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PhD Candidate vs Student: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms “PhD student” and “PhD candidate” interchangeably. However, these terms actually mean something quite different, including a different status level at universities.

We’re here to define the differences between a PhD candidate vs student, as well as other essential information, before you continue your educational journey.

Table of Contents

What I s a PhD student?

A doctoral student is anyone who is enrolled in a doctorate degree, also referred to as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. PhD students are typically required to complete a certain number of course credits and sit qualifying exams. Next, they can move on to conduct research and present it in the form of a dissertation.

A PhD is centered around self-directed research and possibly teaching/running tutorials, but they typically also involve a substantial amount of coursework and require attending classes, either online or in person.

Unlike candidates, PhD students are in the process of completing the required coursework for the degree. They haven’t passed the relevant qualifying exams yet.

What Is a PhD Candidate?

A PhD candidate has completed the required coursework and passed the qualifying exams for their doctorate program. They are currently working on their dissertation.

Most PhD students need to go through an application process  and show they meet certain requirements such as a relevant master’s degree . To become a PhD candidate, doctoral students need to pass an internal application process, typically involving a set of exams.

This stage involves significant research usually in innovative areas and incorporating this into a dissertation (this stage is sometimes referred to as “all but dissertation” [ABD]), as they’ve completed all other aspects of the program and satisfied these requirements. To complete their doctoral journey, a PhD candidate must defend their dissertation. Once they’ve successfully done this, they will be awarded their degree and move from PhD candidate to doctor of their chosen field.

PhD Candidate vs Student: 6 Key Differences

There are a number of key differences between a PhD student vs PhD candidate, from their status to the structure and nature of study.

Note: Some universities have recently started adopting hybrid approaches (where there is no clear difference between PhD students and PhD candidates). These programs don’t involve any qualifying exams and students typically begin the dissertation as part of their coursework. Most schools, however, continue with the traditional distinction between a PhD candidate and PhD student.

1. Program Stage

A PhD student could be at any stage of the doctoral program . Coursework still needs to be completed and qualifying exams must be passed. Students may be in the initial stage of the program or about to complete the coursework (before beginning their research).

On the other hand, a PhD candidate has completed all coursework and has at least started their research. They may have completed their dissertation and are preparing to defend it.

2. Research Progress

A PhD student may not have selected their research topic or settled on a particular research question. A candidate’s research is in progress and they should already have a clear research question.

3. Relationship with Advisors

A PhD student may not yet have an advisor. A candidate has an established working relationship with their advisor and works closely with them to complete their research and dissertation.

4. Level of Support

Although they work closely with an advisor, a PhD candidate is generally expected to work more independently than a student enrolled in a doctoral student. Once candidates reach this stage of their doctorate, they typically won’t receive as much direction or supervision.

5. Flexibility and Structure

Understandably, PhD candidates have more freedom and flexibility in their work. Most candidates choose their area of research, as well as the methods used to conduct their work. As part of their coursework, PhD students usually have to work within a set structure (e.g., completing core subjects, meeting deadlines).

Being a PhD candidate comes with a certain degree of status. If they’ve demonstrated a degree of expertise through completing qualifying exams, candidates can put the letters PhD(c) after their name.

Tips for PhD Candidates

A PhD is an advanced degree designed to demonstrate expertise in a given field, as well as high-level skills and abilities in various areas (including research and writing). As such, earning a doctorate can be a challenging process.

The following tips for doctoral candidates will help you put your best foot forward and set yourself up for success.

Stay Organized

Because PhD candidates have to balance many competing priorities, organization is essential. Using organizational tools such as calendars,  note-taking apps , and project management software can help you keep track of deadlines and meet your targets.

Focus on Your Research

PhD candidates likely have busy schedules with plenty of demands (such as teaching commitments and crafting a dissertation). As it’s the backbone of any doctoral program, be sure to prioritize this part of your work and monitor progress to stay on track.

Actively Seek Out Feedback

Because PhD candidates often work independently, there’s a risk of feeling isolated. Ask your advisors, mentors, and fellow candidates for feedback and advice. This will help ensure that you’re considering all aspects of your research question and multiple solutions, rather than focusing too intensely on a single area.

Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities

Networking is one of the biggest benefits for PhD candidates, so take full advantage of these events. Use this time to build a strong network of professors, advisors, fellow candidates, and other professionals you meet at conferences and events.

Take Care of Yourself

A PhD program can be taxing, and it’s easy for your mental and physical health to take a backseat. Make sure you exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep . Remember: Resting and recharging is crucial for working on your dissertation.

How Long Is a Typical PhD Candidacy?

Most PhD students require 1-2 years to complete their coursework and pass their qualifying exams. However, the length of a PhD candidacy is much more open. In most cases, programs take between two and five years, depending on:

• the complexity of the field of research
• the candidate’s other commitments, such as teaching load
• other abilities, such as a candidate’s level of organization.

Once a PhD candidate has completed their dissertation, they have to defend it successfully before a panel of faculty members before they can earn their doctorate degree. This process of defending a PhD dissertation can take several months.

Some universities specify a maximum length for PhD candidacy duration. For example, Carnegie Mellon University limits this to six years .

Benefits of Being a PhD Candidate

Being a PhD candidate can be rewarding for several reasons:

1. Research Opportunities

You’ll be exposed to vast research opportunities in your field. You may contribute to valuable discoveries while developing advanced knowledge and skills.

2. Networking

Through your PhD candidacy, you’ll also be in a great position to build gain a stronger network of fellow professionals.

3. Critical Thinking

A PhD candidacy can help you develop high intellectual independence and critical thinking skills.

4. Career Opportunitie s

A PhD is an advanced degree that allows you to build a rewarding career in the academic, government, and private sectors. PhD-holders can also expect to earn more than other graduates and are most likely to find a job.

5. Salaries

According to Northeastern University , professionals with a doctorate degree earn an average annual salary of $99,290 on average (and much more for the highest-paid PhDs ) and have a 1.5% unemployment rate. For master’s degree holders, the average annual salary is $81,867 average annual salary and a 2.6% unemployment rate.

6. Personal Fulfillment

Being a PhD candidate can help you pursue your passions. This advanced qualification will allow you to become a specialist in your chosen field, allowing you to hone in on the exact subject thatl fulfills you the most.

Qualifying Exams to Become a PhD Candidate

While requirements vary by program, to become a PhD candidate, most students will need to pass a set of exams. These will test students’ knowledge in the field, measure their research skills, and ensure they’re ready to start their dissertation research.

Traditionally, qualifying exams for PhD candidates involved a written test and an oral exam. These will cover a range of topics related to your field of study, with the oral component designed to demonstrate your level of understanding.

Some universities have recently started to issue doctoral students with a set of questions and have them submit the answers within a set timeframe (usually around two weeks). Other schools ask prospective doctoral candidates to submit a dissertation proposal instead of an exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a phd candidate be called a doctor.

In most cases, a doctoral candidate cannot be called a doctor until after they successfully defend their dissertation and receive their doctorate.

Can I Put ‘PhD Candidate’ after My Name?

Once you’ve passed qualifying exams and embarked on dissertation research, you’re technically entitled to put “PhD candidate” or “PhD (c)” after your name. However, this is uncommon and not always recommended. It is generally more acceptable to mention that you are pursuing a doctorate (along with the field of research and university) or that you expect to complete your PhD in a certain year (on your CV and online profiles).

How Long Can You Be a PhD Candidate?

There isn’t a set length of time that a person can be a PhD candidate. The length of candidacy depends on a range of factors, including the subject of research and program requirements. Most PhD candidates complete this phase in around 3-5 years (where some university programs have set limits).

Do PhD Students Take Classes?

Yes, most PhD students must take classes and complete coursework as part of the first 1-2 years of their doctorate program. Once they’ve completed this coursework and passed qualifying exams, they move on to work on their research dissertation. At this stage, they’ll be considered a PhD candidate.

Key Takeaways

Now that you know the differences between PhD candidates vs. students, you’ve got a deeper understanding of how to obtain a doctorate. However you slice it, both will help you build your knowledge and skills to become an expert in your field.

However the program is structured, a PhD is a highly valuable degree that allows you to become a high-level professional and build a successful career.

If you know a PhD candidate who’s celebrating their accomplishments soon? Take a look at this guide to the best PhD graduation gifts .

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Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Phd candidate vs student: explaining the difference.

When looking to finish a doctorate, you will often come across 2 similar terms: “PhD candidate” and “PhD student.” To many people, these terms represent the same thing. However, academics and those who have passed through a doctorate program understand that there is a major difference between both terms.

As a fresh or aspiring PhD student, you must understand the difference between a doctoral student and a doctoral candidate. This article will seek to explain the PhD candidate meaning and explore the definitions of what it means to be a candidate and a student.

PhD student vs candidate

A PhD student is currently enrolled in a PhD program. The learning style for these students is hybrid, meaning that a student can learn either online, on-site, or both. Students who are enrolled in this type of program are often required to complete certain course credit loads and pass exams. The program involves a ton of research, dissertation work, academic writing, and defense.

A PhD candidate, on the other hand, is someone who has done all but completed and submitted a dissertation. It is the transition and progression phase from studentship to candidateship. This title or tag is earned when a student completes all coursework and passes all examinations required by the university. Having explained this, the highlight of their variance lies in the completion of the required coursework.

Distinctions between a PhD candidate vs PhD student

To better understand the differences between these two groups of people, their variances will be highlighted and explained below.

