MY CV FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL! | PhD Example

In this video, I share my curriculum vitae (CV) that I submitted for my PhD graduate school applications. I dive deep into the essentials that your graduate school CV must possess to make your graduate school application stronger.
MY STATEMENT OF PURPOSE REVIEW SERVICE
Price: $25 U.S. Dollars
Fiverr: www.fiverr.com/share/dNlZBz

[@siomitiomi1083]

Hi Ivan..thank you so much for the video..this is the most informative video on youtube I have come across..really appreciate it❤️❤️

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Thank you! I have an entire playlist focused on grad school application tips. You should go check it out.

[@Mr1992issac]

Thank you soo much! This was very helpful for writing my own cv for my grad school application.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@thalblankson4002]

Yes very helpful

[@Indiancycleexplorer]

THANKS FOR YOUR EFFORTS. VERY INFORMATIVE AND CRISP.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Thank you! I have an updated version of my CV on my channel in case you are interested in viewing that video.

[@achajee9633]

thanks Ivan very clear video and advice.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Thank you!

[@slaywithkeke7129]

Thanks so much…really appreciated this video

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Let me know if you have any questions!

[@slaywithkeke7129]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool I definitely will

[@alejandrodavidventura470]

Perfect!!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Thank you!

[@winstonliu4189]

Hi Ivan, thank you sooo much for the video! I am preparing for my application recently and I'm seeing conflicting ideas about whether to incorporate the "conferences attended" section in the CV. I didn't have the chance to present at the conferences I attended before but they were all relevant to my studies. In this case, do you think it is helpful to my CV if I include one or two events? Or is it going to seem redundant? Thank you!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi, if you didn’t present I wouldn’t add it. It will not add anything to your CV by adding it. The purpose of that section is to showcase that you are able to communicate your research. It’s been a while since I made this video, but I believe that I presented at all the conferences on that CV. To edit my CV, I would have just put “Conference Presentation” because it is implied that I attended if I presented. I have another updated version of my CV on my channel and will be filming an updated version soon. Good luck!

[@Xxalibearx]

Hi Ivan, thanks so much for this video it was really helpful! I am currently in the process of having a paper I co-authored published. How would you recommend I mention this in my CV? Should I include it like normal and change the date to say 'in progress' or something similar?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Aliesha, yes you would write in progress if you are still working on getting it submitted for publication or if you submitted then put that or you can out under review.

[@_Kester]

Thank you so much for this video! I just subscribed.. I have a question. Should I include a work experience section on my CV if my work is unrelated to the graduate program I'm applying for?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

You should, but I would move the section towards the end. Make sure you find some relevancy. When you explain the job with your bullets try to showcase skills that can be transferable to the field.

[@user-zh1wj1db3l]

Hi Ivan, thank you for this video. Could you clarify if not having an objectives statement in the beginning is a disadvantage?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

I think people should stray away from adding one. It doesn’t really add anything to the document. The objective should be placed in the SOP. You want to make your resume stand out and adding an objective will not make you stand out. Applicants need to get to the point. The committee is interested in your experiences. They already know what you are applying for so no need to reiterate and waste space.

[@rlee1864]

THANK YOU!!!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@aniprisca7402]

Thank you so much for this. It's indeed extremely helpful. But I want to ask if undergraduate project can work under the "Research experience" heading. Can it?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi, yes! Both of the experiences on my CV were from undergrad.

[@ffflo1862]

Hi Ivan. I am applying for a master's degree right now. But since I graduated, I do not have research experience other than an undergraduate thesis. How should I put it in my CV? Is it in the Education section and under my bachelor's degree? Or I make another section such as "Research Experience"? Thank you.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi, if you are applying to terminal masters programs, research experience is not necessary. If you are applying to a researched based program, then I would add a research experience section and explain what you did. Overall, I think you should add a research section.

