GRAD ECHO

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of a fully funded PhD position at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Fawad Ahmad is an Assistant Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. His research focuses on building mobile systems that enable humans and machines like self-driving cars, and drones to perceive, and understand the world better. Research at Dr. Fawad’s lab is published at top networks/systems and mobile systems venues like MobiSys, MobiCom, NSDI etc. Students from his lab intern at places like General Motors.

About the Project:

A live 3D digital twin is a high-fidelity 3D replica of some physical object or scene, which evolves with the physical object in real-time. These twins are starting to enable ground-breaking capabilities in numerous applications ranging from autonomous driving and manufacturing to sports analytics. In his research lab, Dr. Fawad builds reusable perception infrastructure to build these digital twins and then build end-to-end cyber-physical systems that leverage these twins in different applications.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in the domain of the project) Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Prior Experience in Computer Vision and/or robotics and networks/systems

Application:

Interested candidates should please email Dr. Fawad at fawad@cs.rit.edu with:

A short description about yourself Provide a clear description of why you are interested in the specific topics above Explain how your background applies specifically to this position, Your academic curriculum vitae (CV).

Dr Fawad post.jpg

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of fully funded MS and PhD positions at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Muhammad Taqi Raza is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His areas of expertise include Mobile Networked Systems, Quantum Network Security, and Internet of Things.

About the Research Lab:

The Khwarizmi Lab is a joint venture between University of Massachusetts Amherst, the National Science Foundation, and the Center for Quantum Networks. The Khwarizmi lab is dedicated to solving challenging problems lying at the intersection of systems and algorithms. In particular, their research focuses on developing secure and effective solutions in FinTech, Quantum Networks, and Critical Infrastructures – such as 5G Mobile Networks, and Industrial Control Systems.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in Networked Systems and Security domain) Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Applicants strongly motivated to apply to graduate school in North America are encouraged to apply

Application:

Interested candidates should fill this form. Dr. Taqi will personally oversee the applications, and reach out to select candidates.

Dr Taqi Final.jpg

Are you planning to apply to one of the top 100 US universities? We've compiled a comprehensive list of MSCS and PhD CS application deadlines based on the latest USNews rankings to help you stay on track. Ensure you don't miss out on your dream school's deadline!

📅 Deadlines

Please make sure to verify the deadlines with the respective universities, as dates may change. Our team strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but it's always best to double-check.

Applying for a Master's program can be a daunting process, but avoiding these common mistakes can improve your chances of success.

1. Insufficient research on program fit

Failing to understand the program's curriculum and areas of specializations Ignoring program competitiveness and acceptance rates Failing to research the program’s faculty, resources, and strengths Not considering the program's industry connections and job placement rates

2. Weak statement of purpose:

Failing to articulate one’s motivations, achievements, and fit for the program. Failing to craft a compelling narrative that ties past experiences to future goals Overemphasizing personal background without linking to academic interests. Not tailoring the statement to each specific program Failing to address weak areas in their academic record Poor writing quality, including grammar errors and lack of coherence

3. Inadequate preparation for recommenders:

Not securing strong, detailed letters of recommendation from people who from individuals who can attest to your qualifications and potential Choosing recommenders solely based on prestige rather than their personal knowledge of you Not providing recommenders with sufficient information about their goals and the program Not giving recommenders ample time to write letters

4. Underestimating the importance of academic performance and test scores:

Not addressing weak areas in their academic record Insufficient preparation for GRE/GMAT (wherever required), particularly in areas relevant to the program Overlooking program-specific requirements or preferred score ranges

5. Overlooking relevant experience:

Undervaluing internships, project work, or independent studies related to the field Neglecting to showcase interdisciplinary experiences that could set them apart (if applicable) Failing to highlight leadership roles and relevant co-curricular activities

6. Neglecting to build a professional network:

Not attending graduate school fairs or information sessions Failing to connect with alumni or current students of target programs Underutilizing LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms

7. Poor time management in the application process:

Starting the application process too late Underestimating the time needed for essay/SOP revisions and gathering materials Missing opportunities for early admission or funding deadlines (if applicable)

8. Inadequate financial planning:

Not researching and applying for relevant scholarships and grants Failing to understand the full cost of attendance, including living expenses Not considering the return on investment for different programs

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If you are graduating with a CS bachelors and would like to apply for masters in other fields such as finance or even philosophy, do you still have good chances of funding / scholarships? And are you at a disadvantage compared to other applicants?

