GRAD ECHO

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.

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.

Here's the link to a google doc I made for those applying for an F1 visa: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VQJJpUVOCqjCiLjDcA6VMG56H91zaPCwikfsUd5OE88/edit?usp=sharing

That's a great question. While it is challenging to be precise about what constitutes good research but I can share my perspectives. In my view, good research work starts with attempting to solve an important problem—a problem that is relevant, that people care about, one that has the potential to advance knowledge, influence practice, or inform policy.

Once the problem is defined, good research involves employing a sound methodology and evaluation framework to solve it effectively. This process includes thorough investigation of the solution space, analysis, and critical thinking.

For undergraduates, the first research problem is often provided by their professors. The expectation is for the student to demonstrate their ability to solve the problem through various tasks. Excelling in this requires several key qualities:

Taking ownership of the project: In other words, showing genuine engagement and responsibility for the project. Ability to learn new things: That is the ability to learn new concepts, tools, and techniques relevant to the research. Initiative: Proactively explore new ideas and approaches.

Having a research publication is beneficial but it is not required for good admissions. If you excel in your research, strong letters of recommendation will reflect your efforts. Additionally, having at least a technical report is very useful.

In my experience, over time, good undergraduates tend to take on more responsibility in research projects by suggesting new ideas, contributing to writing papers, presenting their work, and mentoring junior students.

What should undergrads do to gain good research experience?
To gain research experience as an undergraduate, start by seeking out opportunities within your department. This can involve joining a lab, assisting with faculty projects, or pursuing an independent study. It’s beneficial to get involved as early as possible to gain experience and develop your skills (e.g., summer before the Junior year is a good time to begin looking for projects). Finding a mentor is also crucial; a faculty advisor can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for deeper involvement in research. Be proactive in your research work by proposing ideas, volunteering for additional responsibilities, and seeking feedback to enhance your learning and contributions.

Additionally, focus on developing relevant skills such as research methods, statistical analysis, and research writing. Networking is also important; attend talks/seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed about current research trends and connect with other researchers. Finally, keep detailed records of your research activities, methodologies, and findings. This documentation will be very valuable when writing your statement of purpose or research summaries for graduate school applications.

In the US, application fees typically range from $50 to $100 per application. In Europe, many universities, particularly in Germany and the Nordic countries (e.g., Sweden, Norway), have low or no application fees. When fees exist, they range from €50 to €100.

Fee waivers are more commonly offered by US universities, particularly for applicants who demonstrate financial need. In contrast, fee waivers are less common in European universities. One should check directly with universities for availability of such waivers.

The ideal number of universities to apply to varies based on individual circumstances, but in my experience, targeting 8-12 universities is usually sufficient.

Applying to a less competitive, CS-adjacent program to transfer to CS later is a strategy some students consider. However, several factors need to be considered when thinking about such an option. For instance, transfer policies can be uncertain, as changing programs are often competitive and not guaranteed, varying widely between universities. Additionally, some CS programs have prerequisites that are difficult to meet if you start in a different program. Thus, it is important to have a backup plan in case one is unable to transfer.

From an ethical perspective, it's important to ensure that the application accurately reflects the applicants’ true intentions and interests. Fairness is another consideration, as applying to a less competitive program solely to transfer might limit opportunities for students genuinely interested in that field.

As an alternative strategy, you may like to consider broadening your application pool by applying to both highly competitive and less competitive schools to balance your chances. Enhancing one’s profile with relevant projects and internships can improve chances of direct admission to more competitive CS programs. One can also consider other pathways by looking into schools with strong CS programs that may not be in the top 20 but still offer excellent education and opportunities. Finally, you may consider Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering programs, as they often involve significant CS work and can provide a solid foundation in computing without the need for a transfer.

Building on my colleague’s comments, I believe students should give a research orientation to their final year projects. Choosing a project with a research component can help you decide if a research career is right for you. Many universities offer undergraduates the chance to enroll in advanced graduate-level coursework, which often includes semester-long research projects. This experience can help you understand the level of work and commitment required for graduate studies in your field.

Participating in these projects will enhance your appreciation for the research process and its unique demands. It's important to recognize that research is not for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. However, it’s crucial to be certain about your interest before committing to a graduate program.

I also encourage students to reach out to professors to gain independent research experience and engage with the academic community they aspire to join.

Regarding building your portfolio, I’d like to request you to first pick a sport. As an exercise or training that you do everyday. Now let me tell you why. If you pick a profession or field which requires you to sit everyday, enclosed in a space, sometimes up to 17-18 hours a day, your mental and physical capacities will begin to decline. Many people start developing mental health issues, they go into depression or develop physical issues. You might graduate with a 3.97 but would it have been worth it if you also graduate with a lifelong backbone problem? This is honestly the first piece of advice I give to all my students, and something me and my colleagues also practice. Pick a game or physical activity that you like and stick to it.

Secondly, I would like to emphasize that one thing that is very hard to recover or improve is your GPA. I am not saying that a high GPA is a hard prerequisite for admission. There are countless examples of students with very low GPAs that have made into some of the most brilliant institutes worldwide. Dr. Ihsan, Dr. Zafar and myself have advised and mentored several students who fall in this category. However, It does become very difficult with a low GPA. Students often have to do some outstanding work in other components to counteract a low GPA. While of course, GPAs are relative and in some universities it is much harder to get the same GPA, you should aim for a number close to 3.5 or above. This is a decent enough number to make you competitive and you should try to remain above this number. Even if you have a lower GPA right now, you can still touch this number or come close with requisite effort in your remaining courses.

