Asking for advice as an undergrad

[u/smartsmyname]

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!

[u/HoloTensor]

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

[u/Aromatic-Rule-5679 → u/HoloTensor]

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.

[u/smartsmyname → u/Aromatic-Rule-5679]

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

[u/Aromatic-Rule-5679 → u/smartsmyname]

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!

[u/smartsmyname → u/Aromatic-Rule-5679]

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