Preparation for Graduate Study

PhD study and a career in research is both arduous and exhilarating! Prepare to start strong!

Learn about PhD applications and admissions:

  • Graduate School Application Overview (picking schools, writing personal statements and interviewing):  Watch Video
  • What Admissions Directors Think About Getting into Graduate School:  Watch Video

Ask Yourself:

  • Why do I want to go to graduate school?
  • Where do I see myself in the future?
  • What training will I need to reach my goals?
  • Why am I interested in this field?
  • What experiences have stimulated this interest?
  • What skills or personal characteristics enhance my chances for success?
  • What are my biggest accomplishments?
  • Have I overcome relevant obstacles in my life?
  • Are there any gaps or discrepancies in my academic record?
  • Why THIS school and program?

Build Your Research Experience

  • Consider a research capstone or undergraduate honors thesis
  • Practice your ability to comprehend research papers
  • Work as a research technician after college
  • Consider working somewhere you might like to go to school
  • Do a research-oriented postbac after college
  • At the NIH (NIH POSTBAC IRTA PROGRAM)
  • At a University (NIGMS PREP Programs)
  • Classes or a MS without solid research won’t be as useful for PhD

Reflect on your readiness:

  • Ask yourself-do I have an individual development plan? See My IDP
  • Think about what you might do with the PhD at ScienceCareers.org and PhD Jobs
  • Reflect on your maturity, stress management skills and emotional intelligence-you’ll work in teams