PhD Application Top Tips and Advice | Let’s Talk | Cambridge University

In 2017/2018, I made the decision that I wanted to do a PhD, I applied for several PhD projects, got a few offers, but deep down I knew I was unsure of what I wanted to do and didn’t truly understand the research field that well. So, I rejected the offers and waited, gained some more research experience, gave myself sometime to discover what I love and what type of research environment I like.
So I applied again…..
In 2018/2019, I applied to several places with a better understanding of funding, the research environment I like and the type of research I would like to conduct and did a lot of digging. Low and behold I received offers/interview offers for all the PhD opportunities I applied to and right now, I’m in the best lab doing research into a topic with I like and enjoy.
Having said that, there were key things which I did to ensure that I give my self the best possible chance of succeeding and getting into the PhD programme of my choice as well as being in a healthy and stimulating research environment.
Here are some of my tips and advice;
- Use findaphad.com to look for project and funding opportunities.
- Contact the supervisor you want to work with and contact their past and present students.
- Prepare all you application material ahead of time, so your CV, personal statement and research proposal.
- Reach out to your references/referees ahead of time to give them an opportunity to write a reference letter way before your application deadline.
- Just believe in yourself and apply if you feel like doing a PhD is the right direction for you.
ALL THE BEST!
Follow me on:
INSTAGRAM - @stodada
SNAPCHAT - @sdada50
TWITTER - @stodada
#PhD #CambridgeUniversity #AdayintheLife #Studentlife #PhDStudentlife #Departmentofchemistry #Funding #Postgraduate #StudyTuber #StudyVlogger #Vlogger #Education #University #BiologicalSciences #Studentship #Scholarship #DowningCollege #Cambridge #BBSRC #MRC #Chemistry #PhDStudent #UKStudent #postgraduate #postgrad #BlackinSTEM #Research #ResearchScientist #Researcher #Scientist #Biosceinces #PhDChat #PhDConversations #Phdapplication #phdtips #phdadvice

[@shuangyachen9435]

Thank you for ur advice, it means a lot.( love ur smile~lol)

[@SamuelDada]

You are welcome!! And Thank you so much Shea!! Means a lot to me! I really appreciate it! 😊☺️

[@alepaolugbengamitchell91]

Your counsel is excellent. Motivating people to be optimistic and tenacious. Great guy!

[@SamuelDada]

Thank you so much for your kind words I truly appreciate it! And I’m so grateful!! 😊🙏🏾

[@poojaasreebalamurugan9319]

Hi Samuel. Your content is very informational for prospective PhD students like me. Can you please make a video on how to look for scholarships especially the Gates Cambridge trust.

[@AkashKumar-hg8vg]

Hlw, I am your new subscriber very informative vlog and I believe that you will guide us for becoming good phd candidate, thank u very much

[@SamuelDada]

Hi Akash!! Thank you so much for subscribing! I truly appreciate it! Means a lot to me! Hope you enjoy the content! 😊😉

[@martinika823]

are these tips valid also for MRes for oxford?:)

[@mango11ism]

What is your Phd program ?

[@Younger880]

Can I get fully funded phd in university of Cambridge i am from India??

[@nucleophile4150]

Hye thanks Samuel for making such videos. They are really helpful. I have gone through most of your previous videos and applied to the University of Cambridge and I have been called for an online interview at the Department of chemistry. I am quite nervous about it. Also, they asked me to have a 5 min presentation. Could you please give me a few tips on that? I would be really grateful. 😇😇

[@SamuelDada]

Heya! I'm so sorry. I'm not really sure how I missed this message. Congratulations of obtaining an interview that's amazing and incredible. My advice to you would be to just be yourself and present a research project you have been involved in and if you are still in that research group you conducted that research present it to them and ask for feedback. At the end of the day your group will be the expect in that field but always think about future plans and limitations! I hope this helps and not too late, I wish you all the best :)