oh my gosh

[@brandonfields2521]

What were the interviews like? Were they from the professor or an administrative person? I wasn't aware that most schools do interviews before they accept you, but it makes sense. Thanks for the help!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Actually not all fields have interviews! I would look into whether yours does or not. In my case, they fly you out to the school and you interview with professors and the heads of the program.

[@indranilaich2467]

@@lillianinequilibrium what they ask in interview ?

[@XXgamemaster]

I’m thinking about applying to a philosophy PhD program, but I have no “research experience.” I’d like to think that research would be less important for non-science majors so should I still apply even if I don’t have any research experience?

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Hmm I’m not too sure about how philosophy as a field works so I’d definitely ask philosophy professors or the admissions office of a program you’re interested in for more insight.

[@mjm8267]

Hey There! Great video and super informative! I am an incoming freshman at Pitzer college and you actually nailed the list of schools that I would want to go to for grad school. If you were me/if you could start again as a freshman at Pitzer, what tips would you give me and what opportunities should I keep an eye out for? Anything will help, thank you for these videos. Go Sagehens!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

That's awesome - I hope you enjoy your time at PZ! What I'd say is that what you get out of PZ is what you put into it. I know that's cliche, but in this case it is really meaningful. If you just go through and do your classes and party, that's what you'll get out of it. I think that what got me here, knowing PZ specifically, is looking at all the resources the 5Cs had and taking advantage of them early on (e.g. CLSA, the Writing Center, office hours - the professors are AMAZING).

[@Poppomatic64]

We would love an update on how the program has been going!

[@jamesdewer]

Watchable and relevant. Best wishes on your goals!

[@remoteworkqueen]

Hey CMC alum that majored in Human Bio here! Thanks for the video! ♥️

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Glad to have a fellow 5C alum on here :)

[@yushi8373]

This is extremely helpful. Thank you so much. Could you please talk about how to get into presenting in relatively high level conferences?

[@juliamisc]

what research were you doing at the second lab/in your phd program? :)

[@guannanmeng1867]

Thank you for your video

[@khaledal-badrawy8879]

You really inspired me When I have a master degree, will this enhance my research experience part at the application?

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Of course :) Any research experience is better than none

[@Discotraxx16]

I have only one semester of research 😑 no phd program for me haha jk. I'm going to try to go further I got my bachelor's and not doing anything with it but I loved going to school

[@peterwashington8169]

It's definitely not too late. There are many opportunities to get research experience and publications after graduation. More info here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paLahZ1nfLqmo9k You can also as me more questions at twitter.com/peter_washing - from a current Stanford PhD student

[@sanjeevani_kumari]

what is the provision for leave in harvard? how long leave one can take as I want to prepare for competitive exam alongside? please reply❤

[@punkpannel]

Beauty with a brain ! That's what we call it?

[@surennap]

Thanks for the helpful video! Did you email professors before the application deadlines and if so do you think that helped?

[@lillianinequilibrium]

I did email some professors when I was trying to choose schools that I'd be interested in - it was important that there were at least three faculty who I was interested in who could foresee taking graduate students. I don't think it helped me get in directly (like contacting professors in my field doesn't increase your chances) but it helped me make an informed decision as to where I was applying and whether the schools were the right fit for me. Hope that helped!

[@ayberkulgen5180]

"It was the Physics that brought the GPA down." Me, a Physics undergraduate: *nervous sweating*

[@A_Box]

On the flip side, Biology or related electives may bring *your* GPA down.

[@raizarai1853]

I reallyy hope that I get into harvard to do my Ph.D in nutrition.

[@marlonlozanomercado7432]

Hi, I'd like to know wether you know how can I apply to a Master or Doctor Degree in Harvard Medical School. Currently I'm studying in a university that is not in USA. Please I'll really aprecciate it if you answer my question

[@michellewang2871]

! I thought you looked familiar! I'm going to graduate from Scripps in the spring, and have been admitted and am also considering going to Harvard for my PhD (not biology though).