A common question often asked is: do PhD students take classes? The obvious answer to this is yes, they do. The structure of assignments, deadlines and coursework differs for a PhD student and a candidate. There is a lack of structure for a PhD candidate. You are free from following deadlines or syllabi. The progress of your dissertation is completely at your pace. Whereas, as a PhD student, you are guided by deadlines and an academic structure that you must meet to complete your doctoral program. 

• Academic writing

The amount of academic writing required of you as a PhD candidate would be far greater than that required of you as a student. Remember that your dissertation alone carries the bulk of your candidateship, and this consists of about three hundred pages’ worth of research work.

• Academic circle

Your academic circle reduces when you become a PhD candidate. The number of people you will need to academically communicate with will also decrease. The reason for this is that as a student, you must meet all of your professors’, departments, colleges, and advisors’ requirements. But, as a candidate, your academic circle revolves around your committee.

As a candidate, you have the freedom to decide your topic, theme, and research style. It is a time for you to implement and showcase the practical and theoretical processes that you learned as a student. A PhD student does not have this privilege; instead, all topics are chosen by the professor.

A candidate does not receive as much support as is required, although so much more is expected of them. For instance, a student would be given tasks to work on with the objective in mind. But a candidate would be left to independently find an objective and work towards it. 

A PhD candidate can put the PhD title before their names, but a student cannot. However, this practice is not entirely encouraged as it might mislead the public into thinking you already have a doctorate degree.  

While the above clearly differentiates between a PhD student and a PhD candidate, there is a minor confusion between a researcher, candidate, and a student in doctoral programs. While the terms PhD candidate and PhD student differ, a doctoral researcher is a term used to describe “all” students who are pursuing PhD degree in any university.

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The illustrated guide to a Ph.D.

Every fall, I explain to a fresh batch of Ph.D. students what a Ph.D. is.

It's hard to describe it in words.

So, I use pictures.

Read below for the illustrated guide to a Ph.D.

Update : Print version , slides and translations , CC licensing terms .

Update : People tell me this post is the "sequel" to this one, and I'm looking for a postdoc in (glyco)biology interested in saving lives. Let's talk if interested.

Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge:

By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little:

By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more:

With a bachelor's degree, you gain a specialty:

A master's degree deepens that specialty:

Reading research papers takes you to the edge of human knowledge:

Once you're at the boundary, you focus:

You push at the boundary for a few years:

Until one day, the boundary gives way:

And, that dent you've made is called a Ph.D.:

Of course, the world looks different to you now:

So, don't forget the bigger picture:

Keep pushing.

There's a bit more below, but I also wrote a follow-up 5 years after the illustrated guide which may be of interest -- HOWTO: Get tenure .

Related posts

• HOWTO: Get tenure .
• Recommended reading for grad students .
• What every CS major should know .
• How to get into grad school .
• Advice for thesis proposals .
• Productivity tips for academics .
• Academic job hunt advice .
• Successful Ph.D. students: Perseverance, tenacity and cogency .
• The CRAPL: An open source license for academics .
• The shape of your problem .

Get it in print; fund students; save lives

By request, a print version of The Illustrated Guide to a Ph.D. is on sale.

Any and all proceeds will fund graduate students whose work may impact the discovery, diagnosis or treatment of genetic disorders.

Any and all proceeds will fund graduate students (and postdocs) doing work in biology that may impact treatment of diseases of cellular metabolism.

Update : If you're interested in being that postdoc , get in touch with me!

It is available at $6.50 thanks to Hewlett-Packard's high-quality on-demand publishing service, MagCloud.

It's sixteen pages, saddle-stitch bound and in full color.

It's a good gift for new students, the recently defended and relatives thereof.

Why biology?

If you zoom in on the boundary of human knowledge in the direction of genetics, there's something just outside humanity's reach:

My wife and I chose to start funding these graduate students after we learned that our son has a rare, fatal genetic disorder.

It may be too late for my son, but it's not too late for other children.

Even one child suffering is one child too many.

The only way to end this kind of suffering is science.

And, the best way to do science is through graduate students.

Update : When I first wrote this post, my son's specific disorder was unknown. Thanks to a scientific advance made in genetic diagnostics--specifically exome sequencing--we were able to isolate the mutations in my son's genome and determine that he is the very first documented case of a new disease: N-glycanase deficiency. One small dent in the circle of knowledge; one giant leap for my son. You can read the full story in a new post: Hunting down my son's killer .

License: Creative Commons

I receive numerous requests to reproduce this work, and I'm happy to grant them all, subject to three small conditions:

• Please attribute the original work to me (Matt Might) and link back to this page in your reproduction: http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/ as The Illustrated Guide to a Ph.D.
• When you attribute, please also link my name, Matt Might , to: http://matt.might.net/
• And, don't forget the "Keep pushing," at the bottom!

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 License .

That means you can share, copy, modify and reproduce this work as long as you attribute the original work to me and link back to it as outlined above.

However, you may not sell this work, or use it for commercial purposes. You may only distribute it free of charge. If you're not sure whether your use is a "commercial purpose," please send me an email.

If possible, please host the images on your own server instead of linking back to mine.

If you use it in a presentation, I'd love to hear feedback.

Here's an example attribution that satisfies the legal requirements:

Matt Might , a professor in Computer Science at the University of Utah , created The Illustrated Guide to a Ph.D. to explain what a Ph.D. is to new and aspiring graduate students. [Matt has licensed the guide for sharing with special terms under the Creative Commons license .]

If it helps, here's the corresponding HTML, which you can modify to suit your site's needs:

And, of course, thank you for sharing!

Please let me know if you translate this post into another language.

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PhD candidate vs PhD student

I see researchers working on their PhD calling themselves PhD Candidates, other call themselves PhD students. What's the difference between a PhD Candidate and a PhD Student?

According to two posters on the WordReferences forums :

This terms vary from university to university, usually a PhD student is granted the candidate status after completion of a “comprehensive examination”, which occurs sometime after the first year.

Here in the U.S., a “Ph.D. Candidate” is a student who has completed all of the academic requirements for their degree, except their dissertation.

So this works in the USA and Canada I presume, because they have structured PhD programs where you attend courses as part of your PhD. Unlike most of the universities in Europe where a PhD student starts off directly with his/her PhD thesis. (Europe does have structured programs as well, but they are not as widely spread yet).

• terminology

• 37 Every department is different. –  JeffE Commented Jul 5, 2013 at 14:56

10 Answers 10

In some countries (e.g. The Netherlands where I obtained my PhD degree) you are not considered a student but a paid employee (staff) with the university. To discern between these, people sometimes translate their status to English using term "PhD candidate". Btw, this has nothing to do with the length of the program or your progress.

• 4 It is also good to note that the salary a Dutch PhD receives is competitive with entry level jobs at say a consultancy or programming company, assuming of course there is funding to begin with. –  Paul Hiemstra Commented Jul 10, 2013 at 12:05
• 5 @PaulHiemstra broadly speaking :) I would say there is at least a 500 euro gap. Especially after four years, the PhD salary is considerably below what a programmer or consultant with 4 years experience could expect. It's the same general range, but I wouldn't call it competitive. –  Peter Bloem Commented May 1, 2014 at 14:54
• 12 @Peter The pay and working conditions are certainly near the top of the scale when you compare it to what PhD students in other countries get. –  Moriarty Commented May 1, 2014 at 16:20
• @Peter, here in Brazil this gap varies a lot. A trainee in a small company usually makes less than a PhD student\candidate. So small companies rarely get the brightest people. OTOH, big companies easily pay entry salaries equivalent to the double of what a PhD candidate makes (triple if the applicant is a good interviewer). And excluding the IT field, the extra income from 4 years of experience is negligible. So it all depends of vacancies on the big companies of your city. –  Lucas Soares Commented Oct 30, 2014 at 15:10
• 1 There is also a political component to it, because there are some politicians who want to change the status of PhD candidates from being an employee to being a receiver of a grant. Therefore, when I was still doing my PhD, I was emphasizing a lot that I was not a student, and I tell that to the current PhD candidates as well. –  damian Commented Aug 31, 2015 at 15:14

To expand on what JeffE said – "Every department is different.", here's an example from my university (a top UC school):

The math department is pretty rigorous and the "candidacy exam" is mostly a blackboard and chalk routine. They throw a bunch of stuff at you, poke holes in your proposal, make you sweat epsilons and deltas from all your pores before declaring you a "candidate".

The life/physical sciences departments require you to have a 20-30 page written proposal + a presentation on it + preliminary results (usually at least 1 journal paper) and your committee members grill you on the proposal.

In ECE/CS (applied, not theoretical), the labs/PIs are generally quite rigorous themselves and by the time a student is ready to take the candidacy exam, they've had at least 2 first author publications and 3-4 conference publications. At this point, their course is pretty set and the committee members don't generally feel like they need to say/do much (unless if there are serious flaws hitherto unnoticed). As such, the candidacy exam is more of a formality — no 30 page proposals (who reads them anyway?); just a presentation on the papers already published + future work remaining.

The bottom line from all this is — there are no standard rules/definitions/process involved in becoming a "PhD candidate". All it usually means is that "This person has shown an understanding of the fundamental concepts (on the day of testing), their proposal/work done is original and has potential and they've completed all course work/other requirements except for their thesis".

In Australia, (at least at my university), you start off as a 'Provisional Candidate'.

Then you complete a Dissertation Proposal - where you present a 20 or so page preliminary report and present it as a seminar to a group of peers - once passed, you receive a 'Confirmation of Candidature' then you proceed to complete the thesis as a 'Confirmed Candidate'.

This is usually done within the first 1-2 years of the PhD course.

