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Earning a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a challenging journey that takes years of hard work. However, for some, obtaining a PhD is a life-long dream, and it can lead to a rewarding career. If you're determined to earn a PhD in the USA, you will need to apply to several doctoral programs. The application process is time-consuming and expensive, but it is essential if you aspire to earn this prestigious degree.
Steps
Research Schools and Programs
Identify your research focus. Take time to reflect on your previous studies and think about your current research interests. What type of PhD degree are you pursuing? What would you like to research as part of this goal?
- Remember, you do not need to choose a specific dissertation topic or focus on one particular research area at this stage. At this point, you should have a general idea of what you want to study and why. For instance, if you are considering a PhD in English, you should at least have an idea of which literary period you want to focus on.
Find a Program that Matches Your Needs. Before applying to a program, take time to thoroughly research schools and find one that aligns with your research interests. Look for institutions that offer programs which allow you to pursue the type of research you're passionate about.
- For instance, if you're aiming for a PhD in Chemistry, it's important to research the equipment and laboratories available at the university you're considering.
- Make sure to explore as many potential schools as possible. Graduate schools are competitive, and applying to multiple institutions increases your chances of being accepted.
Carrie Adkins, PhD
PhD in U.S. History, University of Oregon
PhD in U.S. History, University of Oregon
Looking to Land a Job as a Professor? Carrie Adkins, PhD in History, says: "Depending on your field, the job market in academia can be very broad. If your dream is to secure a tenure-track faculty position, look for programs with a proven track record in that area, along with resources that help students shape competitive job applications."
Choose a Professor Whose Research Interests You Admire. Some programs require or at least encourage you to identify a professor you'd like to work with. Based on your undergraduate or master's research, you may already have an idea of a few professors whose work aligns with your interests.
- Keep in mind that you will be working closely with the professor you choose, so it's crucial to select someone whose research truly captivates you and whom you admire.
Carrie Adkins, PhD
PhD in U.S. History, University of Oregon
PhD in U.S. History, University of Oregon
Your mentor will influence your academic opportunities. Carrie Adkins, PhD in History, explains: "If you're looking for a mentor who will actively support your academic job market prospects, find someone willing to let you teach your own classes and publish co-authored, peer-reviewed articles before you graduate."
Seek out funding opportunities. Graduate school can be expensive, especially for international students. It's crucial to explore as many potential funding options as possible. Many schools offer teaching assistantships, research scholarships, and other funding opportunities that can cover tuition fees and provide a small income.
- Keep in mind that funding opportunities are competitive. Submitting a standout application may increase your chances, but there are no guarantees.
Research the employment rate after graduation for your chosen program. No program can guarantee you your dream job, but you should research which fields have better outcomes. For example, if your goal is to secure a tenure-track professorship, find out how many students from your program have achieved this. Many departments publish this data, and others will provide it upon request.
"Even so, you still need a backup plan (or two or three) before committing several years of your life to a PhD."
Carrie Adkins, PhD
PhD in U.S. History, University of Oregon
PhD in U.S. History, University of Oregon
Consider other factors. While the program and funding opportunities are the main priorities, it's important to also look at practical aspects of the school you're interested in. A few additional factors to think about include:
- Location. If you plan to visit your home country during the summer break, some schools may offer shorter trips home than others. For instance, if you're planning to fly to India at the end of the academic year, choosing a school closer to the East Coast will make the trip easier than flying from the Midwest. However, remember that selecting a school solely based on location may limit your options.
- Cost of living. Some towns with university campuses in the U.S. are quite expensive, which could make it harder for you to manage on a student’s income. Look into the average cost of housing, food, and other living expenses in the area surrounding the school you're considering applying to.
- Extracurricular opportunities. Clubs are another way to help you transition to studying in the U.S. Many schools offer clubs for people from different countries, who speak various languages, and share different interests. Research the extracurricular opportunities at the universities you’re considering.
Meet the basic requirements
Hold the appropriate degree. A bachelor's degree is a mandatory requirement for all applications to PhD programs, and some doctoral programs may also require a master's degree.
Take the GRE exam. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used for admission to graduate schools in the U.S. Many master's programs require GRE scores, so you'll need to take the test before applying. It may take a few months to receive your results, so make sure you take the GRE well before your application deadlines.
- It's a good idea to take the GRE 3 to 6 months in advance. You could even take it up to a year before applying if you need to retake it to improve your score.
Take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. If you live in a country where English is not the native language, you will need either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) certification. These tests evaluate your English proficiency and help universities decide whether you meet the language requirements for admission. Like the GRE, you should take one of these tests before applying.
- Each university has different score requirements, so check the specific school’s requirements before applying. For TOEFL, you’ll need a score over 600 for the paper-based test or between 95-100 for the internet-based test. For IELTS, a score of 7.0 to 7.5 is required.
Ensure you can afford the application fees. PhD application fees for international students can be quite high, often around $100 USD (over 2 million VND) per application cycle. Since you'll need to apply to multiple programs to increase your chances, make sure you're financially prepared to cover these fees before starting the process.
- For example, if you plan to apply to 20 different programs, ensure you have enough funds—around $2,000 (more than 40 million VND)—to cover the application fees.
