PhD Application Tips! | Advice for Applying to PhD Programs

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

If you're at the "reaching out to potential advisors" step, here is a sort of "template" for what you might want to mention in an initial email: twitter.com/cfiesler/status/1301907707579031555

[@MorinWeb1]

Without this step, my daughter would not have gotten into her PhD program. It’s very daunting to reach out, but your template made it a bit easier. She’s in her first semester and is already going to Italy with her PI to do field research.

[@amoahamankwah7975]

Please I have drafted a personal statement for PhD programme. Please can I send to you for proofreading Thank you

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@amoahamankwah7975 I don't give personal help with applications, but I do have an entire video about statements of purpose that you might find helpful!

[@amoahamankwah7975]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD ok thank you. Can you use the same personal statement letter for letter of motivation. Are they the same. Thank you Prof

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@amoahamankwah7975 ​ I've actually never heard the term letter of motivation before, but if a program only asks for one thing they're probably all very similar.

[@restevomfeste8180]

I have watched those videos long before it was my turn. Thank you for all the advice. I applied this cycle and while I am still waiting on the remaining decisions I already got into 3 super nice programs.

[@BeautyByJuliette14]

I hate how gatekeepy academia is. Like you somehow are supposed to know all of this. But thank you for helping !!! :)

[@jnicolemiller945]

Wow, I really wish I'd had these videos last year when I was doing my applications! When I went looking for advice online, a lot of it didn't seem super relevant as most of what I could find was about programs in the hard sciences or subjects like psychology. Luckily, I was able to get into two really great programs, but there were more that I applied to but didn't get accepted to. I think I might have fallen into the trap of being too specific about the kind of research project I wanted to do. I didn't have any research experience as my master's was a professional degree rather than a research-based one, so I got caught up in the idea of showing that I had thought about research and had designed a study in one of my graduate classes as a way of proving that I would be a good PhD student. As for tips, I definitely second your suggestion of having people read your personal statement/statement of purpose. I had two professors in my graduate program who offered to read mine, and I think they both went through two or three drafts of it and gave me a lot of really good feedback. My other tip is to not assume that the application requirements listed on the website are set in stone. I had a huge panic when submitting one of my applications because the website said the research statement they required should be three pages, but when I got into the application itself, it said that the research statement should be a maximum of *two* pages. I had to cut an entire third of that statement with just a couple of days before the deadline. It was an absolute nightmare!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh gosh I'm so glad it worked out! Honestly, all of this advice is based on what I know now as a professor, not on my own experiences when I was applying. I made a lot of mistakes and am lucky it worked out for me anyway. :)

[@mindyzuckerman936]

Came here from Reddit. You are such a great resource! Thank you :)

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You're very welcome! If you're going through this good luck!

[@mindyzuckerman936]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks! I've been sending out emails to prospective advisors all weekend. I did this two falls ago for my masters but I want to make sure I have the best chance of success considering it's 3-5 years this time.

[@emilyhardeman5051]

Casey, your videos are incredibly helpful. Your vibe is so positive and supportive. I am binging every video you have made. Thank you for sharing this content! I am a late-in-life applicant and trying to figure out if I need to be prepared to discuss this at the prospective student event that I will be attending in a couple of weeks for my dream program.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Good luck to you! I think the most likely question you will get is "so why do you want to get a PhD now?" which I'm sure you are prepared to answer!

[@emilyhardeman5051]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you for your response! What would you suggest wearing for the dinner for the evening following the prospective student meetings? I am planning on business casual and hoping that is the right choice.

[@erios8687]

Thank you so much. Fantastic advice and videos. I wish more faculty published videos like these to inform and demystify the PhD.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You're welcome! If you're going through this process good luck!

