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Grad School Application Process

Navigate the grad school application journey with collective wisdom

13 Topics 43 Posts

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  • 6 Topics
    18 Posts
    I

    Several universities in Europe offer fully funded scholarships for Master's programs such as the University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Merit Scholarship), ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme, and others. In addition, you can also consider external merit-based scholarships such as Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees and DAAD (Germany) scholarships, as well as country-specific scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France) and Orange Tulip Scholarship (Netherlands).

    The academic requirements typically include a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, good grades or GPA, and standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL/IELTS). Specific requirements may vary, so it's important to carefully review the information on each program's website.

    In my experience, having quality research experience can significantly enhance your chances of securing funding. European universities place a high value on GPA/grades when considering funding applications, so being in the top 15-20% of your class will be highly advantageous.

  • 3 Topics
    10 Posts
    M

    In my experience (restricted to applying to Computer Science graduate programs, particularly within the top 100 universities), I found that most PhD programs have the GRE as either optional or not required. For MS programs, while a few still required the GRE when I applied for Fall 2023, the majority had it listed as optional.

    As for whether it’s worth the effort to take the GRE, it can be beneficial to have a strong GRE score, especially if you need to compensate for a lower GPA. However, the decision ultimately depends on the specific requirements and expectations of the programs you’re targeting.

  • 2 Topics
    7 Posts
    F

    A format I followed was to link an element/feature of the program the SOP was for with each of my project/research interests, mentioning it immediately after I explained my interest. For example, when I wrote about building a tool which I eventually want to launch as a startup in the near future, I followed it up by mentioning the entrepreneurial classes and venture lab in that university to show that I have a charted trajectory for this program and that I can build on my specific goals and aims using program facilities.

  • 0 Topics
    0 Posts
    No new posts.

  • 1 Topics
    6 Posts
    M

    In my experience with Ph.D. interviews, it is primarily to get a sense of how you interact with the PIs, the level of maturity in your responses, and clarity in your future goals and ambitions is essential. Other than that, as others mentioned, you need to demonstrate a strong link between your interests and what the program/professor has to offer. Ph.D. is a very serious commitment, and you need to demonstrate you are taking this decision after due consideration. I would recommend having good questions prepared to ask before the interview as well as some follow-ups to showcase you know the program well and have specific and thoughtful questions.

  • A

    Application process and timelines

    2
    1 Votes
    2 Posts
    83 Views
    I

    In most universities, there are two admission cycles: the Fall cycle, which typically spans from December to February (with some universities having earlier or later deadlines), and the Spring cycle, which usually occurs between July and October. The Fall cycle is the primary cycle, as most admission slots are available during this period, and some universities do not offer a Spring admission cycle.

    The Spring cycle is particularly beneficial for students who may have missed the fall deadline or for those who need additional time to improve their standardized test scores or complete essential coursework. However, it's important to note that not all programs or universities offer Spring admissions, and those that do may have fewer spots available.

    In my experience, preparing for standardized tests typically takes about 1-3 months of focused study. This timeline can vary depending on the student's familiarity with the test content and their individual learning pace. Starting early provides the flexibility to retake the test if necessary to achieve a higher score.

    Taking standardized tests between August and October is a good strategy, particularly for those applying in the Fall cycle. This time frame allows students to receive their scores well before application deadlines, giving them the opportunity to focus on other aspects of their application, such as the statement of purpose and recommendation letters.