Most funded masters in the US / Canada are based on TA/RAship so those won't be accessible, so perhaps UK universities?

Is there precedence of someone who has done this so I can connect with them?

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of a fully funded PhD position at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Fawad Ahmad is an Assistant Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. His research focuses on building mobile systems that enable humans and machines like self-driving cars, and drones to perceive, and understand the world better. Research at Dr. Fawad’s lab is published at top networks/systems and mobile systems venues like MobiSys, MobiCom, NSDI etc. Students from his lab intern at places like General Motors.

About the Project:

A live 3D digital twin is a high-fidelity 3D replica of some physical object or scene, which evolves with the physical object in real-time. These twins are starting to enable ground-breaking capabilities in numerous applications ranging from autonomous driving and manufacturing to sports analytics. In his research lab, Dr. Fawad builds reusable perception infrastructure to build these digital twins and then build end-to-end cyber-physical systems that leverage these twins in different applications.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in the domain of the project) Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Prior Experience in Computer Vision and/or robotics and networks/systems

Application:

Interested candidates should please email Dr. Fawad at fawad@cs.rit.edu with:

A short description about yourself Provide a clear description of why you are interested in the specific topics above Explain how your background applies specifically to this position, Your academic curriculum vitae (CV).

Dr Fawad post.jpg

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of fully funded MS and PhD positions at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Muhammad Taqi Raza is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His areas of expertise include Mobile Networked Systems, Quantum Network Security, and Internet of Things.

About the Research Lab:

The Khwarizmi Lab is a joint venture between University of Massachusetts Amherst, the National Science Foundation, and the Center for Quantum Networks. The Khwarizmi lab is dedicated to solving challenging problems lying at the intersection of systems and algorithms. In particular, their research focuses on developing secure and effective solutions in FinTech, Quantum Networks, and Critical Infrastructures – such as 5G Mobile Networks, and Industrial Control Systems.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in Networked Systems and Security domain) Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Applicants strongly motivated to apply to graduate school in North America are encouraged to apply

Application:

Interested candidates should fill this form. Dr. Taqi will personally oversee the applications, and reach out to select candidates.

Dr Taqi Final.jpg

At the end of my sophomore year during my undergraduate program, I still had no idea about what I was going to do once I graduated. I had tested the waters with an internship and had a rough idea that a software engineering job was not a good fit for me. I attended a seminar by Dr. Ihsan about grad school where I first learned that I could also consider applying for a PhD program without getting a master's degree first. I had no experience with research back then. Still, a few things about a PhD stood out to me: a certain amount of freedom in pursuing problems you’re interested in, ownership of your work, and the possibility of staying in a school a bit longer :p. This led me to seek advice from many seniors and professors, whose timely advice gave me more clarity on the fact that I indeed wanted to pursue a PhD and put my trajectory on the right path.

Since I had just one year left until I had to apply for grad schools, I planned my next year around this goal. I took multiple research project-centered courses in different areas. This helped me ascertain what areas I potentially liked and with certainly more clarity, what areas I did not like. Taking these courses also reaffirmed that I indeed enjoyed research. I had further discussions with my professors (Dr. Ihsan, Dr. Zafar, and Dr. Junaid) who helped me in making decisions about what research areas I should consider, and resultantly what labs I should apply to. They also gave me crucial feedback on my application material. I was finally able to secure admission to one of my top preferences. The advice from my professors and peers has also helped me throughout my PhD journey so far.

My advice to other sophomores who find themselves in my shoes would be to seek advice from your seniors and professors. Ask a lot of questions, assess the responses you get, and then make a decision about what you want to do after your graduation. PhD is a significantly long commitment, therefore you should have strong reasons to pursue it. Discuss with seniors and professors about why you should pursue a PhD (or not).

