1. Why, When and How to apply for an MS/PhD Sagnik Nandy (fd97051)

2. Overview of the talk  Why an MS/PhD?  MS or PhD?  The process of applying  The BITSian angle  Some myths  Q n A

3. Overview of the talk  Why an MS/PhD?  MS or PhD?  The process of applying  The BITSian angle  Some myths  Q n A

4. Why an MS or PhD?  Specialization helps you get your desired job It also gives you more time to explore what you really want to do  Elevates you to a more qualified peer group Do the math – if there are 15 people in your group and 10 of them have a Masters then ???  Statistically education correlates to achievement

5. Why an MS or PhD?  Teaches you design and big-picture concepts The difference between doing something vs. conceiving it  As BITSians you have an edge over several others – SO USE IT!! Many people can implement … very few can innovate!

6. Overview of the talk  Why an MS/PhD?  MS or PhD?  The process of applying  The BITSian angle  Some myths  Q n A

7. MS or PhD?  MS Faster (1.5-2 years) A good mix of both Worlds (course work and some research) You can always go back and do a PhD later  Might have to redo coursework  You can leverage your MS work to get into a better school  PhD Helps you master a field and be an expert in it (if done right, makes you more valuable) More chances of getting financial aid  Admission criteria might be more strict though Allows you additional jobs  Academia, some financial institutions

8. Some common mistakes  Don’t base your decision on money alone  Don’t join a PhD thinking you will quit after MS Many schools don’t allow that – so do your groundwork  Don’t base your decision on others  It is also a lifestyle decision – choose wisely MS is a lot more implementation oriented. PhD requires you to innovate and research more (do you want to do that?)

9. Overview of the talk  Why an MS/PhD?  MS or PhD?  The process of applying  The BITSian angle  Some myths  Q n A

10. The Process of Applying (what)  Take the GRE, TOEFL AGRE, TSE  Decide your field(s) of specialization Make sure you choose courses and projects to support your application  Shortlist your universities Mail professors and students  Prepare your SOP, resume  Mail your information  Follow up

11. The Process of Applying (when)  Take the GRE, TOEFL (September-October) AGRE, TSE (whenever you can)  Decide your field(s) of specialization (by mid September)  Shortlist your universities (by early October) Mail professors and students  Prepare your SOP, resume (by end October)  Mail your information (November-December)  Follow up (thereafter)

12. Common mistakes to avoid  Choosing schools only based on overall ranks Some schools are very good in CS but not very good in other areas Some schools have great research in specific areas  Choosing schools based only on financial aid As BITSians you will get great jobs – so taking an academic loan to go to your dream school is a not a bad choice  Not doing enough homework  Following others blindly

13. Overview of the talk  Why an MS/PhD?  MS or PhD?  The process of applying  The BITSian angle  Some myths  Q n A

14. The BITSian Angle  Pros Very well recognized name Have alumni in most big universities Great industry ties within India  Use your PS –I and II knowledge  Cons Don’t apply high enough Many capable people don’t apply Do not plan it out properly

15. The BITSian Angle (continued)  What can you do to increase your chances Try getting a paper published Use PS II to your advantage Approach professors with directed queries Avoid conflicts with fellow students Start early Use job experience if need be

16. Overview of the talk  Why an MS/PhD?  MS or PhD?  The process of applying  The BITSian angle  Some myths  Q n A

17. Some myths  GPA is the ultimate cut off  If someone with a higher GPA applies with you, you have no chance  There are no jobs right now!!!!  There is no aid for MS  One cannot survive without aid  US News rankings are the only way to choose a university

18. Questions please??