[@xzhao3888]

Just the right time for me. Polishing my CV and trying to reach out to potential advisors right now. I'm so nervous cause I switched major post undergrad and had been rejected by all the programs I applied years ago. Would you please talk about PS/SOP and break down the key features professors/committee looking for in a strong candidate?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh good, I'm glad this is helpful! You know, I thought about doing a video on that, but I'm actually not sure I have any more advice beyond what's already in this video! Connect your interests to multiple faculty, emphasize research experience and passion, and try to find the right balance between specific ideas and being open to new ones.

[@xzhao3888]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD May I ask how professors evaluate one's learning ability if his/her undergrad GPA was low, but changed major and did fairly good in a master program (directly related to the research field I'm applying to).

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@xzhao3888 Hard to say for any particular faculty/program, but for me personally, I view grades getting better over time positively, for sure.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Hi there! So there is some redundancy but I decided to do a video about SOPs after all! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGaQnaV5lqx_hdk

[@amrita.bakshi]

Such a wonderful channel. Just subscribed! Thank you for these helpful videos. Even though I am from humanities background, applying to PhD programs in English literature, I found your suggestions very relevant and useful. Thanks a lot!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Thank you, I'm so glad to hear that!! Good luck!

[@vamposhiz]

Thanks so much!, I have so many new ideas after seeing you cover passion and how to shape what matters to you and your field of study into your application.

[@ranyiwei7619]

very hands-on. Learned a ton. Great advice! Appreciate a lot

[@Albz145]

Would you ever consider doing a video where your critique a personal statement? I would find it incredibly helpful! Thank you!

[@larissacury7714]

Thank you very much for this, Casey!

[@rafaelfreitas2990]

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing information. I am a Brazilian student who will apply for a Ph.D. position in the USA and to recognize the process is being easy and clear with you, in special because this process here in Brazil is very different in comparison to the USA.

[@christianpak1058]

Thanks for the advice regarding the doctoral programme, Casey. Before this video, I had no idea how to prepare for a PhD application. Cheers, Christian

[@patrickmaina9773]

Thanks Casey, that video is really helpful

[@ClanCoimbra]

Great video Casey, thanks!

[@brightubani1092]

Thank you Casey, I really enjoy listening to you. Please, I would like you to do a comprehensive video on personal statement, that is where I'm having more confusion and would like to understand the key aspects of it; to enable me write 'A' grade personal statements. thank you

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Good news! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGaQnaV5lqx_hdk

[@Janamejaya.Channegowda]

Thank you for the video, greatly appreciated.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You're very welcome - if you're going through this yourself, good luck!

[@Janamejaya.Channegowda]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Actually I am done with my PhD and working as a faculty, my journey was very strenuous, thankfully other PhD aspirants can take advantage of your videos, keep going, keep up the great work.

[@emanjabadi307]

Thank you very much Professor❤️

[@anujjain4507]

Thanks a ton for doing this

[@tony4012]

I’d also like to add, don’t just ask for a strong letter, but ask for a strong positive letter. When I was in hs, my English teacher wrote someone a negative letter because they didn’t ask for a positive letter.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

By "strong" I mean "good" - I can't imagine if someone says "will you write me a strong letter?" someone is twirling their moustache ad thinking "yes I will write a STRONGLY NEGATIVE letter bwhahaha!" but who knows. :)

[@pbroz98]

Hi Dr. Fiesler, I am actually applying to Critical tech/STS Ph.D. programs and your videos are extremely helpful! Could you possibly do some sample SOP reviews? Like maybe even a video of you drafting your own sample SOP as a potential Ph.D. applicant. Thank you so much! I subscribed and can't wait for more tips and advice.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh I'm glad they've been helpful! That's a great idea, though I'll need to think about whether I actually have enough insights to offer - personal statements are so specific to the person and the field and the research area that I'm not sure there's much more specific to say other than what's been in my previous videos. Good luck!!!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Hi there! So not exactly what you suggested, but I did decide to do a video about SOPs after all! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGaQnaV5lqx_hdk

[@pbroz98]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you so much, Professor! I am literally in the process of writing my SOPs, so I cannot thank you enough!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@pbroz98 Oh good luck!!!

