Hello! First of all, Merry Christmas! I just wanted to come by to say thank you. I don’t know if you remember my case, but I wrote a message about the professor who never answered me after the pre-interview (she still hasn’t 🤣, and I haven’t sent anything else either). You were so attentive to me and gave me the advice to apply anyway, and I did. Last week, the director of the program sent me an email saying that all the faculty were impressed with my application, and he selected me for the next interview. Maybe, if I hadn’t listened to you and taken a chance despite the “ghosting,” I wouldn’t have done it. Thank you. Now, I’m doing my best to prepare for this interview. Know that your work here is valuable. All the best to you, and I’ll keep you updated with any news about it. 🙏
Your videos have been an absolute game-changer for me-thank you sincerely for creating and sharing these resources. If a student is certain they want to work with a specific professor due to the perfect alignment of their research goals, how can they express this professionally in their interaction? Additionally, what steps can they take to maximize their chances of securing a position in the professor’s lab without appearing overly intense or limiting their options?
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm so glad these videos are helpful. Per your question: Beyond simply stating your interests, which most other candidates will also do, consider taking steps to demonstrate your commitment through action. For example, you could offer to volunteer in the lab without pay, showing a level of dedication that sets you apart as exceptionally motivated. Alternatively, you might ask the advisor if they would be willing to serve on your undergraduate thesis or master’s committee, further demonstrating your interest in collaboration. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you could also express your intention to apply for an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) prior to applying, highlighting your willingness to secure funding to join their lab. If you apply to the GRFP before starting the program, you gain an additional opportunity to apply later, allowing for two attempts instead of just one. These proactive approaches go beyond what most applicants do and clearly communicate your commitment and enthusiasm. Good luck!
Thanks for the video, it was really helpful! I would like to ask you if you could deepen about the application to PhD projects which are not specifically connected to a specific supervisor. In this case, how should we proceed to write the statement of purpose if we only know the research area but not a specific research project? Thank you again! I really enjoy your contents!
If you’re unsure about the specific projects or funding the professor is currently working on, it’s best to focus on framing your previous experiences and education in a way that supports the general aims of their lab. Highlight how your past work aligns with the professor’s previous publications and research themes. Additionally, mention a few unique aspects of your background or expertise that could introduce fresh perspectives or ideas to their lab. Even if they are not immediately interested in these new areas, demonstrating your ability to contribute to their ongoing work while potentially expanding into new directions can make you stand out. The goal is to position yourself as a valuable asset to the group. I hope that helps!
Thank you for this video!
I'm sure these tips will be very useful in my application journey.
Hello! First of all, Merry Christmas! I just wanted to come by to say thank you. I don’t know if you remember my case, but I wrote a message about the professor who never answered me after the pre-interview (she still hasn’t 🤣, and I haven’t sent anything else either). You were so attentive to me and gave me the advice to apply anyway, and I did. Last week, the director of the program sent me an email saying that all the faculty were impressed with my application, and he selected me for the next interview. Maybe, if I hadn’t listened to you and taken a chance despite the “ghosting,” I wouldn’t have done it. Thank you. Now, I’m doing my best to prepare for this interview. Know that your work here is valuable. All the best to you, and I’ll keep you updated with any news about it. 🙏
Congratulations!!! That is great news. Please keep me updated on your process. Good luck with your interview!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for all this information
I sincerely appreciate you.
Your channel has changed the landscape of my application
I am so glad they are helping! Please let me know if there are other topics you would like me to cover.
Your videos have been an absolute game-changer for me-thank you sincerely for creating and sharing these resources.
If a student is certain they want to work with a specific professor due to the perfect alignment of their research goals, how can they express this professionally in their interaction? Additionally, what steps can they take to maximize their chances of securing a position in the professor’s lab without appearing overly intense or limiting their options?
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm so glad these videos are helpful.
Per your question: Beyond simply stating your interests, which most other candidates will also do, consider taking steps to demonstrate your commitment through action. For example, you could offer to volunteer in the lab without pay, showing a level of dedication that sets you apart as exceptionally motivated. Alternatively, you might ask the advisor if they would be willing to serve on your undergraduate thesis or master’s committee, further demonstrating your interest in collaboration.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you could also express your intention to apply for an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) prior to applying, highlighting your willingness to secure funding to join their lab. If you apply to the GRFP before starting the program, you gain an additional opportunity to apply later, allowing for two attempts instead of just one. These proactive approaches go beyond what most applicants do and clearly communicate your commitment and enthusiasm. Good luck!
Thanks for the video, it was really helpful!
I would like to ask you if you could deepen about the application to PhD projects which are not specifically connected to a specific supervisor. In this case, how should we proceed to write the statement of purpose if we only know the research area but not a specific research project?
Thank you again! I really enjoy your contents!
If you’re unsure about the specific projects or funding the professor is currently working on, it’s best to focus on framing your previous experiences and education in a way that supports the general aims of their lab. Highlight how your past work aligns with the professor’s previous publications and research themes. Additionally, mention a few unique aspects of your background or expertise that could introduce fresh perspectives or ideas to their lab. Even if they are not immediately interested in these new areas, demonstrating your ability to contribute to their ongoing work while potentially expanding into new directions can make you stand out. The goal is to position yourself as a valuable asset to the group. I hope that helps!