• 14 "Provisonal candidate"? I'd have preferred "Candidate candidate" –  Federico Poloni Commented Jul 5, 2013 at 16:00
• 2 @FedericoPoloni well, that is what we're called before the Dissertation Proposal. –  user7130 Commented Jul 5, 2013 at 21:16
• This is very similar to my experience in Switzerland. –  DarioP Commented Jun 22, 2015 at 8:33

What's the difference between a PhD Candidate and a PhD Student?

To someone outside your department, there is very little difference since people (i.e., prospective employers) just don't care about the terms. they want to know what you have accomplished so far.

To someone in a finite duration PhD (e.g., a "typical" 3-year UK PhD program), there is very little difference. It is simpler to just list your year.

To someone in a indeterminate length PhD (e.g., a "typical" US PhD program), it provides a nice milestone.

As other have said, the requirements to achieve candidacy vary widely between countries, universities, and even departments. That said, I think it is nearly universal (and that is going out on a huge limb in academia) that candidacy implies that the next "evaluation" will be on your thesis and apart from time limits or extraordinary circumstances that as long as you are willing to pay your tuition and fees the department will let you be a PhD Candidate.

At my institution (in the U.S.A.), you are considered a PhD student until you pass your qualifying exams. After passing, you are considered a PhD candidate.

The qualifying exam is usually taken around 2 years in the program, or after you have completed any required or recommended coursework. It consists of a written exam, which can be one or more questions from each of your committee members. The written exam at my institution is left up to the committee members discretion (the major adviser in reality), it can be open or closed book, very detailed, or more theoretical, 24 hour time period or maybe 1 month, even proctored by the committee member. The oral examination can also be anything. Committee members can ask very detailed questions or more theoretical questions. Preparing for the oral exam can be difficult, especially if you have members from other departments and backgrounds. For example, I have a Soil Scientist, Biologist, Fire Ecologist, Landscape Modeler, and Remote Sensing Specialist on my committee. They all asked very different question specific to their fields.

Three of my written exams consisted of about 8 questions and I was given 8 hours to complete. It was open book and not proctored. I took the exam from home. One exam was 12 questions and I was given a month (yes I sweated for a month!). They all asked very broad questions for the written exam to figure out which areas I had a solid understanding in, and which areas I needed improvement. The oral exam was basically 4 PhD's questioning (read interrogating!) me. They started with a few easy questions, but then asked more difficult questions from the areas I was not as knowledgeable in.

I think Jaap's reply is pretty much spot on, i.e. paid staff (as in the Netherlands, Germany...) vs. student status (as in the UK, for example).

Personally, I prefer "PhD candidate" because people here are massively prejudiced against "students" (young, irresponsible, constantly partying...) despite the fact that I'm officially registered as a student rather than staff.

Just to make it clear that people are not obliged to use one thing or the other.

• Do you have qualifying exams? –  derelict Commented May 1, 2014 at 17:14

It can be different depend on region, country, university or even department.

In my department in a university in Taiwan, we need to finish all required credit course and submit one international journal as milestone to be qualified as PhD Candidate.

At the university I attended in the UK, one was considered to be on provisional status until passing the viva, which was not only an oral "interview" but also included a thorough review of all research completed at that point, a 20,000 word critical paper, and a detailed thesis plan. After that point, the successful student was advanced to candidacy, while the unsuccessful student was awarded an M.Phil.and dismissed from the program. This procedure was standardized throughout the university graduate school regardless of department. For candidates, the only obstacle left was the defense of the thesis.

PhD students should complete all the coursework before becoming PhD Candidate. After completing all the coursework, PhD students have to pass the comprehensive written exam (and comprehensive oral exam) to become PhD Candidate. The amount of rigor of comprehensive exam depends on department to department. Some department requires that you pass the comprehensive exam on all the four (or five) seminar areas plus the methods that you have taken. Others require that you declare your major area and pass the comprehensive area on only that major area plus the methods. Department may also require you to come up with a framework for your dissertation topic before they grant you the candidacy status. Again, the variation exists between department in how they grant the candidacy. Once your status change from PhD Student to PhD Candidate, you are no longer required to take courseworks. However, you should be enrolled in the pre-dissertation and dissertation hours (normally 24 hrs; 6 hours per semester to maintain full-time status) to continue your dissertation. You work with your dissertation chair and committee after comprehensive exam. PhD candidate are also called Doctoral candidate, and ABD - All But Dissertation.

• 4 PhD students should complete all the coursework before becoming PhD Candidate - this is not generally true (i.e., not in all fields/all departments). –  ff524 Commented Aug 18, 2014 at 13:36
• 3 I downvoted this for being specific to a very limited area without specifying that area or even mentioning this fact. –  Tobias Kildetoft Commented Aug 18, 2014 at 15:19

When you see PhD CANDIDATE think he/she is a CANDIDATE for a job in their field.

Versus PhD student they are still a student learning their field of study.

In Texas public University you are a candidate when you pass all of your doctoral exams. Usually at this point you have already completed all of your course work. You are wrapping up your research projects, writing papers to be published, writing dissertation and looking for a job.

-Nick, Chemistry PhD candidate

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What Is A PhD Student? A Definition

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All PhD students are conducting some sort of research and many of them will be also teaching and assisting in their departments. Very few PhDs are completed on a  part-time  basis, so most PhD students are studying on a full-time basis. PhD students have often been getting ready to embark on their doctoral studies  for a very long time. While many of them may have taken up paid research positions, but this is not always the case so searching for funding is an on going activity for some PhD students. 

Here we take a look at many of the factors that make up what a PhD student actually is...

They're quite mature...

PhD students are all mature students , as they have already completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees already. Most PhD students will have done a masters in preparation for starting a PhD , this is often an MPhil or a Masters by Research . All of this previous study means that PhD students have strong study skills and have spent time building academic qualifications in the lead up to their PhD. Many students go straight through an undergraduate and masters level to a PhD, but many other students have already started working, and their PhD is a way to grow an already established career. 

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Mohammad Abdollahi is a 35-year-old Iranian student studying a PhD in Operational Research at the University of Essex. He was delighted when he found out he’d been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500. As an international student coming to the UK with his wife and two children, it has proved to be an invaluable funding resource as he explains. “It was good news and exciting – I was overwhelmed with joy!”

PhD students are always researching

PhDs are all research degrees and most students who are embarking on a PhD have already completed some form of research. The research comes in many forms, such as scientific, sociological, archaeological, medical or historical and this research guided by their PhD supervisor . This is one of the most important relationships during a PhD as it is their guidance that shapes a PhD student's thesis . 

Many PhD students are teaching

Many PhD students will supplement their income by teaching or working as assistants in their department or work at the university. In some institutions it is expected that PhD students will do this and in other universities it is an optional extra that is not required. Teaching responsibilities may include assisting with lectures or tutorials and helping with undergraduate supervision. 

They are mostly full-time students 

This can be one of the big attractions for some undergraduates when they see PhD students still living a student lifestyle. However, most PhD students would not think that their lifestyles are something to aim for and the academic work they need to do does take up most of their time. The vast majority of PhD students are full-time and  part-time PhD students  find it difficult to maintain their studies over the six to eight years it may take to complete their research. They are, however, often very passionate about their studies. 

Some of them are getting paid to study

PhD students select their topic for research in one of two ways. They might decide on their research topic and then find a PhD supervisor or they may apply for one of the many advertised research positions. Searching for a supervisor can be a difficult route, especially if you change institutions between your masters and your PhD. Using the network of contacts you have built up during your previous studies or career is the key to finding a supervisor. The advantage of the second route is that the funding for the research is already in place and the student will receive a stipend as well. 

PhD students do worry about funding

Getting funding in place is a major worry for a large proportion of PhD students and it is often the case that many students start their PhDs without full funding in place. This is often why students might start on a part-time basis. PhD funding can come from a huge range of sources including the  government , grants and scholarships and most students  begin their search  with their university department.

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What Is A Masters Student? A Definition

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How To Find A PhD

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Ten simple rules for aspiring graduate students

Andrea i. luppi.

1 Division of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

2 Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Charlotte Coco Newton

Lynde folsom.

3 Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America

Elisa Galliano

4 Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Rafael Romero-Garcia

5 Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Introduction

Several supervillains have higher degrees—why don’t you? There can be a variety of reasons for wanting to go to grad school and for applying to a particular school and program. But often, one can only tell apart good and bad reasons from hindsight. Failing at something is perhaps the best way to know what can go wrong and what advice would have been useful when considering graduate school applications. We should know one of us started grad school 4 separate times, and another learned what a PhD was only after having started one. One of us lost 2 supervisors before even starting to write her thesis, and yet another accepted a PhD offer from the lab where she was working, without considering any alternatives; finally, one of us had applied to graduate schools for 5 years (with 19 rejections) before finally landing a PhD offer from their dream school. We hope that our hard-earned lessons will help you to avoid some of the pitfalls that we ourselves fell prey to. In this article, we address how to choose a graduate program, how to apply strategically, and some of the key challenges that may arise along the way toward graduate school. Conveniently, our advice can be summarized as 10 simple rules … so here they are.

Wait, you might think, there is already a PLOS Computational Biology article entitled “Ten Simple Rules for Graduate Students” [ 1 ]. Indeed, to foreshadow the Conclusions of this article, you should read that article! However, there are a number of important challenges that are specific to aspiring grad students: Should you attend graduate school in the first place? If so, what degree should you pursue? How to choose the right institution—or even the right country? Nowadays, an increasing number of countries across the world have established competitive graduate programs with English as the official language, aiming to attract international talent: Such a dazzling variety can be seemingly overwhelming. And, even once these choices are made, how does an aspiring graduate student become an admitted graduate student?