[@melamela2247]

Thank you Dr,am glad I found you am new here. Please is there any vedio on sample writing. Please I will like to watch all the vedio. Is it possible to get the links. Am preparing to apply for PhD program.

[@amalieshi293]

Thank you so much!

[@zhdllm]

Thank you so much.

[@dietfunda]

Such a fantastic video! Thanks a bunch. Wanted to ask, can I use my Master’s research paper as my writing sample?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Probably! If they don't give any specifics then I assume you could use whatever you like, and that certainly makes sense.

[@dietfunda]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD That was helpful. Thank you!

[@jihengwu2131]

Bravo!

[@fapetuoluseeymicheal3936]

I love you videos. They are realistic. Prof. I want to pursue a second PhD programs in a broader and multidisciplinary field in same department as the first, though in different countries. Please, will the Grad. Committee consider me for shortlisting, interview and admission? I need your view desperately. Thank you.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I think there are few reasons to need a second PhD unless it’s a completely different field, so you’d need to make a strong case.

[@Abhishek40037]

Amazing info, so shall we email one professor from one university or can we email more than one from one university

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Typically it's fine to reach out to more than one professor, but you may want to find out if there are norms for your discipline.

[@somamb4182]

Thanks a lot for your videos! Is it better to apply for a masters before PhD if u have no research experience and low gpa??

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Better? Sure. Having an MS degree could help with both of those things. But that doesn't necessarily mean you HAVE to. (But there's no way to know that.)

[@KendallKnaus]

thank you- so helpful! Suscribed :)

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You're very welcome, good luck!!

[@ЛеонідШевченко-й3к]

Hello! I'm young biology student (master degree) and I'm planning to apply for a PhD program in USA. Before I started studying biology, I was a famous actor in my country. Dear professor, my question is that having many national awards (and even the main national award for creativity that a child can have) is it worth mentioning in my CV and PhD application? Thanks for your videos, they opened my eyes on many dark sides of PhD and gave me confidence!!!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Hard to say what others would think, but I personally would find it interesting. Though if you mention it, it could be part of the narrative - maybe it's about how much you loved biology that you gave up another promising career?

[@ЛеонідШевченко-й3к]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks!

[@ayushjain7466]

Hi Prof. Casey, really great video!! I was wondering what could be a good time to email professors asking if they would be willing to take a PhD student? For example if I want to apply this December, what would be a good time to send an email. Also, I am presently working under a professor at my dream school (in US), so would she feel bad if I email other professors in the same school as well, asking if they would be interested to take me in? Also is it acceptable to ask her if she could suggest some professors who could be a good fit? Thanks.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Hi there! I think any time in the next couple of months is fine, though for what it's worth, I've already started getting these kinds of emails. I probably suggest having a direct conversation with this professor first about your plans, asking for advice on the process generally! If you want to work with her, then you can get a sense for whether that's possible, and if you don't, then it's best to get that implication out there now. So the way to start that conversation is to talk about what kind of research you want to do! She might mention people both at your university and elsewhere unprompted. Good luck!!!

[@ayushjain7466]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD That sounds like a great advice. Thanks :)

[@bethlehemtabernacle3752]

Hi Can you recommend some universities that would waive GMAT but his stipend for international students?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I confess I don't actually know what you're asking here, but I'm almost certain the answer is that not I cannot.

[@breannanicole27]

Hi Casey! If your program requires both a personal statement and a statement of purpose, how would you recommend structuring each of those differently?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I actually don't know anything about personal statements for PhDs! I didn't have to write any and we don't have that ini our program.

[@bhargavipba]

Can you also do a video on what goes into a Personal Statement? Some universities ask for both Personal Statement and SOP.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Huh! I actually have no idea. :) But maybe I'll ask around.