[@roshan5640]

I was confident about my CV but then my paper(I've only 1) hasn't been submitted to any journals. I only hold an undergraduate degree and I've participated in a handful of conferences and had limited short termed internships. Should I be worried about my application? I'm a graduate in English literature. I'm thinking of adding 2 more papers to my cv. A communicative certificate in French and a Post graduate diploma in English language and teaching. Please let me know.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Roshan, I can’t assess outcomes of applications by this limited information. A CV does not solely determine the outcome of an application and a lack of publications does determine admissions. Every aspect of the application should work together to show the committee your passion for your field, your qualifications and goals. My strategy is to put everything on my application as it pertains to my field. I hope this helps.

[@saranshrj500]

Hello! As am applying for electronics engg this year it was a great help one thing 1)If am applying for master do they expect me to have publication 2)As if i have lots of things to mention If i explain this way you explained as master applicant do they not think overdoing

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Publications are not expected, however, I chose to put them because my SOP was focused on research. In terms of overdoing, it’s going to depend on the content you put. I felt like all my experiences that I put on my CV were strong and added something new to my overall application. I wanted to show the committee different faucets of my interest in education.

[@jamunagurung2602]

Hi Ivan, Is it necessary to attach a cover letter with curriculum vitae when applying for a PhD?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Jamuna, you should not attach a cover letter to your CV. The CV should speak for itself.

[@livechemistryfunda1865]

Thank you so much. Should I add the education that i left due to some financial reasons (COVID)-induced, after first semester. I had 4.0/4.0 GPA in that semester.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

I would leave it out of the resume/CV but make sure you send those transcripts and report it on the application. Good luck!

[@thalblankson4002]

I am writing my CV now for PhD programs.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Good luck!

[@dota2noobtracker741]

Hi Ivan, thx a lot for your clear and lovely video. I graduated with my master's degree for 3 years in the UK. It is a one-year taught program. As u see, I lack experimental background. Now I want to apply for a PhD position in Civil Engineering. I have abundant relevant work experience (3 years). Please tell me if this situation makes me a competitive candidate.

[@dota2noobtracker741]

I mean, I have no publication, but I have taken part in some research programmes in school and work.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

You do not need publications to be admitted into a program. I would recommend that you speak about your research experiences in your statement of purpose, resume, and the application itself. For a PhD, research experience is more valuable than work experiences. However, if your work experience allowed you to learn and/or strengthen your research skills speak about that.

[@thomaskyere2867]

i just realized that you made another heading for projects. should I remove the projects I have put under the research experience or leave it.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

I don’t know because I can’t picture what you are trying to tell me. I would need to see the Cv to give you advice.

[@thomaskyere2867]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool on what platform can I send it to you

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@thomaskyere2867 I offer a resume review service for a fee on Fiverr. Here is the link: www.fiverr.com/share/lk0Rb2?CopyLink_Mobile

[@esterhaerani]

Hi Ivan, My CV isn't as rich as yours. Can I include my awards from writing short-story contests?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi, you could add anything that you want to your CV. I would add things that you think have prepared you for graduate education. Don’t just add things to beef up your CV. It could also hurt your application. Think about your purpose for adding what you add to the CV and if it showcases a skill set that has not been shared then I would add it.

[@jhamdan2012]

Ivan, you may know about this situation. One university placed my application under the status of "under initial review by the deoartment" for two months now. The program will start in Sep. 2023, and not much time left. I asked if my application was on the waiting list or something, but no response from the school. Why there is neither acceptance no rejection at this point?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

My initial question is when was the application deadline? In a typical admissions cycle, most deadlines are in early to mid December and applicants receive a decision in March so that’s about 3 months. Based on this timeline, they might rollout decisions next month. I hope this helps.

[@jhamdan2012]

@Ivan Valdovinos their deadline is typical: early applications ends in mid Januray, and late applications deadline is end of March. Though, since I'm an international student, I need enough time to complete the visa, prepare for the move, etc. Not much time left before September when the program starts.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@jhamdan2012 If you applied before the January deadline, my inclination is that you are probably on the waitlist and are waiting to see the outcome of the March deadline applicant pool. You probably won’t be hearing back until July :/. You might want to call the administrator who oversees your department to get a better sense of the timeline and also contact current international students in the department where you applied to learn more about the app timeline and learn about their experiences with visas etc.

[@jhamdan2012]

@Ivan Valdovinos I applied after the first deadline. My application was completed in mid March. I emailed thr administrator last week, but didn't hear back from her, so probably they are working on our applications and she doesn't want to give false information at this stage.