In other words, the excellent advice in “Ten Simple Rules for Graduate Students” [ 1 ] is primarily about being a grad student—whereas the article you are now reading is intended to help you in figuring out whether, where, and how to become a graduate student in the first place. So this is not a reboot of the 2007 article; it is a prequel.

Rule 1: Choose who you want to be

Not all grad students are pursuing a doctorate, and not all those who are, are working toward a PhD ( Box 1 ). As an article in PLOS Computational Biology , we expect that many readers may be considering a PhD or master’s degree in the sciences—but medical school, law school, and other advanced degrees can be substantially different from a PhD (just as a science PhD may be substantially different from a humanities PhD). Although we hope that much the advice in this article will be broadly applicable, we note that it is primarily written from the perspective of biological science PhD and master’s degrees.

Box 1. Grad school ≠ doctorate ≠ PhD.

• Graduate (grad) school: Any institution offering postgraduate degrees (i.e., requiring an undergraduate degree), such as doctorates and master’s degrees. Note that in the United States, law school and medical school are graduate schools, whereas in other countries, they are not, since medicine and law courses begin as undergraduate degrees.
• Doctorate: Any postgraduate degree conferring the title of “doctor.” This includes the PhD (“Philosophiae Doctor,” Latin for “doctor of philosophy”), but also the MD (doctor of medicine, typically granted by a medical school) and the JD (“Juris Doctor,” doctor of law, typically granted by a law school), among others.
• PhD: A postgraduate doctoral degree (sometimes instead abbreviated as DPhil) involving the completion of a substantial body of research in a specific academic discipline, conducted during several years of training under the supervision of an expert in the field. A PhD is a near-universal prerequisite for a career as a professor or PI.

So, a “graduate student” may be studying for a PhD or another type of doctorate, or, more broadly, any other kind of postgraduate degree, e.g., a master’s degree.

So the first rule for aspiring grad students is to know what kind of grad student you are aspiring to be. And in reality, nobody aspires to be “a graduate student.” An undergraduate degree is education—part of your development as a well-rounded individual, and, therefore, arguably worth pursuing for its own sake. Graduate school, we would argue, is professional training: a means to an end. Those who attend medical school or law school don’t do so to be there: They do so to one day practice medicine or law. A master’s degree is a way to expand one’s skills and credentials in preparation for future study or employment, whether by deepening expertise in a familiar area or branching out to a new field. And a PhD is—in its broadest sense—a training toward independent thought and research. Although a PhD is a prerequisite for a career as a professor or principal investigator (PI), academia is by far not the only option for PhD holders—or even the most likely (see other articles in the Ten Simple Rules series on this topic). Therefore, consider carefully what is your end goal, as that is the fundamental determinant of what kind of graduate degree you should pursue—if any at all. Above all, be honest with yourself.

Rule 2: Identify gaps to fill

If graduate school is a means to an end, then the right program (and degree type) for you is the one that best bridges the gap between who you are and who you want to be. This is, fundamentally, your reason for attending graduate school: You need to fill some gap in knowledge, skill, or qualification (broadly understood). So, perform a “gap analysis” [ 2 ]: Identify the gaps in your training, skills, knowledge, and credentials that you need to fill—letting this guide your choice of graduate program and where to pursue it. For example, a master’s degree can be focused on coursework and/or research, and a conversion course to change fields will be different from a specialization course in your field of interest—choosing between these options will benefit from an understanding of what gaps in your training you need to fill. Note that this does not need to be extremely specific: “I want to learn to do innovative research,” “I want to investigate cancer biology,” or “I want to acquire the qualification X that will allow me to apply to my dream job Y” may suffice as reasons for pursuing a graduate degree. This being said, the more specific your understanding of what you want to get out of graduate school, the more you will be able to narrow down on the right program.

In particular, PhD programs can vary substantially not just in their length (see below) but also in what they offer: Some require a choice of supervisor from the outset; others involve “rotations” in different labs (short periods of research intended to familiarize a student with a lab’s techniques, scientific questions, and environment, and help in the choice of supervisor). Some will involve coursework, others won’t. Working as a teaching assistant is typically a requirement in some countries (e.g., the US), but not in others. Be sure to look beyond a program’s label: For interdisciplinary fields such as neuroscience, programs and departments don’t always have “neuroscience” in the title, but neuroscientists can be found in departments ranging from medicine to psychology, engineering, and beyond; indeed, many institutions have interdepartmental programs for fields such as neuroscience, systems biology, or biomedical sciences. Be sure you understand what you need, and find a program that fills those gaps—ideally without filling your time with additional requirements you don’t need. These obligations will consume much of your time, so take seriously how you would like your time spent while in grad school.

If going for a PhD, you will also need to be able to identify another kind of gap: gaps in your field that you can fill with your research. Doctoral programs and institutions differ in when (and whether) they require their students to come up with a research proposal: In many cases, this is right at the point of application. In other cases, it is after completion of various qualifying exams. In yet other cases, the PhD funding is tied to a specific project set by the PI from the start. Of course, part of PhD training is about developing the required skills to find such gaps and learn to fill them: This is a valuable set of skills, and, indeed, acquiring them can be a worthy reason for embarking on a PhD program. Nevertheless, we would argue that it is helpful to have a burning “big picture” question that you want answered, and, ideally, a specific hypothesis that drives your learning and gives it direction [ 1 ]—while being aware that research questions naturally evolve as the research itself takes place and as a function of the lab’s direction. Keep track of the questions that spark your curiosity (literally, jot them down in a journal!): among them may lie the topic of your dissertation.

Rule 3: Find a mentor who can help you fill those gaps

The idea of a PhD is based on the model of apprenticeship: You train under a recognized master of the profession for many years to learn their ways. However, academic research is driven by curiosity and passion (or so we would hope), and even in the same department, each individual will differ in what they are enthusiastic about. So, when you apply to a PhD program, ensure that there is at least 1 faculty member (and ideally more) whose interests you share and whose ways you wish to learn: not just their research techniques, but also their broader approach to science, mentoring, and academic life [ 3 – 5 ]. Note that this advice does not just apply to PhD applicants, but also to those wishing to pursue a master’s degree that is fully or heavily research based.

In addition to the hands-on versus hands-off continuum in supervision style, consider also academic seniority: Although your supervisor’s standing will be important in helping you get a job after graduate school [ 6 ], senior academics often have more demands on their time and may have less time to mentor individual students (especially if they run large labs). In contrast, a junior PI with a smaller lab may have more time and more recent experience with hands-on research and is likely to have more at stake in your success—but they may be less well connected and less experienced at managing a lab. Proactively considering the trade-offs between these aspects, and matching them to your own preferences, will help to ensure that you get the mentor that’s right for you [ 1 ].

Pay attention to where graduate students are on a supervisor’s papers: Do they get first-author publications, or are they relegated to the acknowledgments? Where do they end up after grad school—and how does that match with where you would like to end up? Contacting former students is a great way to find out about the lab’s culture: You can think of this as getting (informal) references on the supervisor, just as they are getting references on you from former mentors (more on this below).

Some programs require you to apply to work with a specific supervisor from the outset, whereas in other cases, the choice of lab is made later (especially for programs with a component of rotations, which can involve faculty from different departments). Rotations can be invaluable to “try out” a lab’s culture and a supervisor’s management style, but do not blindly assume that in any given institution there will be someone that you will enjoy working with: rather, make sure of it from the moment of application. Be aware that academics can move institutions, retire, or fail to get tenure: So, if possible, ensure that there is more than 1 faculty member whose lab you would be excited to join.

Do not be afraid to email your prospective supervisors and pitch an idea to them: You never know if spare funding or open-ended positions are available. Write a polite and concise email, tailored to the individual recipient and demonstrating your engagement with their specific research. Generic or copy-pasted emails will get you nowhere, but academics will appreciate genuine interest in their work.

Rule 4: Fit over fame: Do not just choose where you want to “have gone”

Whether this ought to be the case or not, it is hard to deny that holding a degree from a prestigious institution will contribute to your “star power” and subsequent job prospects [ 6 , 7 ]—whether in academia or elsewhere. However, choosing a less suitable program just because of the school’s name will likely do you a disservice. Passion and the right environment breed excellence [ 1 , 8 ], and excellence shines on any CV, no matter where it was achieved.

A good fit (broadly defined—more on this below) will be key to keep you motivated throughout your graduate studies, because each step will feel like a step in the right direction: The direction of the goal that led you to attend graduate school in the first place. In contrast, a poor fit will sap your energy and motivation, potentially leading to burnout [ 9 , 10 ]. This is especially true for doctoral degrees, which typically take many years of intense and sustained effort ( Box 1 ). Of course, no program is ever perfect, and you will have to “make the best of the courses you have at hand” [ 11 ] to some extent. However, if there is a systematic misalignment between your program and your personal goals and interests, you run the risk of losing your enthusiasm even for the things that brought you to grad school in the first place. So, make sure that your chosen program sparks your enthusiasm and that the department, lab, and mentor will share and nourish this enthusiasm.

Of course, we acknowledge that it is not feasible to thoroughly research every faculty member from every program at every possible institution. Knowing what kind of program would suit your training needs (Rule 2) can be a good way to quickly narrow down your options (see also Rule 5 below about the importance of location). Likewise, if you already know what topic you want to pursue for your research, this can help to focus your search. Nevertheless, trade-offs between the depth and breadth of your search will inevitably emerge. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, we would argue that the importance of fit means that it is advisable to make fewer but more carefully crafted applications (see also Rule 7 below).