[@heidihellenbrand1206]

I know it's been a while since this video uploaded but should I include writing about my research experience if I am just starting potential research in this upcoming semester? I'm going into my senior year of UG but I know that I want to continue with a PhD and do research. I don't know if I'll have a lot of experience by the time I begin my applications.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Sure! I think it shows how excited about research you are. (I mean, you can't say much about what you've done, but you can say "In fact, my interest in X Y Z encouraged me to A B C."

[@brentfordatemkeng3215]

Hi casey! This is awesome 👍 but I do have a worry, if your PhD program require to submit a writing sample and you present a recent published Article with a Professor, is it okay 😔.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

If you are the first author definitely fine; if not, it might be worth asking them.

[@karenzhang1020]

This is super helpful! So if the professor I am interested working with doesn't take new students in the year I apply for the program, does it mean I don't need to apply anymore because I won't get accepted anyway? Thank you for your insight, you have such a great personality :)

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

That depends whether they're 100% sure, how the program is set up with respect to advisors (do you have to be matched to one to be admitted?), and how set you are on that particular advisor.

[@karenzhang1020]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD I see. I remember you mentioned, in the personal statement, don’t be too set to one particular research topic or one specific advisor. Be a little bit flexible. For example, in stead of saying: “ I would like to research about why many young people have social anxiety.” I should say:” there are several topics I am interested in, includes X, Y and Z?”

[@hosein8195]

Thank you very much, I decided to apply for PhD and, I am trying to reach out to more potential supervisors but I can not find professors in my research interest...

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

That probably means that you need to broaden your interest!

[@hosein8195]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you for your immediate response and information. That is completely true but its difficult to broaden research background (like papers, and thesis,,,) and without them my resume is poor. Thank you again . Thank you again

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@hosein8195 You don't have to broaden your background of course, just the types of work you're willing to do! Just zoom out more. What more broadly is your work an example of. Zoom out until you get to an area that people are working in!

[@hosein8195]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD I greatly appreciate it. I try to zoom out and fit to others research area 🌷

[@reGregably]

Is there a particular reason you should wait until about 2 months before application deadlines to contact potential advisors? I'm very anxious about my applications and would love to get something started sooner rather than later.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Here's a video about reaching out to potential advisors! kzbin.info/www/bejne/joGwY2WYjLmdiM0 (You can do it whenever you like, it's just more likely to be useful a bit later.)

[@Abhishek40037]

Also I want to ask how to decide on the university as there are plenty of good ones in USA

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

My video on deciding where to apply for a PhD might be helpful! And my video on what to do if you're rejected also has suggestions on finding more programs to apply to.

[@CrackItCsirNetLS]

Dear professor, Your videos are very helpful. I would like to seek your advice regarding switiching to a different research area and graduate program. I am currently in the third year of my graduate program. Because of multiple unforseen circumstances we had to change the project direction into a completely different area that is not of my interest and expertise. I am looking to change my reasearch area back to biosciences, in which I am a post graduate in. I am feeling extremely stuck in my career as I did some research and found negative thoughts about switching a PhD program after two years. Is it impossible to start afresh with a new PhD program?? I really want to do a PhD in the area of biosciences. I have never been more motivated but finding a position seems difficult and I feel very depressed with the possibility that my PhD dreams might come to an end. Kindly guide on this.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

My guess is that the negative sentiment towards this is probably more about how it would set you back than difficulty in being accepted into a new program. My recommendation would be to talk to potential advisors about this specifically, and also make clear why you want to make this shift and that you understand it will likely take you longer to finish.

[@CrackItCsirNetLS]

Thank you. Yes I will definitely make it clear. I don't mind the time. I just hope that I will get accepted to the area of work that I am interested in

[@tendaimzondi3550]

Hie Professor Fiesler I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Zimbabwe. I desire to pursue a PhD in Nanoscience in the USA. I have been following your KZbin posts on how to apply for a PhD. I found them helpful alot. I would to enquire if it's okay to have recommendation letters from non PhD lecturers,if I'm applying for a PhD. All my faculty lecturers don't possess a PhD degree. Does this affect my acceptance for a PhD program? Thank you for ur help Regards

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I have a video on letters of rec!