Once you decide that you indeed want to pursue a PhD, you should plan how you want to apply. Preparing for good applications can take almost a year, therefore it is good to have clarity on your future goals early on. Assess your academics (GPA, research experience, etc.) and draft a plan for yourself (i.e. what courses you need to take, what areas you want to explore, how to improve your profile, etc.). All things will not go according to your plan, but it will still push you in the expected direction. Take courses where you’re expected to do a research project, find collaborators, and aim to do a project that you can try to submit to a conference or a journal. Having collaborators and advisors, who can write strong recommendations for you can significantly strengthen your application. Similarly, delivering a strong research project or submitting a good paper can also improve your chances.

Lastly, it is crucial to take good care of your mental health during this time period. Getting rejections or facing failures in not being able to achieve certain goals can be devastating. But during this time, turn to friends, family, and your peers for support.

The key components of a graduate school application for MS/PhD programs include Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation (usually 3), Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, and Test Scores. Universities in some countries (e.g., Australia, UK) also require developing a research proposal when applying for PhD programs.

As a professor who has served on graduate admissions committees, I've seen firsthand how these components are used to evaluate applicants. As we examine each application component in this post, I invite you to imagine yourself as an admission committee member tasked with identifying the most promising candidates from a large applicant pool. The challenge is not just to select candidates who meet the criteria, but also to predict who will thrive in the program. This task requires a careful analysis of the components of graduate applications.

Each element provides a crucial piece of the puzzle, collectively forming a comprehensive picture of the applicant. Committees approach this evaluation holistically, considering how these components interact rather than fixating on any single factor. For instance, a stellar GPA might be offset by weak letters of recommendation, or exceptional research experience could outweigh mediocre test scores.

Now, let's dive into each component, examining its importance, limitations, and how it contributes to the decision-making process:

1. Transcripts Importance: Transcripts provide a comprehensive view of an applicant's academic history, including course selection, grades, and overall GPA. How they're used: Admissions committees analyze not just the overall GPA, but the trajectory of grades, difficulty of coursework, and performance in subjects crucial to the program. A rising trend in grades can sometimes outweigh a lower overall GPA. They also consider the reputation and rigor of the applicant's institution. Limitations: Transcripts don't reveal the full story. They don't show circumstances that might have affected performance (e.g., personal hardships). The predictive power of a GPA can also vary significantly depending on the undergraduate institution's grading policies and the rigor of the coursework. 2. Letters of Recommendation Importance: These letters offer insights into an applicant's abilities, work ethic, and potential from those who have worked closely with them. How they're used: Admissions committees look for specific examples of the applicant's strengths, research capabilities, and how they compare to other students. Strong letters can significantly boost an application. Limitations: Not all recommenders write equally compelling letters. Some may be overly positive without providing substantive information. 3. Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement Importance: This is the applicant's chance to directly communicate their goals, research interests, and fit for the program. How they're used: Admissions committees assess the clarity of thought, writing ability, and alignment between the applicant's interests and our program's strengths. It's also a chance to explain any weaknesses in the application. Limitations: Some applicants may have received extensive help in crafting their statements, potentially masking their thought process, depth of applicant’s experiences, or true writing abilities. 4. Resume/CV Importance: This document provides a snapshot of the applicant's academic and professional experiences. How they're used: We look for relevant research experience, publications, presentations, and any unique skills or experiences that set the applicant apart. Limitations: Resumes can be padded or may not fully capture the depth of an applicant's experiences. 5. Test Scores (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS, GRE) Importance: While their significance is decreasing, test scores still aim to provide a standardized metric for comparing applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. How they're used: Scores are often used as an initial filter and to complement other parts of the application. High scores can compensate for weaker areas elsewhere. Limitations: These tests have been criticized for bias and may not accurately predict graduate school success. Many programs are moving away from requiring them. 6. Research Proposal

(Note: This is primarily needed for PhD applications in some countries/regions, e.g., UK, Australia and Europe but NOT in US/Canada in general)

Importance: This demonstrates the applicant's ability to conceptualize and plan a research project. How they're used: Admissions committees assess the proposal's originality, feasibility, and alignment with faculty research interests. It's a key indicator of research potential. Limitations: Proposals may be overly ambitious or may change significantly once the student begins the program.