[@khursheedstatistics5971]

How to do PhD statistics ....what is the procedure.

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Always great to have a fellow 5C student at Harvard :) Best of luck!

[@NicholeRojas-r8i]

How long did it tske for you to know if you passed to interviews?

[@lillianinequilibrium]

I found out about all my interviews by mid-December!

[@kaveenjayamanna3076]

This is so helpful. Thank you so much. One question though, did you have to travel for the interviews or were they online?

[@NicholeRojas-r8i]

Did you need to know which lab you wanted to be in beforehand?

[@lillianinequilibrium]

My field doesn’t require it and often recommends you go in with a blank slate, but some programs (those without rotations) do require it.

[@mariammohammad2787]

Hello! Thank you for this wonderful video I love it!! I have a question, next I'll be finishing my BS in Medical laboratory sciences and I want to apply for PhD in immunology at Harvard. But my GPA isn't that good (3.4-3.5)but I have 2 years of research experience, and 4 publications (second author) will that help to compensate my average GPA?

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Hi Mariam, thank you for your question! I can't guarantee you an answer since I have only applied and have never been on admissions committee. But my impression is that your GPA isn't out of range for top programs. This really depends on the program though. Best of luck!

[@nikkiberwal4042]

GPA isn't even what they're looking at majorly, I know people with 3.2 GPA who got in, but had loads of research experience and promising attitude towards research, I think that creates a better statistics for you to get accepted, from what I've heard so far.

[@mariammohammad2787]

@@lillianinequilibrium Thank youu!!!

[@mariammohammad2787]

@@lillianinequilibrium Thank youu 😊

[@JmanStreaming]

Hi, I studied for 5.5 years at my university doing a double bachelor's degree. I really want to do a PHD but I'm being told I need to do another 2 years to complete my master First before starting a PHD. Does this sound right? I'm honestly completely heart broken that my second bachelor l, doesn't seem to count for anything.

[@dhatchick22196]

If you do not have enough research background then maybe you should do a masters. However, if you feel as if you know exactly that you what a PhD and what you will utilize it for... apply

[@SahilKhan-ip5cv]

it was really very helpful! but literally it was like my friend is telling me something...like literally coz your face is very similar to one of my friend from school.... :D

[@lillianinequilibrium]

A lot of people tell me that! But I've never met anyone with a face similar to mine, so... 0.0

[@SahilKhan-ip5cv]

ok thn i hv to prove it ... ...bt unfortunately we cant attach image here ...😅

[@AssiiBooo]

If we have 3 publications in peer international journals , is that enough when it came to research publication works?

[@purplelolip0p]

Hi there, thank you so much for uploading this video which is very informative for applicants to the PhD program. If I have four different research experiences (all from different areas; Neurobiology, microbiology and with one in Cancer therapy) and I intend to apply to the Cancer Biology program in Harvard, do you think it would seem that my research experiences are too diverse and not focused? I'm trying to write my statement of purpose in such a way that all these past research experiences would be in my favor but it's rather difficult to come up with a story which flows.

[@lillianinequilibrium]

I wouldn't say my research experiences were focused either. Sometimes that diversity is important because you can vouch that you've tried other things and you know the field you're applying to is the one for you. I'd just try to explain why you tried each one or find something in common in each and craft your story for there.

[@purplelolip0p]

@@lillianinequilibrium I see. Thank you very much for taking the time to reply! :D Have a great day ahead and Merry Christmas!

[@deathnogaming2018]

I am from India, I have done M.sc Zoology this year, I have passed it to me, I want to take admission in Oxford University, for PHD in biology what should I do for that, tell the full process And what I have to do to take admission there please reply.............🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@d25thhour85]

M from India nd want to peruse phd in biology have done masters in microbiology can u guide me what different test or thing I have to do to get in phd plz

[@pemalhudrup781]

OMG you have a boku no hero poster framed on your wall and you are a Harvard student 0-0

[@shreeabraham]

Got 2 PHD from Harvard. Looks like a high school student.