[@omanitup9854]

i am an employee where i can find advisor to follow my Phd distance degree can you advise on that because most advisor i have contact they do not have time or no seat available

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I recommend finding programs in your field that you're interested in and then asking if they do distance PhDs! I'm not sure if e.g. there are lists of programs that allow that.

[@teekidkid]

Hi teacher .I come to USA from 8 months .I have a bachelor degree in biotechnology from Tunisia and I wanna ask about the research experience. I did project in the last year of bachelor about endocrinology. Also, I did another project with an association about biodiversity. As you see the two projects are different and they are not published in journals. I did them in my country. Does that work ? Can that be great as research experience on account that my . Topic of interest is different ( autoimmune diseases) Also I have an experience in teaching for two years in my country. Can that be an advantage for me to be accepted. I need your advice please

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

That definitely sounds like research experience to me!

[@teekidkid]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD great ! thanks a lot.

[@jackpumpunifrimpong-manso6523]

nice!

[@nhutran-pi4wo]

Hello Dr. Fiesler, I’m glad that I can watch your video content at the time I need it the most so I already subscribed your channel. I’m actually preparing my application to the Biology PhD program. And I tried to reach out with lots of faculty, but none of them accepted me because my research interests were so limited. However, I took a week to calm myself down and had a look at the latest research of my favorite faculty (I’d prefer 2 professors). So I think I should broaden my interest and those research interests might be suitable with my 2 favorite faculty. Unfortunately, my most favorite one totally suggested me looking the more suitable professors. Should I email her again and tell her my broadened interests which may probably suit her current research? Or should I move on to the others professors? I have emailed lots of faculty and just about 5-6 professors answered me back. It’s so hard to reach out with them during this season :(((((

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I actually think that hearing back from 5 or 6 isn't a bad hit rate. :) I don't think you necessarily need to reach out again, but you can always write your SOP with those interests! Also remember that a very common reason for a professor to send you elsewhere isn't because of you, but because they might not have the capacity for new students.

[@sepidemoradi6178]

❤❤

[@hosein8195]

I have sent about 50 emails to apply for PhD (Remote Sensing Geology) until now, but I did not receive any positive answer from professors (some of them reply No Fund, and others do not reply). I am tired and most of the times I feel I am not on the right track... If you could let me know at your earliest convenience, I’d really appreciate it

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm not sure what your question is... but good luck! I wouldn't necessarily take a non-response as a signal you shouldn't apply to a particular program though.

[@hosein8195]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you . I thought without finding supervisor my chances are zero

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@hosein8195 Well at least in my experience you don't have to find them BEFORE you apply.

[@hosein8195]

@@rogeliorantaeljr.9661 Hello I am still struggling

[@megzeman]

I sometimes worry that I will come off as too enthusiastic to programs that I’m really interested in. Is there such a thing as being too interested, or too aggressive in my application/dealings with faculty?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Hmm I'm not really sure how to answer this... I think enthusiasm is good but I can see how you might go beyond what seems ok by reasonable social norms? I think as long as you're not being creepy or something it's probably fine. :)

[@AB-eq9mm]

Good video except the GRE slander

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Change my mind. :)

[@AB-eq9mm]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD the GRE is the most standardized and concrete test of ability included in PhD applications. It isn’t very predictive of success, but neither is GPA. Additionally, the GRE is a great way for students with substandard GPA or who have less access to research experience to show their talent.

[@AB-eq9mm]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD iirc Harvard and some other top schools are swinging back towards the GRE for these reasons

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I’d love to see the reference for that first statement (that it tests ability)! And the last one is why I say that GRE scores should be optional.

[@VladyslavKL]

🐋