For undergraduate students aspiring to pursue graduate studies or simply expand their academic horizons, gaining research experience can be invaluable. However, the path to meaningful research involvement isn't always straightforward, especially for students at institutions without extensive research programs. In this article, I will outline effective strategies for undergraduates to acquire and make the most of research opportunities.

Start Early and Be Proactive
The journey into research should ideally begin early in your undergraduate studies. Summer before junior year is an excellent time to start looking for research projects. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out within your department. This could involve joining a lab, assisting faculty with ongoing projects, or proposing an independent study project. Being proactive demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment, qualities that faculty members highly value in potential research assistants.

Find a Mentor and Build Relationships
A key step in your research journey is finding a mentor. A faculty advisor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for deeper involvement in research. When approaching potential mentors, show genuine interest in their work and come prepared with questions or ideas. As you work with your mentor, focus on building a strong professional relationship. This can lead to more responsibilities, better letters of recommendation, and potentially even co-authorship on publications depending on the extent of research contributions.

Develop Essential Skills and Take Ownership
To excel in research, focus on developing crucial skills related to research methods, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Take relevant courses, attend workshops, and seek out online resources to enhance your skill set. Once involved in a project, demonstrate your commitment by taking ownership. This means showing genuine engagement, learning new concepts and tools relevant to the research, and proactively exploring new ideas and approaches. Over time, aim to take on more responsibility by suggesting new ideas, contributing to writing papers, presenting work, and even mentoring junior students.

Engage with the Broader Research Community
Research doesn't happen in isolation. Attend talks, seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed about current research trends and connect with other researchers. These events provide opportunities to learn about cutting-edge work in your field and network with peers and potential future collaborators or advisors. Engaging with the broader research community can also help you identify new areas of interest and potential future research directions.

Document Your Work and Seek Feedback
Keep detailed records of your research activities, methodologies, and findings. This documentation will be invaluable when writing your statement of purpose or research summaries for graduate school applications. It also helps you track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Regularly seek feedback from your mentor and peers on your work. This not only helps you improve but also demonstrates your commitment to growth and excellence in research.

Consider Gaining Research Experience Post Graduation
If you're attending a university without extensive research programs or haven't had the opportunity to gain research experience during your undergraduate studies, consider dedicating 1-2 years after graduation to working as a research assistant. This extended period allows for deeper engagement with research projects and can significantly strengthen your graduate school applications. Look for RA positions at research-intensive universities or reputable research institutions in your field of interest. This experience can provide you with the skills, research experience, and recommendations needed to compete effectively for reputable graduate programs.

In my view, by following these strategies, undergraduate students can gain valuable research experience that will serve them well going forward. Remember, the key is to be proactive, committed, and always eager to learn. Whether you're working in a well-equipped lab or creating opportunities from limited resources, your attitude, effort and work ethic will be the primary drivers of your success in research.

I had a 3.0 CGPA at the end of my freshman year in college and a grade of C+ in my introduction to computer science class and was heavily dejected at the possibility of not being able to pursue my major simply because I could not meet the requirements. I did not respond well enough to the learning environment at my university and the transition from highschool to university was massive for me. To be completely candid, I did have a chronic procrastination problem. While I could manage that in highschool by cramming up the syllabus right before examinations and doing a few past papers to understand patterns, this attitude could not succeed in university. This is something I learned the hard way. Everything was fast paced and we had to learn several courses in less than 5 months. This required regular and consistent effort. Half of my second semester was spent online due to COVID. Upon semester completion I utilized the golden opportunity offered by online learning platforms on Coursera with discounted rates to relearn whatever I had studied in my first year. I started with Harvard CS50, an introductory computer science course, and ended up taking complete specializations in niches like cybersecurity, databases and algorithms. Supplementing my university learning with online courses allowed me to gain a very in depth understanding of key concepts and allowed me to ask deeper questions and investigate and understand things more than the average student in my class. I made a habit of learning online prior to lectures to gain an upper hand in what was taught in class. This practice enabled me to secure a 3.7 CGPA by graduation and allowed me to secure a fully funded master’s in my dream program.