Rule 5: Choose a place where you can see yourself living

This is the other side of the “fit” question in Rule 4: You go to grad school to experience both professional and personal growth, so choosing a place where you can see yourself (and your family, if you have one) living and thriving for a number of years is key. Does the institution foster an inclusive community while respecting and welcoming diversity? More simply, will you feel safe and supported enough to be your fully creative and engaged self?

More broadly, consider also the geographical aspects: climate, culture, language, recreational and sport opportunities, proximity to nature or to big cities, and distance from home: Will you have access to what you need to de-stress and replenish your mental resources [ 5 ]? What kind of healthcare will be available, and will you be able to afford it? These are just some of the considerations that should factor into your decision, as well as job opportunities for your partner, availability of childcare, and the opportunity to settle permanently, if applicable to your situation. Likewise, law and medicine qualifications differ by countries, so the place where you attend graduate school may have a large impact on where you will be able to practice your profession. In summary, do not overlook the placement of the program in the world, beyond academia.

Rule 6: Time is money—Invest both wisely

Although scholarships and other sources of funding can be available to cover the living expenses of a single student ( Box 2 ), grad students are not known for living in luxury. So treat the decision to attend graduate school for what it is: a multiyear financial investment, for which you need to plan accordingly. Consider carefully (and well in advance!) the available funding options—both within and outside of the specific institution (e.g., government scholarships; Box 2 ).

Box 2. Funding your graduate studies.

Graduate students typically need funding to cover (i) tuition fees; and (ii) living expenses (which may include health insurance and other costs). Although self-funding (e.g., through loans) can be an option, funding for a PhD or master’s degree can also come from different sources.

• Scholarship/fellowship/award: Although the name can vary by country and institution, this is when some entity pays for your tuition fees and/or living expenses. Many countries have some funding of this kind available, and so do many universities—often on a competitive basis and with specific eligibility criteria. Charitable foundations are another potential source of this kind of funding.
• Studentship/pre-funded project: A department or individual researcher may have secured funding for a PhD student to work on a specific research project, for example, as part of a grant they obtained.
• Research/teaching assistantship: Tuition and/or stipend are provided in exchange for services rendered to the department, such as assisting with teaching duties, or working as a laboratory technician/assistant alongside one’s PhD work.

Note that legal status of your funding (e.g., taxable versus tax free) can vary by country; likewise, in some countries, graduate students who perform research or contribute to teaching activities are classed as employees, whereas in other countries, they are not. Finally, some countries allow international students to work outside of campus while enrolled on a graduate course, whereas others do not or have limits.

It is also important to be aware that the cost of a graduate degree can vary enormously by country, institution, and degree type: Some countries have minimal or even no fees (e.g., tuition fees in several West European ones countries are less than $1,000 USD per year); others can have price tags of several tens of thousands of USD. Note that despite their shorter duration, the cost for master’s degrees can exceed that of PhDs, sometimes by a substantial margin.

In particular, PhDs can vary considerably in duration, with US PhDs taking sometimes twice as long as the same qualification in other countries (e.g., 6 to 7 years, or even longer in the humanities, compared with 3 to 4 years in many other countries). If what you want from a PhD is learning to carry out independent research, and credentials that demonstrate it, then a shorter PhD should suffice to achieve this. A longer PhD will give you more time to carry out long-term projects and accumulate publications, which may be desirable if a career in academia is your end goal—although this can be made up through longer postdoctoral training. The length of your permanence in graduate school(s) will have important financial implications: As the old adage goes, “time is money” [ 11 ]. So be aware of the differences, then choose what most suits your needs and aspirations.

Consider also whether you need a master’s degree first. In many countries, higher education is organized in a 3 tiers system: Undergraduate studies are followed by a master’s degree (often 2-year long), and only then a student becomes eligible to apply for a PhD. However, this is not always the case: In the United Kingdom, for instance, it is often possible to skip the second step and obtain a PhD within 3 years of finishing one’s undergraduate degree. Moreover, several countries offer integrated master’s-plus-PhD programs. Besides fulfilling eligibility requirements, one needs to consider that a master’s degree (or working as a lab manager/research assistant) can be a great way to try out life in a new place (see Rule 5 for the importance of this) and assess whether you truly enjoy the day-to-day aspects of life as a grad student. However, beware of using the master’s route as an excuse to simply put off committing to a PhD: Being honest with yourself is your best policy [ 6 ]. On the other hand, a master’s degree can represent a valuable investment also for those who have no intention of pursuing a PhD afterwards, in terms of acquiring desirable skill and qualifications—but beware that a shorter duration may not always translate to lower cost ( Box 2 ).

Rule 7: Your admission should be a win for everyone

Graduate school admissions are not just an investment on your part: When a program accepts a graduate student, the department and the broader institution are committing to many years’ worth of support for your development and research. More concretely, faculty members are committing to have you as their junior colleague for many years. Mentor–mentee relationships often last even beyond the end of graduate school, sometimes spanning decades. Students can have a substantial impact on a lab’s research direction, but also on the broader departmental and campus culture (from open science practices to public engagement), in virtue of their personality, contribution to teaching, and involvement in departmental or student committees.

So, it is wise to demonstrate your appreciation for these subtler but crucial aspects of what goes into an admissions decision. When writing your statement of motivation (see Box 3 and Rule 8), don’t only tell the committee why that program is right for you. Instead, be sure to also demonstrate why they should want you to join their department and community. Are you collaborative and helpful, the kind of colleague who can support and inspire those around them? Cohort composition can be an important factor in determining who will be admitted: You need to convince the admissions committee that you will contribute to the success and thriving of other people in your cohort and your lab and to the broader community of the department. In other words, convince them that they want to have you around, not just that you want to be around them!

Box 3. Components of a typical graduate application package.

The requirements for application can vary by country and institution, and we recommend that you check them well in advance. For instance, some institutions may require standardized testing such as the Graduate Record Exam [ 12 ], and you will need to arrange for those to be completed before the application deadline. Here, we focus on some aspects that tend to be common across many countries, institutions, and degrees.

• Statement of purpose/motivation statement/letter of intent: This is a document, typically in essay style, where the applicant conveys their suitability for the program and institution, drawing on their own personal interests and trajectory.
• Research proposal: Typically required for PhDs that involve directly joining a lab to work on a specific project defined by the applicant. This document outlines the rationale for the project and how the applicant intends to address it. Typically, when a research proposal is required, the applicant also needs to have identified a relevant supervisor to develop the research proposal together (as a necessary but not sufficient condition for admission).
• Curriculum vitae/resume: A comprehensive but succinctly written list of the applicant’s education and employment history (classes taken and grades) and achievements—often accompanied by official degree transcripts.
• Recommendation letters/letters of support: Letters from former employers or academic advisors detailing why (and whether) the applicant is suitable for the position and how they rank in relation to their peer cohort.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited (in person or online) to 1 or more interviews, which may also include a campus visit or other orientation activities. Interviews may be with a panel or a single faculty member and may involve a presentation by the candidate (e.g., of a project that they have been involved with in the past, of the research project that they proposed for the PhD, or a paper that the interview panel has selected).
• Bureaucracy: International applicants often face additional hurdles that can be costly and time consuming. Although this will be country specific, 2 common requirements include visas and language tests (if you are not a native speaker of English and/or the local language). We emphasize the need to consider these aspects well in advance to give yourself the time to prepare and meet the requirements.

Rule 8: Show, don’t tell: Build synergy between CV and motivation statement

Your statement of purpose or motivation is a major factor to getting an interview for grad school and your first real opportunity to show who you are and what you want. Being an academic is a multifaceted profession that encompasses not only research but also teaching, leadership, teamwork, and communication. What unique experiences, skills, and perspectives do you bring to the role? Get into the mindset that you are the asset they want, and demonstrate it with specific examples. Your statement is also an excellent way to show that you are serious about the department’s investment in you, by showing that you have already invested time and effort in them. So, don’t just copy web page slogans, spend time to research the program and department and how you fit within it thoroughly, and let this be reflected in a targeted, well-polished statement (Rules 7–9 from “Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Postdoctoral Fellowship” will come to your aid here [ 13 ]). Tell your own story, not what you think the assessors want to read.

A near-universal principle of successful statements is “show, don’t tell”—especially if you are writing for a panel of academics, who are trained to abhor unsubstantiated claims. Anyone can type the words “I am hardworking and motivated,” but not everyone can provide evidence of hard-won achievements, adversities overcome, or lessons learned from failure and having the grit to get back up [ 14 ]. So let the facts speak for themselves.

Beware, though: Your statement should not be redundant with your CV, which the admissions committee will also have. Instead, aim to build synergy between statement and CV. The statement is your own description of your academic arc and of how it leads to grad school as the logical next step. It’s your chance to guide the committee’s interpretation of your CV and provide context: What are the most salient elements, and what do they say about how you meet the criteria for becoming a successful graduate student? How competitive was that prize you won, and what qualities does it reflect? How did you manage to do well in your classes while also being a high-performing athlete? You can think of your CV as the Results section of a paper, providing the facts and evidence, and your statement as the Discussion [ 15 ]. An evidence-based statement will also help you to steer clear of both arrogance and false modesty, neither of which will serve you well.

Finally, identify carefully who could write a good letter of recommendation for you. Good letters will build on your specific personal arc and add evidence of your abilities and suitability as a graduate student, so choose writers who (i) know you well; and (ii) can speak from a position of authority about your strengths as a future academic/lawyer/clinician. Be sure to send them your CV and motivation statement (with plenty of time!), so that they can write targeted recommendations that enhance the synergy of your entire application package.

