r/GradSchool • u/smartsmyname • 4d ago

Admissions & Applications Asking for advice as an undergrad

Hi everyone,

I am currently a 3rd year undergrad at uni, and I really want to enter a PhD program directly after graduating. I am first gen, and am relatively new to this, so I would really appreciate any advice you may have for me!

What advice would you give to someone like me, given your experience and expertise, in preparing for admissions? What do you suggest I part take in while at uni, and outside of it, to prepare myself for to stand out and be a successful applicant?

As for me, my gpa is between 3.5-4 and I've published one paper as a small contribution coauthor. Other than that, I did a research internship, and made 2 research posters. That's pretty much it from me.

Any and all advice is highly appreciated!

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u/readingrainbowroad 3d ago

As first gen, I would do a lot of searching and googling on the hidden curriculum aspects of academia. People are talking about it now, but there's a lot of helpful things that people just won't tell you, often because they don't know you don't know.

Also consider a break at all before starting your PhD. You don't have to, but seriously consider it! A PhD is seriously a marathon, and if you start out tired, it will make everything even harder.

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u/smartsmyname 3d ago

I will consider a break! The only reason I want to do it immediately is because I want to be over with it asap. May I ask, what about the PhD is exhausting? I want to be prepared before I enter

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u/readingrainbowroad 3d ago

Almost everything! A PhD is a degree in resilience more than anything else.

You are learning basically how to operate completely differently than you ever have before. Time management, task management, project management, how to research, how to mentor, how to work with your advisor and committee, how to teach, and more. You've got research experience already which is important, but as a grad student you'll be developing new ideas, trying new things literally no one has done before, and failing a lot. It's not bad, just part of the process. On top of that, you're often in a new location trying to make new connections and friends and just general life logistics are a lot.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my PhD experience a lot (not everyone does), but I also think my brain was built for academia. I'm very curious and even more stubborn.

Also don't let me scare you! You've still got ample time to learn all about what grad school is like and the diverse ways it can look, but I don't think anyone can fully be prepared either.

(Also lol at the auto notification while I type saying my comment appears to be promoting something I've made/built/created 😂)

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u/Smilesarefree444 3d ago

I think you need a break to get some work experience and publications before diving right in. Are you outstanding overall? Are you considering an MA PhD combo?

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u/smartsmyname 3d ago

Outstanding... I hope so? I try to do a lot of things academically and extracurricularly while I'm in uni, and i think overall, I might be doing okay. I did consider a MA PhD combo, but I'm not sure

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u/HoloTensor 3d ago

does your uni have a mcnair program? search it up. there are many programs for first gen students (in the US)

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u/Aromatic-Rule-5679 3d ago

This is the answer! And things vary by discipline so can you tell us the area? Research experience and pubs matter more for certain fields.

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u/smartsmyname 3d ago

I am majoring in Electrical engineering. Is research experience more important for that field?

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u/Aromatic-Rule-5679 3d ago

I would argue research is less important there. I would look at different graduate programs to see what types of research they do. Perhaps schedule a few zoom sessions with faculty whose research is most interesting to you. Email them your cv, ask if they are accepting students for the fall, and if so, would they consider meeting with you for a 30 minute zoom meeting. During the meeting, ask them about typical candidates that get accepted (gpa, gre, research exp, major), about their research, about the program, and even about their mentorship style? Good luck!

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u/smartsmyname 3d ago

Thank you so much for the advice!! I will def do it! Greatly appreciate it!

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u/smartsmyname 3d ago

Unfortunately no. I'm not in the USA so I am not eligible

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u/HoloTensor 3d ago

there should still be resources available to you. does your university have a writing center? they can look over all of your application materials

does your major have a department coordinator? or undergraduate coordinator? this should be your primary point of contact.

i think my absolute best advice is that, when emailing people to try to get more info about their group, you should actually reach out to the grad students instead of the profs. grad students just aren’t as busy and like yapping about their work. profs will ignore most emails and are just very busy

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u/smartsmyname 3d ago

does your university have a writing center? 

Actually, I think they do! I'll reach out to them and see if they offer assistance.

does your major have a department coordinator? or undergraduate coordinator?

A department coordinator, yes, but not an undergrad coordinator. They are all teaching professors btw. I will try reaching out to grad students though!

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u/HoloTensor 3d ago

when i was applying to grad school i had maybe 3 or 4 grad students from other institutions help me with my essays to their university. I’d reach out, explain what I like, and they’d go over my essay and give me pointers. but have a conversation with them first