I want to shed further light on exploring opportunities beyond what your university has to offer. Gathering extra skills online significantly boosted my confidence and filled up the skills section of my resume. This allowed me to compete with international students for highly valued opportunities like Research Programs for Undergraduates at prestigious universities. Getting a letter of recommendation from these programs allowed me to demonstrate my caliber as a researcher and significantly aided my applications. I encourage all prospective applicants to explore online resources and talk to as many people as they can who have made it into their target programs to better understand which profiles stand a solid chance at admission and then utilize these learnings to build their own profile.

I applied to a total of 20 universities in the U.S for my undergraduate studies. I had competitive test scores, and Cambridge O levels and A levels internal results that were easily among the top 5 students in a highly competitive highschool in Lahore. Despite an array of stellar co curricular activities, I received 14 waitlists and 6 rejections. The number of waitlists indicated that my application was missing a key element. Most of my universities definitely considered me for admission, but I kept falling short of some final criteria. Upon deep reflection with counselors in my school and teachers, I realized that my common essay (sent to all universities), was lacking in a cohesive story. I had ended up submitting a very pretentious essay that was all over the place. I tried to fit in everything I had done, without any unique hook binding these elements together. I also falsely believed that colleges only need story-based essays that are well written with fancy verbiage.

My essay did not reflect my genuine interests and failed to encapsulate my journey in pursuing my extra-curricular activities. I ended up enrolling in a local university with my mind set on receiving a graduate school admission by the end of my degree. I took full control of the process and networked extensively with past alumni as well as my professors. I made sure to take the first 2 years to explore what I was actually interested in. I explored various subfields within my undergraduate major to assess what I wanted to specialize in. I did this through internships, personal projects, as well as course projects. I then used my last 2 years to pursue a specific niche within my discipline and gathered research experience within this domain. I took advanced courses in this field and tailored each project to ensure a cohesive story of my journey. I chose my professors for recommendations very early on, and spent 2 years building a very concrete relationship with them so they could speak to my ability, my passion, and my creativity. This allowed me to successfully portray significant investment of time and energy in my choice of graduate studies major, and the recommendations supported this journey very well.

I believe it is this dedicated and directed effort that led me to securing 6/8 admissions for my graduate studies in Mathematical Finance, including my top choice program. I encourage students to think deeply before applying to graduate school and then carefully deciding their universities and understanding their requirements well in advance to ensure they can demonstrate a good fit in their applications with well supported evidence through their CV, personal statement and recommendation letters.

I completed my MS in Computer Science without a research thesis. I now want to pursue a PhD in Computer Science and become a researcher who makes a significant impact on society. My research interest lies at the intersection of machine learning applications in healthcare. How can I start this journey? Is it possible to begin now, or should I consider doing master's degree again?

I learnt many interesting algorithms during my Master's like SVM and CNN

I also have good experience of Python. I can implement these algorithms to solve real world problems.

Applying to PhD programs requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of academic expectations. This post outlines the key challenges faced by doctoral applicants, offering insights to help prospective students navigate the competitive admissions process.

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1. Lack of Research Experience:

Not engaging in substantive research projects Lack of familiarity with research methodologies specific to their field Lack of understanding of the research publication process

2. Weak Statement of Purpose:

Failing to articulate one’s motivations, achievements, and fit for the program. Failing to craft a compelling narrative that ties past experiences to future goals Not demonstrating a clear understanding of the field and current trends Overemphasizing personal history without linking to academic interests Failing to explain or contextualize weak areas in their academic record Not highlighting relevant advanced coursework or independent studies Not tailoring the statement to each specific program Poor writing quality, including grammar errors and lack of coherence

3. Poor Fit with Program:

Not matching personal research interests with the program’s core focus areas and faculty strengths Overlooking key program attributes such as size, competitiveness, and funding opportunities Inadequate research on potential advisors’ research interests, mentorship style, funding status, and student success rates

4. Inadequate Recommender Preparation:

Not securing strong, detailed letters of recommendation from people who are well acquainted with the applicant’s capabilities and research potential Choosing recommenders based solely on prestige rather than personal knowledge of the applicant’s work Failing to provide recommenders with enough information about your goals, achievements, and target programs Failing to provide recommenders with sufficient time to write thoughtful, in-depth letters

