My first PhD app opened a few weeks ago eek!! So it’s definitely time to figure out what needs to get done and when. Here is my PhD application timeline (non-rolling admissions) for submitting my strongest apps!
September
- Finalize school list
- Write draft of letter of rec request for 4 potential recommenders
- Email recommenders (send list of schools, personal/research statement, CV and context of our work together)
- Finish personal statement drafts for top 4 schools
- Finish all additional essays for top 4 schools
- Finish writing CV
- Send materials to parents, boyfriend and friends for advice
- Set up meeting with current institution to review application materials
- Set up meeting with former university to review application materials
- Study for GRE
October
- Finish personal statement drafts for all schools
- Write lists of faculty I want to work with for each school (make sure to add this to personal statements!)
- Meet with current and former institutions to review application materials
- Edit essay and CV according to comments
- Check each program’s guidelines for reaching out to faculty (I won’t reach out unless it’s recommended by the program)
- Create accounts for each school’s application portal and fill out (excluding personal statement and CV)
- Take GRE (only 1 school needs it, I am still deciding…)
November (aka crunch time)
- Finalize personal statements, additional essays and CV
- Submit all transcripts, test scores and other required materials
- Catch up on current literature in my field (read, read, read!!)
- Read publications from favourite faculty
- Talk to former successful PhD applicants
- Network with people in my field
- SUBMIT APPLICATIONS A WEEK BEFORE DEADLINE (all of mine are due December 1st)
Applying to rolling admissions schools? Try this guide on general rolling admissions (though not PhD specific!!).
Good luck everyone, and thanks for writing apps with me🤍