Preparing for application for Fall 2023
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:53 pm
I'm planning to apply for Ph.D programs in the next cycle. I have couple questions for you veterans if you don't mind:
1. I thought it would be a good idea to start working on my personal statement. I asked two professors (they either is on or have been on the admission committee, which is apparently assigned in a rotating way, weird) who I know semi-well. One of them told me basically told me he never read it unless there's a red flag elsewhere on the application, the other one told me he only reads it when someone is borderline (whatever that means) and will consider everything as a whole.
My question is - what am I suppose to write in it? Not much instruction or advice have been given to us by our professors (or applications, I've looked through the current application for the current cycle) as to what to include here. How should we write this essay to best represent us as a potential candidate?
2. I think I can get very good recommendation letters from 2 professors, but for the third one should I ask a 3rd math professor who I have only taken class with but never talked to, or a professor outside of STEM that knows me pretty well? Also, how should we approach professors asking them to write letters for us? In person, email?
3. Is there anything I can do (as a junior in college) to improve my chances for admissions before time to submit my application?
1. I thought it would be a good idea to start working on my personal statement. I asked two professors (they either is on or have been on the admission committee, which is apparently assigned in a rotating way, weird) who I know semi-well. One of them told me basically told me he never read it unless there's a red flag elsewhere on the application, the other one told me he only reads it when someone is borderline (whatever that means) and will consider everything as a whole.
My question is - what am I suppose to write in it? Not much instruction or advice have been given to us by our professors (or applications, I've looked through the current application for the current cycle) as to what to include here. How should we write this essay to best represent us as a potential candidate?
2. I think I can get very good recommendation letters from 2 professors, but for the third one should I ask a 3rd math professor who I have only taken class with but never talked to, or a professor outside of STEM that knows me pretty well? Also, how should we approach professors asking them to write letters for us? In person, email?
3. Is there anything I can do (as a junior in college) to improve my chances for admissions before time to submit my application?