5. Misunderstanding the nature of PhD work:

Lack of understanding about the essential components of PhD programs and their rigorous nature Not considering long-term career pathways both within and outside academia Unrealistic expectations about work-life balance during graduate school

6. Inadequate interview preparation (if called/invited):

Inability to clearly discuss research interests and career objectives during interviews Insufficient preparation for in-depth discussions about their field

7. Neglecting to develop essential soft skills:

Underestimating the importance of effective communication and presentation skills Not demonstrating resilience and ability to handle constructive criticism and setbacks

8. Overlooking the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge (if applicable):

Failing to show how their research interests intersect with or draw from multiple disciplines Not highlighting diverse academic or professional experiences that bring unique perspectives to their research

Applying for a Master's program can be a daunting process, but avoiding these common mistakes can improve your chances of success.

1. Insufficient research on program fit

Failing to understand the program's curriculum and areas of specializations Ignoring program competitiveness and acceptance rates Failing to research the program’s faculty, resources, and strengths Not considering the program's industry connections and job placement rates

2. Weak statement of purpose:

Failing to articulate one’s motivations, achievements, and fit for the program. Failing to craft a compelling narrative that ties past experiences to future goals Overemphasizing personal background without linking to academic interests. Not tailoring the statement to each specific program Failing to address weak areas in their academic record Poor writing quality, including grammar errors and lack of coherence

3. Inadequate preparation for recommenders:

Not securing strong, detailed letters of recommendation from people who from individuals who can attest to your qualifications and potential Choosing recommenders solely based on prestige rather than their personal knowledge of you Not providing recommenders with sufficient information about their goals and the program Not giving recommenders ample time to write letters

4. Underestimating the importance of academic performance and test scores:

Not addressing weak areas in their academic record Insufficient preparation for GRE/GMAT (wherever required), particularly in areas relevant to the program Overlooking program-specific requirements or preferred score ranges

5. Overlooking relevant experience:

Undervaluing internships, project work, or independent studies related to the field Neglecting to showcase interdisciplinary experiences that could set them apart (if applicable) Failing to highlight leadership roles and relevant co-curricular activities

6. Neglecting to build a professional network:

Not attending graduate school fairs or information sessions Failing to connect with alumni or current students of target programs Underutilizing LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms

7. Poor time management in the application process:

Starting the application process too late Underestimating the time needed for essay/SOP revisions and gathering materials Missing opportunities for early admission or funding deadlines (if applicable)

8. Inadequate financial planning:

Not researching and applying for relevant scholarships and grants Failing to understand the full cost of attendance, including living expenses Not considering the return on investment for different programs

I am currently just promoted to final year of my architecture school. Should I apply for masters in architecture or should I opt for gaining experience under an architecture firm right after graduation?

What are the academic requirements for securing a fully funded scholarship for master's in europe? specifically for master's in data science or AI?

During my senior year of undergrad, I applied for MS Computer Science programs with hopes of starting in Fall 2023. I received offers from the University of Virginia, the University of Arizona, and the University of Iowa. I chose the University of Arizona, largely because I secured a TAship for a course on Linux Operating Systems that would fund my first semester. However, I found myself yearning for more research opportunities in my field of interest, which were limited at Arizona.

My advisor saw my potential and suggested I pivot to a research assistantship (RAship) and reapply. Embracing this new direction, I dived into research and discovered a deep passion for it. This journey transformed my goals, leading me to pursue a more research-intensive degree: a PhD.

Learning from my previous application experience, I meticulously curated my university list, ensuring each program aligned with my research interests and had faculty whose work genuinely intrigued me. With the guidance of my advisors, I applied to 12 universities.

I had seven interviews with faculty members from various institutions. However, as the weeks passed, the tide turned; I began receiving rejections from places where I had interviewed. Doubt started to creep in, but I remained hopeful and resilient.

In my last interview chance with UC Irvine, i crafted my presentation slides with great care and sent follow up emails sharing my after thoughts from the meeting and connected my proposed research as a synthesis of my PIs past research and new developments in the field. These personalized efforts helped me finally received a fully funded PhD offer.