Rule 9: Make the most of your interviews

Based on our experience with graduate school interviews across many institutions and countries, we suggest that the criterion for determining whether an interview went well should not be whether you get an offer in the end, but rather whether you had a good conversation. The faculty may seek to push you, to see how you respond to an intellectual challenge—not unlike a departmental seminar. Of course, you are applying to become a student, so it is okay to admit that you don’t know something—it’s a chance to demonstrate your genuine desire to find out the answer. However, being genuine does not mean being unprepared: Practice mock interviews, and if possible, find out who will be interviewing you, and become familiar with their interests and perspectives to make sure you can have an engaging conversation. And remember: You’re interviewing them too, as you are also trying to assess if this is the program that you want to attend. So don’t lose sight of this objective.

Likewise, this may be your chance to meet other applicants and current graduate students: Your peers who may become future friends and collaborators will be an important determinant of your experience in graduate school. Above all, remember: An interview is a chance to spend time with the undivided attention of some leading experts in your subject, talking about your field of interest. So try to enjoy this opportunity!

Rule 10: Learn to fail, and learn from failure

Realize that grad school applications are themselves part of learning how to be an academic. A PhD application is a request for an institution to invest time and money in you, so that you can pursue a topic you’re passionate about. At its core, this is the cornerstone of an academic’s life: a grant proposal (even more so in cases where a specific research proposal is required as part of the application).

Like with grant applications, you are competing for a limited number of resources with many well-qualified people, and many of them will be just as talented and motivated as you (and they may even have read this very article!). Like grantmakers, admissions committees have to make very difficult decisions: Departmental politics come into play, as does the overall composition of the cohort. In the end, admissions committees consist of human beings, who can be tired or hungry and even—dare we say it—make mistakes. Sometimes, with graduate applications, failure really isn’t about you.

Failure is the bread and butter of a researcher’s life [ 16 ]. So be prepared for failure, and plan accordingly: Play the numbers game (but make sure you only apply for places that you genuinely want to take!), and set up backup options that you can fall back to while you prepare for the next round of applications. Beyond the sting of rejection, there may be a lesson to be learned and an occasion to improve. Solicit feedback, then revise and recycle your application [ 13 , 15 ]: Remember, all of your next applications will be better as a result of each single rejection!

Knowing how to turn failure into growth is itself a skill that needs to be cultivated, and it will be invaluable in any career path. So learn to fail well: Find a way to learn from your mistakes, to make better mistakes tomorrow. And remember that in the end, you only need 1 successful application—even if it comes after 19 rejections.

Conclusions

We hope the rules outlined here will help you decide whether to go to graduate school, and, if so, where and how to apply. If you get that coveted letter that says “Congratulations”—go celebrate! But then, before you start, make sure you set aside some time to read “Ten Simple Rules for Graduate Students” [ 1 ] and “Ten Simple Rules for Finishing Your PhD” [ 17 ] and learn about the potential opportunities and pitfalls facing you in your next career step. Many articles in the “Ten simple rules” series are designed with that preparation in mind, so take advantage of these resources. There isn’t (yet) an article with “Ten simple rules for learning to fail”—but this article itself is the fruit of our failures, leading us to realize what we wish we had known when we were aspiring grad students. Following the 10 simple rules laid out here won’t protect you from failure, but it will allow you to avoid some of the classic failure modes—leaving you free to fail in more interesting and informative ways. Welcome to grad school!

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the mentorship of Emmanuel Stamatakis and David Menon, Joshua Buckholtz and Joshua Greene, Katie Warnaby, Tim Vogels, Everton Agnes, Kate Nation, MaryAnn Noonan, Nicola Byrom, Abbie Pringle, Dennis Chan, Russell Poldrack, Chris De Zeeuw, Freek Hoebeek, Edward Bullmore, and John Suckling. We also wish to thank Helena Gellersen, Hanna Tolle, Robert Chavez, Marcio Morales, and Sydney Cash for insightful discussions about graduate school and broader career advice, as well as the aspiring graduate students who attended our workshops about graduate school applications, whose questions helped to shape the advice in this paper. Finally, we are grateful to Dervila Glynn and Cambridge Neuroscience for giving us the occasion to meet and for their continuous and invaluable support.

Funding Statement

The authors acknowledge the support of the Gates Cambridge Trust [AIL], Cancer Research UK [RRG], Alzheimer’s Society [CCN], Merck [CCN], and the Isaac Newton Trust [EG]. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

Being a doctoral student is an experience like no other.

As the highest level of scholarship within education, you’ll experience academic rigor, have to navigate personal challenges, and maintain exceptional organizational skills. 

The upshot is that you emerge from your program with deep knowledge, competitive skills, and a strong professional network.

Earn your doctorate in education.

Recently, USC Rossier students Katie Johns, D’Andre Coats and Ava Jacobs discussed their experiences earning their EdD in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EDL) program.

Aireale Rodgers, a student in the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy (PhD) program also shared her experience pursuing a PhD.  

(Wondering about the differences between doctoral degrees? Check out our PhD vs. EdD comparison blog post .)

Here’s what they said about life as a doctoral student.

A doctoral program has professional perks

A doctoral degree certifies you as an authority in your profession, and can benefit you even before you graduate. The EDL students have received job offers based on their enrollment in the program, and become a trusted resource for questions at work.

One of the reasons that Rodgers enrolled in a PhD program was to reinforce her professional credibility. While she seeks the degree out of passion for her work and to achieve career goals, she acknowledges that as a Black woman working in historically white institutions, the credentials will make her ideas about education policy more “legible to people in power,” she says.

Prepare for personal challenges—and personal growth

Increasingly, PhD and EdD programs in education are rooted in issues of equity. As a doctoral student, you’ll be asked to investigate topics related to race and systems, and what role you play in those systems. 

Self-reflection and challenging conversations with your cohort are not uncommon. You may need to question some of your beliefs and ‘unlearn’ what you previously thought about topics such as racial equity and gender equity . 

However, the doctoral student experience can be transformative. By navigating tough issues, you’re able to broaden your worldview, and acquire tools to make positive change through your work.

Your cohort will become your new family

An academic cohort is the group of students with whom you take all of your required courses. 

A cohort is a major part of graduate school. You share a unique and intense academic and personal experience that few other people will fully understand. 

Great cohorts also provide a strong support network. The PhD program has student-of-color collectives that offer assistive programming, such as writing support. They also hold social events within and between collectives, as well as across cohorts.

Once you graduate, your cohort can become a resource for professional support as well. (USC Rossier students also benefit from being part of the Trojan Family Network .)

Organization is a must

All of the students who offered input for this piece agree that diligent organization is essential to keeping up with their studies. 

Here are some of the tools that doctoral students use to stay organized:

• iCalendar  
• Sticky notes 
• Virtual and hard copies of books
• File folders for individual classes
• Spreadsheets for assigned articles documenting title, name, and ideas (this makes writing papers much easier)
• Google Drive folders to organize articles
• Mendeley (a research and writing organization tool)
• Zotero and Paper Pile (reference managers)
• One Note (note-taking app) 

Make time for self-care

Free time will be scarce once you become a doctoral student, so remember to take care of yourself. Whether that means getting enough sleep, or continuing to do select things you enjoy with your family and friends, self-care will keep you centered. Bonus tip: If you’re especially pinched for time, find a low-key activity where you can take reading material for class. 

Prepare for the transition back to school 

If you’ve been out of school for a while, expect a transition period as you enter your doctoral program. In particular, working professionals will need to figure out how to balance school and employment. 

However, while your schedule will be tough, it’s not an insurmountable challenge. Johns said she had a child and moved despite juggling school and a full-time job. PhD students have also started families and pursued passion projects. 

If your PhD program is fully funded , prepare for a different kind of transition. “It’s an extreme pleasure to be paid to think,” said Rodgers. But one of the challenges as a PhD student in education is to figure out how to translate theories about equity and justice to the classroom.

Accept that you won’t always have the answers

The material in your courses will challenge you. It’s important then to set expectations early, especially if you’re an exceptional student or perfectionist who feels uncomfortable with uncertainty. By learning to cope with the academic rigor, you’ll have an easier experience in your program.

(Temporary) imposter syndrome is not uncommon

You will be surrounded by first-rate students and professors with impressive credentials. The experience can leave some doctoral students feeling like they’re unworthy of the program. But thanks to a supportive cohort, the feeling does subside.

It’s also helpful to remember that you and your cohort are working together to serve a greater purpose. By committing yourself to the collective, transformative power of your work, you stay grounded and confident.

The work is intense 

As you might expect, doctoral students are held to exceptional academic standards. Every program is different, but expect a demanding schedule of reading and writing. 

However, remember that you will probably find value in your work, no matter how intense. “Even on my hardest days, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” said Rodgers.

Your dissertation is a valuable opportunity 

Typically, doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation to earn their degree. The project is an opportunity to tackle a complex problem in your field, and strengthen your authority on the topic. 

Rodgers, whose career goal is to become a tenured professor, is using her dissertation to study “how ideas about racial meaning are explored, contested, and even reimagined in university classrooms.” 

While the process is intensive, your dissertation group, which includes your advisor and fellow classmates, become a backbone of support. “Their rich experiences, valuable perspectives, and funds of knowledge … make the journey easier to navigate,” said Jacobs.

Doctoral student vs. doctoral candidate: What’s the difference?

A doctoral student is someone who is enrolled in doctoral coursework and working towards their degree. A doctoral candidate, on the other hand, has completed all course requirements and exams, but has not yet finished their dissertation.