[@maskedhistoria]

Hi Ivan, Can decent research experience salvage one's PhD application in case of bad CGPA?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

It depends what you mean by bad gpa. Most PhD programs have a minimum requirement of a 3.0. So if you have that then you are able to apply and the research experience can help with gaining admission.

[@maskedhistoria]

I'm from India and since the grading system is different here, it was a bit confusing. Anyway, thank you!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@maskedhistoria I believe that you are required to have your transcripts translated to the U.S. system. I would reach out to admissions and check their website so that you learn more about it. They will be able to help. I would also request to be connected with a current grad student from India so that you learn more about the process. Good luck!

[@maskedhistoria]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool thank you so much. That will be great 🙏

[@zhan1352]

Hi,I just applying Statistic PhD with 3 year work experience.About CV work experience section, is it suitable to list work responsibilities or the project experience?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Include both. If the program you are applying for is project based the include more projects. If it’s more practical then write more about the job duties.

[@farhanakhan4965]

How i contact with you directly , 1.i wrote a sop, now would you correct me and reedit it? 2. Would you give me a Temple for PhD research proposal which initially we submit for phd admission .

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Farhana, I have a SOP review service where I charge a fee to review and provide feedback. At the moment, I do not have a template for a research proposal because my applications did not require that document as part of my application package. I will consider making a video about research proposal template for the near future. You can find my Fiverr account for the review service in my KZbin account page.

[@zhixinli9009]

Hi, Ivan. Can I include my conference presentation in research experience category? since I have conducted surveys, questionaires, and adopted some theories in my oral presentations and slides.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

You can, but I would have separate categories. It will make it easier for the committee to notice that you have both research experience and conference presentation experience. You want to make it as easy as possible for the committee to notice your experiences. If you combine them, I’m afraid that they will miss it.

[@sabitatamang7801]

Hi, Ivan! I found your video really insightful. I have more than a year of research experience. I don't have oral or poster presentation experience. However, I have a preprint published. I wanted to know if the preprint adds value to the phd application. If yes then how can I include it in my cv? Thanks!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Sabita, I would include it on your CV. I don’t think a single experience on your CV makes or breaks your application. It definitely takes a strong application package to get into a PhD program. With this said, a published article shows the committee that you are thinking about and have experience publishing articles which is expected of PhD students. So, it will be a good addition and make you more competitive since a lot of applicants might not that’s that experience.

[@sabitatamang7801]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchoolThank you and could you please tell me which section should I include it? In publication or can I create new section: Preprint?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@sabitatamang7801 I would include it in publication, but add “preprint” when you’re explaining it.

[@sabitatamang7801]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool thank you so much

[@brianabattle6247]

Hey, your videos are so helpful! I am applying to a Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program currently. I figured I'd ask if you would be willing to take a look at it before submitting my application. I would really appreciate your critiques. Please let me know :)

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Briana, I am glad my videos have been helpful. I offer a SOP and Resume/CV review service on Fiverr. Here is the link: www.fiverr.com/s2/0835364200?CopyLink_Mobile

[@brianabattle6247]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool Thanks I sent a request :)

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@brianabattle6247 I saw the request. I will respond shortly. Thank you and I look forward to working with you.

[@bryangomez1384]

Why did you not put M.Ed. For your masters degree instead of the way that you labeled it?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Bryan, that’s what my Harvard degree is shown on my diploma and transcripts.

[@94D33M]

Thanks alot! I think a 5 page CV is too much. CVs should nowadays be 1-2 pages in length, adding 1 more page for each 10 years of exp.

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Thank you for you opinion, however, I think you are confusing a CV with a resume. CV tend to be longer than 5 pages. Many of the professors in my PhD program have CVs longer than 5 pages. Additionally, I sent a 5 page CV to all my Master and PhD programs when I applied and got into top programs in my field such as Harvard, Columbia, University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, Michigan State University, and many more.

[@94D33M]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool Ah thanks! I'll keep watching your videos for more knowledge!!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@94D33M good luck with your applications!