At the end of my undergraduate (Management Science), I was clueless about the kinds of programs I was eligible to apply for in graduate school. My primary motivation lies in utilising data science and analytics to leverage positive change in the development sector. I had a decent exposure to statistics/ computer science and econometrics in my undergraduate but lacked a robust base in either domain. Demonstrated excellence or exposure in these subject areas was a hard prerequisite listed for data science graduate programs. I found myself regretting not building these foundations earlier.

I took a month to reevaluate my options upon graduation and decided to dedicate 7-8 months to building a robust data science profile. I started with securing a research assistantship at LUMS and working on a data driven public policy project to yield tangible output from my work. At the same time I took on multiple online specialisations and certifications (many of which can be free of cost e.g, Coursera offers financial aid to students at almost a 100% rate) to diversify my skill set and fill gaps in required prerequisites. To demonstrate further interest and investment in the field, I worked on a personal project which used some advanced or recently developed techniques in the domain of data science. These experiences also pushed me to give back to my community at the business school (where I majored from). I wanted to contribute to the learning environment there and provide avenues for technical skill development. I ended up co-designing a graduate level data science course which met industrial needs better than traditionally taught content. This experience added a leadership and initiative element to my profile within my field of interest.

I also engaged extensively with my recommenders and discussed what I wanted emphasised in my recommendations (each speaking to the three initiatives i undertook).

I believe taking a proactive approach which shows dedication and commitment to your field along with demonstrated proof of output and verification (through recommendations) is what helped me succeed my dream admission in an MS in Data Science.

NYU has been my dream school since highschool. I had been building my profile as soon as grade 8. I had excellent test scores, grades and extracurriculars and ended up securing admission into my dream university. However, due to lack of financing, I was unable to join. I ended up coming to LUMS, and used my 4 years here with one goal in mind: securing a fully funded admission into the NYU graduate school.

Reflecting back on my experience, I took several exploratory leaps in my academic journey, and I am glad I did. I utilised the interdisciplinarity inherent in the MGSHSS curriculum to explore all facets of my multi-passionate self holistically. STEM courses have made me a better quantitative analyst. In contrast, history and politics courses have provided the necessary nuance to my intellectual perspectives and made me a better researcher. To pursue my passion, I found the perfect blend of courses to explore and work on issues combining gender, economic theory, and development policy.

LUMS offered me the environment to foster deep personal and professional ties with my faculty and the academic community at large. My current role as a pre-doctoral research fellow at MHRC has allowed me to work with renowned names like Dr. Michael Best (Columbia) and Dr. Anders Jensen (Harvard) as well. I found my personal inspiration in Dr. Hadia Majid and Professor Maha Rehman. Their mentorship helped me find my calling and refine my specialisation interests. Moreover, professors such as Dr. Farooq Naseer and Dr. Sher Afghan Asad played a vital role in my journey, from providing rigorous quantitative training to mentoring me on projects that allowed me to acquire essential research skills.

The opportunities LUMS presented me have been monumental in making me the self-confident professional and academic I am today. At NYU, I aim to continue the work I started at LUMS and strive to provide an equitable chance at life to the most vulnerable populations in the global south.

Today, I am proud to share that I will be pursuing an M.A. in Economics at NYU as a Fulbright Scholar. On top of my Fulbright Scholarship, I also received the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) 100% Scholarship from NYU.

To all prospective applicants, never give up. Stay committed to your dreams, and with enough hard work and resilience, they will come true!

My undergraduate degree in CS was largely exploratory; I had dabbled in various fields, and while I had a sense of what I liked and didn’t like, nothing had truly piqued my interest. To avoid being left behind in the graduate application process, I applied to a few universities without really considering how to present myself, and I ended up getting rejected. In hindsight, it’s clear: if I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do, how could I convey my interests to grad schools, and more importantly, how could I ensure that I was choosing a path that brought me joy and satisfaction?