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Thank you ☺️

[@shreeabraham]

@@lillianinequilibrium welcome

[@shoily2054]

Gyal if you didn't do so well in high school how'd you get into pitzer?!

[@nehagupta9566]

Hello, Could you please let me know how did you apply for Goldwater scholarship and what are the requirements for it and when did you start the preparation for GRE ? I am a freshmen student majoring in biology and want to apply for PhD right after my undergrad.I really like your video. Appreciate your the information. Ty:)

[@seraphatar]

Hello Miss, Did you mention your name? Congrats on getting into Harvard. I was wondering if you could talk more about the science conference that you were promoting and spoke at? Was it called SACNAS? Anyway, not sure if that is the correct spelling of the acronym. Thanks Albert.

[@rightwerk]

Awesome video it was really helpful, but girl no offense how did you get into Pitzer College for undergrad if you did so bad in high school?

[@Cat_Sterling]

Could you please expand a bit more on how to do research in different colleges while not being a student there, like when you were a student of Pitzer College, but did research in Harvard? I didn't even know that it was possible.

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Yes! There are summer research programs (called REUs) that take place at different institutions. They let you do research at other schools for a summer and are honestly so fun.

[@Cat_Sterling]

@@lillianinequilibrium Thank you very much for your reply!!! REU, seems like they are only for undergraduates. Would you happen to know if there is anything similar for Master's students?

[@DrAdnan]

I didn’t even get into one 😂

[@sumaiyaiqbal4345]

honestly, this is the third time i am seeing you in the comments section. At first i thought it was some co-incidence......but now im sure some youtube algorithm is playing up lol

[@izzyjones490]

Dude also how do you juggle all of this??? I’m a full time student with a 25hr/week job and it’s hard just doing those two things.

[@padmavathibalaji7906]

Hi! I have applied to a few universities for a PhD program in Pharmacy and am waiting for their response. Can you pl tell me what they ask in the interview? That'll be really helpful!

[@lillianinequilibrium]

Releasing a video on that next week :) Stay tuned

[@XxBurnTtOaStxX1]

This video was really informative! Loved the content, however, hearing about your application and accomplishments is stressing me out as I will be applying towards the end of this year. I want to be where you're at, but am very unsure about the steps I should be taking in the remaining months to improve my application and make myself as competitive as you are in my own unique way...

[@akilic958]

HI Lilian! how you going? Just watched your vid. Amazing to watch your success and you gave me more inspiration! Don't you mind If I ask you some few questions regarding to PDH requirements of Harvard, Ive checked myself but couldnt find proper infos. So I might take you 8-10mins if you allow me, maybe it will be future for me that 8-10 mins if you can. I know you might be very busy girl I can understand it.. Just saying if i can reach you by email or wa would be amazing for only max 10mins or less even! Sincerely Abb from Australia Sydney :)

[@GwendolyndeAshboroughLady]

I just graduated with my Executive Masters (Honors) Public Administration. Im going for my PPOL Ph.D. with the Kennedy School at Harvard. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[@adamnugroho7496]

You did the EMPA at Harvard?

[@globalscience5062]

Hiiii this is helpful

[@2134knees]

I needed this as I start my Prerequisite classes and then want to start my MS in Genetics Counseling. But want to ultimately do Research with a certain doctor there/Professor. She is also one of my Doctor's and I hope to someday get to do Presentations with her at Conferences and Clinic and Lab. The "personal statement" asks for research interests...and I want to state that I want to do research on Kabuki with her specifically and should I include her name in the Personal Statement/essay? And I might want to do Genetics PhD program at Hopkins which is why I am really wanting to get experience with Research. And I have ZERO Lab experience and have spoken on Young Adult Panels for my Genetic Syndrome through a Kabuki International Conference and I hope to someday be able to present Conferences and I am SUPER passionate about Genetics Counseling and am super passonate about sharing my story.

[@shujayethossain6554]

Hey there! Just double checking that one can go straight for PhD at Harvard right out of undergrad, right?

[@Baldwhip]

Yes