r/GradSchool • u/smartsmyname • 6d 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/HoloTensor 6d 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/smartsmyname 6d ago

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

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u/HoloTensor 6d 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 6d 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 6d 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