- Remember that fees can vary greatly between schools. More prestigious institutions may charge higher application fees than less well-known schools.
Compare special requirements across schools. Each school has its own admissions process, and some may have specific requirements. To maximize your chances of acceptance, thoroughly review each school's application guidelines. Identify any unique criteria you need to meet before applying.
- For example, some programs may require applicants to answer a specific question or several questions related to the SOP (Statement of Purpose).
Provide letters of recommendation. Strong letters of recommendation from professors or higher education administrators can greatly improve your chances of being accepted into a PhD program. Ask professors who know you well and can assess your abilities in the doctoral field.
- For example, it’s better to ask a professor from your department rather than someone who taught a class you attended as an elective.
- Letters of recommendation from a manager or supervisor can also be valuable in providing a different perspective on your academic goals. Consider asking a dean, department head, or current/former boss. Just like with professors, it's essential that the person recommending you is enthusiastic about supporting your application.
Provide your transcript. Your academic transcript is a key part of the admissions process, so make sure you know the procedure for obtaining it from your university and request it well in advance. Since your PhD application will likely be submitted electronically across borders, it's important to account for potential delays.
- Keep in mind that most universities require the original transcript.
- Whether or not you'll need to pay to send your transcript depends on the university’s policy.
Submit a writing sample (if requested). Some programs may require you to submit a writing sample as part of the application. This should showcase your research focus and demonstrate your writing and research skills. Choose a paper that you're particularly proud of.
- If you have a paper that has been published, this is an excellent choice for your writing sample. However, even an unpublished paper can be a strong option.
Write a personal statement
Check for any specific requirements before you start writing. Some universities may have special questions or guidelines for formatting your personal statement that you must follow. Ensure you understand each university's requirements before beginning your essay.
- You may write a basic personal statement and then adjust or add details based on the specific requirements of each university.
Provide some basic information. The first section of your personal statement is usually an introduction, where you can briefly discuss yourself and your interests. This section should focus more on your academic background than on hobbies like cooking or rock collecting.
- For example, you might say, “Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the natural world, and this passion led me to pursue a career in biology.”
Discuss your preparation for the PhD program. The next point to address in your personal statement is your readiness for doctoral study. In this section, describe your thesis work, any projects you've completed as an undergraduate, and any workshops or papers you’ve published.
- For instance, you could say, “During my undergraduate studies, I participated in research conferences on campus and even attended local workshops. Later, during my master's program, I had a paper published by Biology Quarterly and presented at a national conference.”
- You can also mention specific courses you’ve taken, professors who have guided your work, and research you've conducted throughout your undergraduate and graduate studies.
Explain how you plan to contribute. After detailing your past work, you should discuss your future goals. What are your objectives? How do you plan to contribute to your field of study?
- For example, you might say, “I hope to develop a new method for corn planting.”
Mention the professor you wish to work with and explain why. It's important to reference the professors you are interested in collaborating with. Some professors may even influence your chances of being accepted into the program, so take the time to familiarize yourself with their research.
- Check out each professor's profile on the university’s website. You should also consider reviewing one of their publications, such as articles or books.
- Try saying, “I hope to work with Professor Jones because she and I share a deep interest in botany.”
Use examples to support your points. It's vital to illustrate your ideas with examples in every section of your personal statement. For example, avoid saying, “I will dedicate myself to this field,” and instead demonstrate it by providing proof of your involvement in the subject matter in the past. Or, if you mention a professor you admire, be specific about why. Include a quote from their work or a specific achievement you admire.
- Make sure you consistently incorporate examples throughout your personal statement.
Submit your application.
Complete each section of the application form. Most universities will ask for basic information through an online application form. This information may include personal details, such as your name, address, and previous institutions attended. Fill out this part of the application before moving on to other tasks.
- Some universities may also require you to submit recommendation letters via the online system. You will need to provide the email addresses of your referees so they can access the system.
Prepare the required documents to be sent via email. Your application will include various documents, such as your personal statement, official transcripts, writing samples, and any other required paperwork. Gather these documents and compile them into your application packet. Make sure to allow plenty of time for submission to ensure everything reaches the university before the deadline.
- Label the application packet clearly. Be sure to double-check the address to ensure your documents are sent to the right place.
- Pay for postage. International postage can be expensive, so set aside some money for this cost. Pay for postage for each packet and send them off.
Wait for a response. Waiting for feedback from the university can be the most challenging part of the process. The graduate admissions committee may take several weeks or even months to reach a decision. Some universities will notify accepted or rejected applicants via both email and postal mail, so make sure to monitor both inboxes.
Advice
- Even if the university is unable to provide direct funding or scholarships, there are still various opportunities for you to earn extra income while studying, such as research assistant positions. Look for these opportunities before turning down an offer from a university you may want to attend.
- Gaining research experience or work experience in your desired field will significantly improve your chances of admission.
- Once everything is complete, don't forget to thank everyone who helped you, especially the person who wrote your recommendation letter.
Warning
- Your address should be consistent—avoid abbreviations or using multiple addresses. This can cause confusion in the graduate office when organizing your documents.
- Use a reliable courier service to send your documents to the university—such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc. Avoid using services where you can't track your shipment.