Final tips for doctoral students

If your doctoral program isn’t fully funded, explore options for paying for grad school. USC Rossier also offers information on scholarships and other ways to finance your study.

For aspiring PhD students of color, the PhD Preparation Summit may be a good resource. Co-created by Rodgers and PhD candidate, Ashley Stewart, the summit is designed to help you prepare your application for PhD programs in education, and connect with other doctoral students and faculty. 

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10 (more) things you should know before starting a PhD

A while back, we asked some of our students to reflect on what they would like to have known before starting a PhD.

Their animated responses were boiled down into our essential listicle, 10 things you need to know before starting a PhD . Thousands of people have read it and, we hope, have been helped in their career journeys as a result.

But there were so many comments we couldn’t fit in, and plenty of new reflections that have arisen since. So, considering how important a decision it can be, we thought we’d give that article an update for 2023. 

We spoke to our current students to find out some more of the things they think you should consider before embarking on this journey.

1. Choosing an institute or a university

Many PhD students don’t consider the differences between a supervisor who works at a research institute or one who works at a university. There are advantages and disadvantages to both….and it’s worth thinking about this, depending on what you want to do with your PhD.

A supervisor based at an institute will usually have more time available to focus on research, rather than teaching undergraduates, and hopefully they’ll be more available for you. This can be ideal if you’re looking to move into research yourself. 

On the downside, it may be more difficult for you to get any teaching experience. If that’s important to you, be sure to ask questions about the teaching opportunities available. 

PhDs at the Earlham Institute

Related reading.

PhD life at the Earlham Institute: what our students say

A PhD, is it worth it? Just ask our students

10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree

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Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

What Makes a Good PhD Student?

In the competitive academic world, PhD programs seek candidates with a mix of qualities for successful academic research. Alongside strong academic achievements, they look for discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to face challenges, among other skills. In essence, PhD programs aim to admit candidates with both a deep understanding of their subject and the resilience and creativity needed to advance knowledge in their field.   

The demand for doctoral positions often exceeds availability, making it essential for PhD candidates to distinguish themselves. In a group of highly qualified applicants, those who are outstanding scholars and show they can handle tough research challenges are more likely to get into a doctoral program. Knowing how to be a good PhD student is like being in possession of a treasure map. It helps you navigate the journey towards becoming an outstanding PhD candidate. 

Table of Contents

Characteristics of a Good PhD Candidate  

A good PhD student embodies a unique combination of characteristics that extend beyond academic brilliance. Let us examine some of these characteristics.¹²

• Discipline, perseverance, and self-motivation:  Discipline ensures that the student adheres to a rigorous schedule, allocates time effectively, and stays focused on their research goals. Perseverance is essential for overcoming the inevitable challenges and setbacks that arise during the doctoral process, whether it is dealing with experimental failures or facing complex theoretical issues. A good PhD student needs to be internally motivated to sustain the long hours of independent work and the persistence required to contribute original insights to their field.  
• Independence:  The ability to work independently is among the critical qualities of a good PhD student. It means they can take charge of their research, make decisions on their own, and explore new ideas without constant guidance. This independence allows them to navigate the complexities of their study, contributing original insights and demonstrating their readiness for the challenges of PhD research.  
• Embracing challenges:  Doctoral research often involves uncharted territories, unanswered questions, and unexpected hurdles. A good PhD student not only anticipates challenges but actively welcomes them as opportunities for learning and growth. Embracing challenges also demonstrates adaptability. Whenever required, PhD students must change their strategies, reconsider ideas, and adapt to evolving research situations. 

  Academic Excellence and Research Capabilities  

Academic excellence and strong research skills are foundational qualities of a good PhD student, serving as cornerstones for success in the demanding world of doctoral studies.³

• Well-versed in the chosen field:  A deep understanding of the subject matter and staying abreast of the latest developments in their field is crucial for PhD students in formulating innovative research questions and designing robust methodologies. 
• Critical thinking:  Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze information, identify patterns, question assumptions, evaluate evidence objectively, and draw meaningful conclusions. It is integral to producing high-quality research that advances the knowledge within a particular field. 
• Passion for research: A deep-seated curiosity is a driving force behind successful PhD students. The enthusiasm for exploring the unknown motivates these individuals to invest the time and effort required for groundbreaking discoveries. 

Effective Communication and Collaboration  

The ability to communicate your academic research confidently and professionally is essential, ensuring that the significance of your work is conveyed clearly to peers, mentors, and the broader academic community. These are among the key characteristics of a good PhD candidate. 

• Confident presentation skills: Confident presentations not only showcase the depth of understanding and mastery of the subject matter but also capture the audience’s attention, ensuring that the research is conveyed with impact. Beyond mere information sharing, confident presentation skills facilitate effective connections, enabling PhD students to engage with peers and mentors, potentially leading to collaborations and valuable feedback.  
• Teamwork and networking:  In academia, teamwork encourages an exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and collective problem-solving. Establishing connections within the academic community is instrumental for staying informed about the latest developments, attending conferences, and building a professional reputation.  

Excelling as a PhD student goes beyond academic brilliance. What makes a good PhD student is a combination of personal qualities, a commitment to hard work, and practical communication skills. Aspiring doctoral candidates should work towards imbibing these characteristics, ensuring they not only survive but thrive in the challenging yet rewarding journey of a doctoral program. Understanding how to be a good PhD student is the first step toward making a lasting impact in the world of academia.   

References:  

• What makes a good PhD student?  – Nature 
• What makes a “good” PhD student?  – London School of Economics 
• What makes a good PhD student?  – University of Queensland 
• How to Be a Successful PhD Student  – John Hopkins University 

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Predoctoral Fellows Program

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Predoctoral Researchers

A paid research position for aspiring phd students..

Predoctoral researchers will conduct qualitative, quantitative, and field research, for a broad range of faculty-led research projects and studies in the areas of management, organizational behavior, finance, strategy, and behavioral sciences.

In addition to supporting academic research projects and receiving mentorship from faculty, Fellows will also have an opportunity to take graduate level courses with the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and will participate in programming and events focused on building community and preparing them for doctoral studies.

The Experience  

“ The program is not just about taking me to my next goal but also focusing on shaping me as a better thinker, building close, long-term professional relationships with peers and professors, as well as imparting the HBS community values that we as program alumni can carry on. ”

Community  

“ I wouldn’t have known how exciting a career in academia would be if I had not been fully immersed in this vibrant research community. The faculty supervisors are mentors, the colleagues are friends, and the staff are supportive. I am grateful for my past experiences here at HBS and I look forward to the journey ahead. ”

Benefits  

“ Not only has my time in this role allowed me to develop the technical skills necessary for research, but it has also pushed me to think critically and creatively about what makes for compelling research. The incredible mentorship I received from faculty helped me hone my skills and discover my own research identity making the HBS predoc program the ultimate preparation for doctoral studies. ”

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10 Tips For PhD Application: How To Pass PhD Admission

Applying for a PhD program can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can also be a fulfilling journey. The key to a successful application lies in thorough preparation and strategic planning.

In this guide, we provide 10 essential tips for aspiring PhD candidates. From starting early in the application process to thoroughly preparing for interviews, these tips are designed to help you navigate the complexities of applying and increase your chances of being admitted to the program of your dreams.

10 Tips For PhD Application – General Advice

Start Early On Your PhD Application 

Starting early on your application process can be a game-changer. Applying for a PhD program is no small feat, and the more time you give yourself, the better. Why? Because a successful PhD application often involves a lot of moving parts, some include: 

• Finding the right program
• Contacting potential supervisors
• Preparing a standout CV, and
• Honing your research proposal

If you’re aiming for a successful PhD admission, begin at least a year before the application deadline. This timeline isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about crafting a compelling application that stands out in a competitive field.

Part of starting early also involves understanding the deadlines. PhD programs have specific deadlines, and missing these can mean waiting another year.

So, start preparing early, research the programs you’re interested in, and make sure you’re ready to apply when the time comes.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more effort you put into preparing your application, the better your chances of embarking on that PhD journey in the program of your dreams.

Decide What Area You Want To Specialise In 

Deciding on your specialization for a PhD application is a pivotal moment in your academic journey. It’s not just about what interests you, but also about where you can contribute significantly to the field. How do you pinpoint the right area to specialize in?

Firstly, think about your long-term career goals. Are you aiming to become a professor, delve into research, or apply your expertise in the industry? Your PhD should align with these aspirations.

For instance, if you’re considering a career in academia, specializing in a niche area like social science or arts and humanities might be more beneficial than a broader subject.

Your past academic and work experience should also guide your decision. Reflect on the courses or projects that energized you the most during your master’s degree or in your job.

Perhaps you thrived in researching specific topics or solving particular types of problems. This introspection can be a powerful indicator of your potential PhD focus.

And don’t forget, your research area should not only interest you but also be viable in terms of available resources, funding, and its relevance in the current job market.

Researching and understanding the demand for specialists in your chosen field can significantly impact your career prospects post-PhD.

Start Looking For A Potential Supervisor

Finding the right supervisor is a critical step in your PhD journey. The supervisor you choose can significantly influence both your experience as a PhD student and your future career. So, how do you go about finding the perfect match for your PhD ambitions?

Firstly, delve into the work of potential supervisors. Read their publications and try to understand their research approach. This will help you gauge whether their interests align with yours. Remember, a good fit in research interests is crucial for a successful PhD experience.

When you find a potential supervisor, reach out to them. Prepare a concise and compelling email, and:

• Introduce yourself
• Your research interests, and
• Why you think they would be a good fit as your advisor.

