I decided long ago that I wanted to pursue a PhD in the USA, but I had no idea which school or city I would end up in. However, I knew a few things: I needed a program that would support me financially, such as with tuition waivers and a stipend, and I wanted to live in a more metropolitan area. Most of your pre-application period will involve conducting research for your school list. There are four aspects that I believe are relevant to consider when creating a school list: program faculty fit, funding and financial compensation, campus culture and resources, and personal and lifestyle considerations.
Why you need a school’s list
Applying to more than one school and creating a list of programs will help you optimize your chances of acceptance. This approach prevents over-reliance on a single program and increases your acceptance rate. Additionally, while researching your program, you may realize that your dream school does not offer exciting financial support, has no faculty interested in your research, or that the program will accept fewer students that year, making admission even more competitive. Therefore, go ahead and create an Excel document with your school list, including the following information: the name of the school and the program, one to three professors you would like to work with, any funding or work opportunities, any standardized testing requirements, other required documents, the program deadline, and any questions you would like to ask them.
The faculty’s fit
Finding at least one professor who shares your research interests is crucial. You will need to review faculty publications and research interests, research methodologies, interdisciplinary focuses, and current graduate student research. This aspect is vital, as faculty with aligned interests can provide tailored and relevant guidance Additionally, faculty members often have extensive networks, allowing you to connect with other experts, and participate in collaborative projects, which can significantly enhance your academic experience and opportunities.
Funding and financial compensation
The monetary aspect was one of the main factors I researched when considering a program because, for me, the idea of dedicating multiple years of my life to a full-time project without financial support was not even an option. Therefore, do not be afraid to contact the admissions office and ask for more details about their financial package. Each school has a different one. When you look into this, make sure you will be offered tuition waivers, medical insurance, and a stipend that will cover all your basic expenses.
Campus culture and resources
This means searching for different elements that are part of the culture of that school, which make it more interesting than others. For instance, examine their support system: do they offer peer support groups, networks, or mentorship programs? Moreover, look at the inclusivity and diversity of the student body and faculty. A diverse environment can enhance your academic and social experience.
Personal and lifestyle consideration
Finally, this last aspect varies greatly depending on your specific situation. What do you want to prioritize, such as the cost of living and housing options? You might want to consider a location where you would be comfortable living for several years.
Choosing the right PhD program involves careful planning and research to ensure you find the best fit for your academic and personal needs. The first step is to compile a comprehensive school list. It might be overwhelming in the beginning to do all this research, but it will benefit you later as you continue with other steps of your application preparation.