How to Pick the Right PhD Program
Picking the right PhD program isn小蝌蚪APP檛 like choosing between pour-over or latte, paper or plastic, half-and-half or heavy cream. It小蝌蚪APP檚 a major investment, a significant period of time, and a major career direction.
How do you know you小蝌蚪APP檙e picking the right PhD program? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you narrow down your search.
Is it compatible with your professional goals?
Sometimes a Ph.D. program may look attractive because of the coursework, or faculty, or location, but in the end, you have to ask yourself if that Ph.D. will advance your career in the direction that you want to take. If it doesn小蝌蚪APP檛, then it might be time to look elsewhere to make sure you choose the right Ph.D. to match your needs or maybe a different professional direction altogether.
What research options are available?
Research is a key part of a Ph.D. program, and the work you do as part of your Ph.D. program can help your career get off on a solid footing. Take your time and ask questions as you analyze the research opportunities that will be part of your Ph.D. program. Visit the campus, meet your professors, and dig deep to see if you小蝌蚪APP檒l have all of the tools and resources you need at your disposal, including the freedom to research what you are truly passionate about.
What小蝌蚪APP檚 the reputation of the faculty?
You小蝌蚪APP檒l be spending the lion小蝌蚪APP檚 share of your time being guided by the faculty, so do all you can to make sure they小蝌蚪APP檙e the kind of scholars and mentors you want to influence your work and your career. Sites like Rate My Professors tend to be skewed and focus on personality alone, so be sure to spend most of your research time looking at faculty CVs, publications, research records and areas of interest to ensure that your potential teachers match up with your research goals.
What funding is available?
Funding is a big factor that can influence your choice for the right Ph.D. program. Fellowship and assistantship offers can even make it your #1 factor. Turning to loans to fund your graduate studies is a big decision that will influence the rest of your life, so do your due diligence to find out how you can save money and obtain funding. Check out our guide to 小蝌蚪APP渟cholarships小蝌蚪APP for grad school.
How long will it take?
Chances are you have career and family factors to consider, and you probably can小蝌蚪APP檛 put it all on 小蝌蚪APP減ause小蝌蚪APP to get your Ph.D. How long do you want to keep studying? How can you balance your current job situation with a Ph.D. program? Asking yourself these kinds of questions will help steer you towards choosing the right Ph.D. program.
Are students happy, graduating, and finding jobs?
Current grad students in the program and those who have recently graduated can also be an important asset to you. Don小蝌蚪APP檛 be afraid to reach out to them. Ask about their grad school experiences, find out whether they小蝌蚪APP檙e happy with the program and faculty, research support and teaching opportunities, and prep for the job market. Find out too if they小蝌蚪APP檙e getting jobs, and where they小蝌蚪APP檙e ending up after graduation. They were once in your shoes and knowing about their experiences can help you choose the right Ph.D. program.
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