With this realisation, I decided to take a step back and ponder the specifics of my interests. I knew I wanted to work on developing deployable human-centred technology. So, I applied for and joined a research assistantship that allowed me to explore exactly that. I continued my previous research projects with a fresh perspective, aligning them with my interests, and successfully submitted my work to top conferences. Wanting my work to have a real-world impact, I also developed curriculums and questionnaires for short courses and workshops. At this point, it wasn’t even about building my profile— that was just a byproduct of enjoying my work and pushing my boundaries with tech.

My journey was not carried out in isolation. I was surrounded by great mentors and colleagues who took the time to help me throughout the process. This time around, I knew exactly what I wanted to apply for and kept open communication channels with my supervisors and recommenders. I learned to resist my imposter syndrome many times and applied for the more "ambitious" positions. Looking back, I am grateful for the past year. It allowed me to take charge, learn new skills (both technical and soft—networking is hard!), and dive deep into my interests. I'll just say this: the effort has truly paid off. If I can get into the best program in my field, so can you!

I have always been interested in exploring the interrelationship of various social factors and how they influence social outcomes. During the summer of my senior year, I started researching master's programs within the field of development studies. I also realized that in order to pursue further studies, it is important to take a step further and complement my academic knowledge with on-ground realities. I therefore enrolled in a social sciences course offered at LUMS where we conducted primary research in the working-class areas of Lahore to analyse economic and anthropological outcomes. Furthermore, I also joined an internship at a public-sector consultancy where I worked on a healthcare project with the Punjab health department.

Such experiences not only complimented my academic knowledge but simultaneously deepened my knowledge of the various branches of development studies. This mature understanding helped me draft a compelling personal statement and also recognize my research interest area which I would pursue in my Master's.

Moreover, I would take this as an opportunity to appreciate the support from the faculty at HSS in navigating my application process. Not only was I supported in drafting my research proposals, but I received an equal amount of support in navigating through fully-funded programs, which is a task students often struggle with.

I believe that adopting a holistic approach to understand one's interest area and leveraging the support of LUMS' faculty has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of pursuing a Master's in development studies.

I also applied for my Master's programs for the fall 2023 intake and was also able to receive offers, however due to lack of funding, I had to withdraw my efforts. Motivated by my faculty advisors at LUMS, I was encouraged to apply for the fall 2024 intake. This time, I ensured that I had applied through fully-funded programs including Commonwealth scholarships, Erasmus scholarships, and fellowships in the US. This experience made me realize that it is important for students to understand the importance of finances before they start the application process and plan their applications supported by relevant funding sources.

I would say that my journey towards graduate studies started a little later than most. I thought about pursuing graduate studies in my junior year, and by that time I felt that I was quite late. I also didn't have a stellar GPA (<3.4). At this point, I also did not know much about the research opportunities available at the department. It wasn't until my Junior Spring semester that I landed a health-tech project and enrolled in a directed coursework (research project) . Due to my dedication, I managed to get a leadership position in the research lab and started working on other projects as well. The projects I liked to work on all followed a similar theme-using technology for societal well-being. Around the same time I built deep connections with recommenders. I spoke to a lot of students discussing my options for grad school. I think it really worked for me that my recommenders really believed in me. At the time I was applying, I did not have any publications but I was working on very promising projects. I had been doing research for less than a year.

I decided to go for strictly PhD programs because:

I enjoyed doing research. I knew that self-funding a master's degree was absolutely not an option and with my GPA, and no publications it would've been hard to land a merit scholarship.

I based my university choice on three things:

Does the CS department have professor(s) with similar research interests as mine, and are they recruiting? Does someone with a similar profile as me, have chances of being accepted to this program? Are they offering a fee waiver? Unfortunately due to my financial circumstances, this did play a significant role in deciding whether I'd apply to a certain place or not.

I think it helped that I wrote a comprehensive SOP and found a common theme. Instead of being too vague and highly specific, I tried to go for something in the middle so it could keep options open for me. I was ultimately interviewed at three universities. Two of which waitlisted me. Since one of them was my top choice, it was a very difficult time and I had very low hope of making it. Meanwhile I was still waiting to hear from the third interview (which was also one of the top choices). I received my acceptance late March when I'd lost all hopes. This is pretty late by most standards. I was also eventually offered a semi-funded masters at my top choice, but it wasn't what I wanted to pursue so I'm going for my PhD this fall!