1. Preparing & Writing PhD Applications
CGU Writing Center

2. Why the PhD? What are your goals? What makes you happy?
Is this right for you?

3. TIMELINE FOLLOW THE PHD PREPARATION PATH Summer September October
Research Schools
Research Rankings
Research Programs
Research Contacts
Research Awards/Scholarships/Fellowships
Create a Preliminary List
September
Contact Recommenders
Contact Grad Advisors
Complete Draft 1
Complete Entry Exams (GRE, TOEFL, etc.)
October
Finalize List
Begin Online Applications
Complete Draft 2
Set up Interfolio Account
November
Input Recommendations
Request Transcripts
Retake Entry Exams (if needed)
Complete Draft 3
December/January
Submit Applications
Confirm Receipt
January-March/April
Waiting Game
TIMELINE
FOLLOW
THE
PHD
PREPARATION
PATH

4. Preparation
Research, Research, Research

5. 1. Do Your Research Rankings Programs Faculty Events Courses
Extra-curricular activities
Quality of Life
Location

6. Admission Requirements: Example
►School: Claremont Graduate University
► Required admission materials vary by department.
- Application (online or paper)
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
- Official transcripts
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- GRE; TOEFL / IELTS or CBEST/CSET
- Application fee
►Program: SBOS

7. 2a. Organize Your Findings
School
Due Date
Document Requirements
Testing Requirements
School Website
Username
Password
Physical Mailing Address
Graduate Advisor
Faculty Mentors

8. 2b. Organize Your Findings

9. Choosing Your Recommenders
How familiar are they with your work? With you?
Are they invested in you as a student?
Will they write you a strong letter?
Are they well-connected?
Can they open doors for you?

10. Writing the Application
It’s all about FIT

11. Statement of Purpose: Always Required

12. Statement of Purpose Things to Consider: Field of Study
Page Limitation
Aesthetic Value
Academese
Honesty
WHAT do you want to do?
WHY do you want to do it?
WHY are you a good FIT?
Field of Study
Dissertation Ideas
Faculty
Programs, Seminars, or Centers
Experiences
Goals
Responsibilities as a graduate student
Expertise
Experiences that scaffold why you’re pursuing this field

13. Words of Advice
“Remember your statement of purpose should portray you as (1) passionately interested in the field; (2) intelligent; (3) well-prepared academically and personally; (4) able to take on the challenges of grad school; (5) able to have rapport with professors and fellow grad students — in other words, collegial; (6) able to finish the graduate degree in a timely fashion; and (7) a potentially outstanding representative of that grad school in your future career.” –University of Northern Iowa

14. Ideal Organization Adopted from V.Gotera (UNI)
(1) passionate hook;
(2) segué to your background in the field;
(3) specific classes by title and professors you have had (especially if well-known in the field);
(4) related extracurricular activities (especially if they hint at some personal quality you want to convey);
(5) any publications or other professional accomplishments in the field (perhaps conference presentations or public readings);
(6) explanations about problems in your background (if needed);
(7) why you have chosen this grad school (name one or two professors and what you know of their specific areas or some feature of the program which specifically attracts you).

15. Personal Statement: Often Required

16. Let’s Get Personal WHO are you? HOW have you become this person?
HOW have your experiences molded this identity?
HOW does this identity FIT with the school?
HOW does this identity contribute to the school?
Concise
Explanatory
Not saccharine sweet

17. Writing Sample: Always Required

18. Writing Sample Do’s: Don’ts Field & Subject Specific
Know Your Audience
Have Several Versions (10pg, 15pg, 20pg)
Conform to Style/Field Restrictions
Edit, Review, & Share
Citations & References
Don’ts
Be Controversial
Be Arrogant/Facetious
Be Off-topic
Make Assumptions
Send more than requested

19. CV: Always Required

20. Relevant Work Experience Publications Presentations Languages
Education
Awards/Honors
Research Experience
Relevant Work Experience
Publications
Presentations
Languages
Research Interests CV
Most professional CV’s include the following:

21. Additional Essay Prompts: Be Prepared

22. Final Checklist Don’t stress out Be organized
Be prompt with submissions
Be respectful of recommender, graduate advisors, and faculty members
Be reflective
Use all available sources
Start now