Attach your CV and a brief description of your research proposal. This initial contact can go a long way in establishing a relationship.

Also, consider the supervisor’s track record. How successful have their previous PhD students been? What do alumni say about their mentoring style? You might even contact current or former students for firsthand insights.

Think about the broader implications of choosing a particular supervisor. They should not only be a guide in your doctoral studies but also a mentor who can open doors in your future career, be it in academia or the industry.

Ask Yourself The Type Of PhD Programme You’re Interested In

Choosing the right PhD program is a critical step in your academic journey. There are various types of PhD programs, each with its unique focus and structure, and selecting the one that aligns with your goals and interests is crucial. Here’s how to navigate this choice effectively.

First, consider the research area that interests you. Are you drawn towards the arts and humanities, social science, or a more specialized field like economics? Each area has its own set of PhD programs, often with differing approaches and focuses.

For example, a PhD in economics might be more quantitatively rigorous and require a strong background in mathematics, unlike a program in the arts.

Look at the structure of the programs. Some PhDs are heavily research-oriented, requiring you to spend most of your time working on your dissertation, while others might involve a significant amount of coursework.

What suits you best depends on your previous education and work experience. For instance, if you have a robust research background from your master’s degree, a research-intensive program might be a good fit.

Think about your career aspirations post-PhD. Different programs have different strengths, especially when it comes to the job market. Some might be geared more towards academia, while others may offer better industry connections.

Apply To Many Programs, But Only If You’re Interested

When applying for a PhD, a key piece of advice is to apply to many programs. Why? Because the admissions process is highly competitive and often unpredictable.

By broadening your options, you increase your chances of acceptance and finding the best fit for your academic and career goals.

Consider your research area and interests. Whether it’s social science, arts and humanities, or a specialized field like economics, each PhD program has its unique strengths.

Applying to multiple programs allows you to explore these differences and find the one that aligns best with your research goals.

Moreover, different programs have:

• Varying resources
• Connections, and
• Reputations

These differences can impact your job market prospects. By applying to a variety of programs, you can weigh these factors against your career aspirations.

However, do not simply go around and apply for anything you come across. make sure you only apply to places you can see yourself going. This prevents you from being seen as not serious, and jeopardise your other applications.

Search For Financial Aid For PhD Students

Navigating the financial aspect of a PhD program is as crucial as the application process itself. As a prospective PhD student, you must understand the various types of financial aid available and how to secure them.

Research the funding options offered by the PhD programs you’re applying to. Many universities provide scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend.

These are often merit-based and may require separate applications, so pay attention to the deadlines and required documents, like your:

• Personal statement, or
• Research proposal.

Assistantships, whether teaching or research, are common in PhD programs, especially in fields like social science or arts and humanities. These positions not only provide financial support but also valuable work and research experience.

Reach out to potential supervisors or faculty members in your desired program to inquire about such opportunities. Remember, securing an assistantship often depends on your skills and background aligning with the department’s needs.

Look beyond the university for funding. Numerous external organisations offer grants and scholarships for PhD students, such as:

• Foundations,
• Government bodies,
• Social charities, and
• Corporations.

These can be research area-specific, like grants for a PhD in science, or more general. 

Applying for external funding requires a strong application, often including recommendation letters and a detailed research proposal.

Don’t overlook the importance of networking. Connect with current PhD students, alumni, or faculty members for advice and insights on funding opportunities.

They can provide valuable tips and may even alert you to lesser-known scholarships or funding sources.

Spend Ample Time On Your Research Proposal

Crafting a compelling research proposal is a vital component of your PhD application. It’s your chance to showcase your academic capabilities and the originality of your research idea. So, how do you prepare a research proposal that stands out?

Be clear and precise about your research area. Whether it’s social science, economics, or arts and humanities, your proposal should reflect a deep understanding of the field.

Start by identifying a specific research topic that not only interests you but also contributes something new to the academic discourse.

Your proposal should clearly articulate the:

• Research question,
• Objectives,
• The significance of your study, and
• Limitation of the study.

Explain why your research is important, both within the academic community and beyond. This could involve addressing a gap in existing research or exploring a novel approach to an established topic.

A well-structured methodology is essential. Outline how you plan to conduct your research, including the methods and resources you will use. This shows that you have a realistic and feasible plan to complete your PhD.

Literature review plays a key role. Demonstrate your familiarity with existing research and theories in your field. This not only establishes the context of your study but also shows that you’re building upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

Be mindful of the requirements of the PhD program you’re applying to. Tailor your proposal to fit their focus and expectations.

If you have a potential supervisor in mind, make sure your proposal aligns with their research interests, as this can greatly increase your chances of acceptance.

Your proposal should reflect your ability for critical thinking and academic writing. Take the time to revise and refine your proposal. Seek feedback from mentors or peers, and ensure that your proposal is as strong as it can be.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications

Highlighting relevant qualifications in your PhD application is critical in demonstrating your suitability and readiness for the rigorous journey ahead. So, what should you emphasize and how should you present these qualifications?

Focus on your academic background. Include your:

• Test scores, like the GRE,
• Academic achievements,
• Presentations, or
• Publications.

Your research experience is a significant part of your application. Detail any research projects, dissertations, or theses you have worked on, especially those that align with your intended area of study.

This shows potential supervisors that you have a solid foundation in research methodologies and are capable of conducting independent research.

Work experience can also be relevant, especially if it’s related to your field of study. If you’ve worked in a role or on a project that’s closely tied to your proposed research area, make sure to include this in your CV and personal statement.

In your personal statement, articulate your passion for the field, your research interests, and how your background makes you a good fit for the program. This is your chance to connect your past experiences with your future research ambitions.

Be aware of the specific requirements of the PhD programs you’re applying to. Tailor your application to show how you meet these criteria. Show that you understand what the program offers and how it aligns with your goals.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Securing strong letters of recommendation is a critical part of your PhD application. These letters provide insight into your academic and research capabilities, crucial for the admission committees. But how do you go about getting these recommendations?

Firstly, think about who knows you and your work well. This could be:

• A professor from your master’s degree,
• A Supervisor from a research project, or
• Even a professional mentor.

The key is to choose individuals who can speak in detail about your qualifications and potential as a PhD student.

When you’ve identified potential recommenders, approach them well before the application deadline. Give them enough time to write a thoughtful letter. Remember, a rushed letter is rarely a good one.

Be specific about your request. Inform them about:

• The PhD program you are applying to
• Why you think you’re a good fit.

This helps them tailor the letter to your application. It’s also helpful to provide them with your CV, personal statement, and a summary of your research proposal, so they have all the information they need.

If you’re applying to multiple programs, make sure your recommenders are aware of this. Some might be willing to write multiple letters, or you may need to seek additional recommenders.

Always express gratitude to your recommenders. They are investing time and effort to help you on your journey to becoming a PhD candidate.

Thoroughly Prepare For Your Doctoral Interview

Preparing thoroughly for a PhD interview is a crucial step in your application process. It’s your chance to make a strong impression and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the program. So, how do you prepare effectively?

Understand the PhD program and its requirements. Before the interview, research the program thoroughly. Know its strengths, the kind of research it supports, and its faculty members, especially if you have a potential supervisor in mind.

Review your application materials. Be ready to discuss anything from your:

• Personal statement
• Research proposal, and
• Rest scores, like the GRE.

The interviewers may ask about your academic and research experiences, so be prepared to talk about them in detail.

Anticipate common interview questions. These can range from your reasons for applying, your research interests, to how you plan to contribute to the program. Practice your responses, but keep them natural and not overly rehearsed.

Prepare your own questions. This demonstrates your interest in the program and helps you gather important information. You might want to ask about the kind of support PhD students receive, the research facilities, or opportunities for collaboration within the department.

Remember that the interview is also a chance for you to assess if the program is the right fit for you. It’s not just about impressing the interviewers, but also about understanding if the program aligns with your academic goals and interests.

Wrapping Up

A successful PhD application hinges on careful planning, understanding program specifics, and presenting your qualifications effectively. These 10 tips offer a roadmap to enhance your application, showcasing your readiness for this challenging but rewarding academic journey.

Each aspect of the application, from choosing the right program to acing the interview, contributes to your goal. Stay focused, be authentic, and let your passion for your chosen field shine through to embark on a successful PhD path.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Aspiring PhDs: the (un)surprising relation between doctoral students and research productivity

• Review Paper
• Published: 22 January 2023
• Volume 3 , article number  32 , ( 2023 )

Cite this article

• Cristóbal Rodríguez-Montoya   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8988-0248 1 ,
• Carlos Zerpa-García   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7150-384X 2 &
• Mirnalin Cherubin   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4296-4046 3  

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Knowledge is a significant driver of economic growth. For higher education institutions (HEIs)-prime knowledge generators- as well as for nations, research productivity is a priority. The contribution of PhD students to research productivity is not entirely visible. This lack of visibility may have implications for policy making at the institutional and national level. This research employed a bi-level, mixed-method approach: qualitative at the microlevel (institutionally and individually) for inductive insights about the connection of PhD programs and students to research productivity; and quantitative at the macro-level, analyzing data from 78 countries, from 2014 to 2019. We found a statistically significant correlation between the number of PhD students and the quantity of papers published: over 90% ( R 2  = 0.904, F (1.365) = 3431.9, p  < 0.01). Participant observation provided theoretical insights about the “how” and “why” of the student´s connection to research productivity.

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Rodríguez-Montoya, C., Zerpa-García, C. & Cherubin, M. Aspiring PhDs: the (un)surprising relation between doctoral students and research productivity. SN Soc Sci 3 , 32 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-023-00616-8

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