[@94D33M]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool ah thank, are you done with PhD? What was the best and worst aspect of it?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@94D33M I’m in my third year and the hardest is staying motivated for the entire 5 years.

[@sakshamkumarsharma2309]

Is research experience necessary to get a PhD?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

It is not a requirement, but it definitely increases your chances of getting in.

[@ishanijoardar8460]

is there any particular format for publications. like MLA/AP?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Yes, it should be whatever format your field uses.

[@ishanijoardar8460]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool Thank you!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@ishanijoardar8460 Your welcome!

[@vaikunthkeshavkrishnan7750]

Hi Ivan,Do we need an career objective paragraph for a Cv

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi, no you do not. A career objective section is an outdated section that does not belong in the CV. Mention that type of stuff in the statement of purpose or a cover letter. Focus on your experiences.

[@vaikunthkeshavkrishnan7750]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool Thanks a million

[@ChandelierDemocraticSino]

Do we need a Cover Letter for the CV ?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

No a cover letter is only relevant for a job application. For graduate school, your “cover letter” is your statement of purpose.

[@ChandelierDemocraticSino]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool Thanks for your prompt professional expertise! 👍😍🥰

[@krishshah1806]

Is there a template for the CV shown in the video?

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

There is not. You can create it on your own on Microsoft word. That’s how I made mine.

[@hananewis2948]

Please, how can I find this template

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

I created it myself on Microsoft word. I would suggest rewatching my video in order for you to create your own.

[@hananewis2948]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool Yes, I will do that Thanks so much for that valuable information Really helped!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@hananewis2948 No problem! Subscribe for more content. I plan to talk about interviews next month and the funding.

[@maryamrahim342]

Can i have the template of this cv please

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

I don’t have a template. I’m working on making one and selling it on my Shopify store. Here is the link for future reference: dh6pemrqiy5xj4nz-82651152682.shopifypreview.com

[@user-vq3lk]

I absolutely have nothing like that for my research I worked at 3 diff projects only in my unknown international uni, having one 3rd-author article not in English journal, and one conference in my uni as well I don't think I am worthy of anything but will see

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi, this is just one example of what you could submit with your applications. You do not have to submit something exactly like mine. This was a final assignment for the course, so you could also submit a final paper.

[@user-vq3lk]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool thank you for your answer as always! I appreciate it! Can you explain what you mean by submitting a final assignment? And How to add thesises from BS and MS, like names of my projects and so on

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@user-vq3lk Yes! So, the video you saw where I shared the writing sample I submitted to PhD programs was actually one of the finals I completed for one of the courses I took in my Masters program. So, what I was trying to say was that you could submit an essay you completed as an undergraduate student. I would add the name of the project under the "Education" section. So, have the degree then under it the name of the project.

[@user-vq3lk]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool thank you, you are a savior !

[@aniprisca7402]

Hi, Ivan, can you please help with the CV template? Thank you

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Hi Ani, I made the “template” so you can just make one that looks like mine. I don’t have an actually template sorry.

[@thomaskyere2867]

can I use your format for my master's CV

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Sure!

[@thomaskyere2867]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool another problem is I am finding difficulties writing a heading for my undergrad research. I want do it as u did yours. Eg. Summer Research. I just wrote the heading as Final Research Project.

[@thomaskyere2867]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool is it okay to do it that way

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@thomaskyere2867 The overall heading for that section should be titled research experience. The summer research institute was the name of the program I did that’s why it’s named like that.

[@thomaskyere2867]

so, the name of the program can i make mine A Final Research Project Work Submitted to the Department of Education? Then I bring the name of that particular university and the year.

[@qizhengli7952]

I am afraid of contacting prof, because of poor bg😭

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

What’s bg?

[@qizhengli7952]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool background😥

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@qizhengli7952 Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you should be afraid to contact faculty. All that doesn’t matter. It’s all about the research and field of interest. They will not ask you about your social class so they wouldn’t even know if you are poor.

[@qizhengli7952]

@@IvanValdovinosGradSchool THANK YOU! I WILL TRY IT!

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

@@qizhengli7952 Yes you should be contacting professors especially if you are applying to PhD programs.