Regarding the competition in ML: As someone who teaches and conducts workshops in the field of ML and generative AI, I want you to know that the industry is still in the ‘euphoria’ phase of it all. Many companies that make LLMs for example, are realizing that a primary bottleneck is going to be network bandwidth and there is going to be a subsequent boom in Network-centered solutions too. We are still in the phase where we do not fully realize the complete repercussions of these developments. Similarly, security is going to be a big issue moving forward. ChatGPT for example, sometimes shares URLs mistakenly which leave the user prone to comm-injection attacks.Furthermore, bots are only as good as the interface they are embedded into and its level of engagement with the user, meaning HCI is also going to be essential to this boom. So rest assured, all fields are going to remain relevant in their own unique way and you should follow your passion. Conduct a small mental exercise with me. If you were at a bus stop, and you needed to go to a particular destination but all buses leading to that destination were full, you wouldn’t pick just any other random bus now would you? In a very similar manner, please do not apply to programs you think are easier to get into, but are actually not passionately invested in. You are in your prime and at the peak of your learning ability. It would be a grave mistake to believe you can later on switch easily into your relevant field after you have graduated or settled into a specific industry. I believe that if getting admitted is harder now, it is going to be even more difficult to switch fields later on, given how competitive the arena is now. Follow what you like, and the path to success will follow you too. Be good at what you do, and you will always have plenty of opportunities in terms of admissions, funding and jobs.

After completing a master's degree, graduates typically follow one of two paths.

One is entering the industry, and it's the path most often taken. Here, those who have excelled academically and enhanced their skills beyond the Bachelor’s degree can expect higher average salaries. The second pathway is, if you have done a Master’s with a thesis and found your interest in research then you can pursue a PhD. A smaller fraction of students also take the leap of launching a startup and building something from scratch that they are passionate about.

Concerning PhDs, it’s important to dispel the myth that they lead solely to academic careers. In reality, many PhD holders find opportunities outside academia. For instance, at tech giant Google, nearly one-third of the workforce holds PhDs, reflecting the company's emphasis on solving future challenges—an ability that PhD training enhances. PhDs are adept at navigating uncertainty and devising innovative solutions to complex problems. This skill set is also valuable in entrepreneurship, where understanding and managing uncertainty is crucial.
I have seen many people who did extremely well in their PhDs and ended up being entrepreneurs.

A general piece of advice I would like to add is the importance of embracing life-long learning. Regardless of your career path, dedicating 15-20% of your time to learning is vital. The skills you acquire today might be obsolete in just a few years, so the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is essential. This was highlighted recently when over 100,000 skilled employees from top tech companies were laid off. Those who had continuously invested in their learning were better equipped to secure new opportunities in diverse industries. Specializing too narrowly can pose a risk if industry dynamics shift, underscoring the importance of continually updating your knowledge and skills across a broad spectrum.

Australia and New Zealand share a similar admissions process with the UK, where PhD programs typically span three years. In contrast, PhD programs in the US and Canada often require 5-6 years to complete and accept students directly from their bachelor's degree. However, most PhD programs in Europe, the UK, and New Zealand require a master's degree first, making the total duration comparable. These regions typically expect applicants to have a research proposal ready and to discuss it with a potential advisor before admission, a practice not commonly required in the US.

Countries like Singapore, Korea, and Turkey also have reputable universities that are worth considering. When researching these options, focus on what each university can offer in terms of unique value propositions and the potential impact you could achieve. Consider where you might want to reside post-graduation.

From a broader perspective, regions like North America and Europe generally have more established research ecosystems. However, many other areas offer excellent opportunities for learning and research that you should explore thoroughly.

Post-COVID, many universities have made the GRE optional, so it's essential to check program requirements in advance. The decision to take the GRE is highly context-dependent. It provides a uniform scale for universities to assess candidates' basic math and verbal skills. For universities with fewer instances of students getting into graduate programs abroad without the GRE, taking the test can be advantageous.

The GRE is not a very challenging test in my view. Starting early and practicing strategically can lead to a decent score within two months. For engineering and CS programs, a good score generally means achieving above the 90th percentile in quant and between the 60th and 70th percentile in verbal.

If you are about to graduate and feel undecided about graduate school, that is completely normal. There are various paths you can take. For example, you could spend a year or two working in the industry to explore your interests. Gaining work experience can provide valuable insight into how much you enjoy the field and help you clarify your future goals.

University selection, I believe, is also a crucial part of the process which you need to start well in advance. It is a fairly complicated process - what will be the right set of universities to apply to, given your profile. Here, you’ll need feedback from experts and experienced people who have seen similar profiles to see what will be your likelihood of getting into certain universities. Your set of universities should include places you have a good likelihood of admission and then safe universities and high-risk ones.

When you’re considering interdisciplinary programs you need to ask yourself if you enjoy this combination. A good way to get an answer to this is to take some courses from humanities and social sciences, such as economics and psychology, and other schools, to get a better idea of what you enjoy.

The tax on PhD stipend in the U.S. varies significantly based on several factors, including the state where one resides. Here are some key points for estimating your net stipend after taxes:

A. Post-Tax Stipend:

Federal Income Tax: PhD stipends are taxable income in the U.S. Federal tax rates range from 10% to 37%, but most PhD students fall into the 10%-22% brackets.

State Income Tax: This depends on your state of residence. States like Florida and Texas impose no income tax, while states like California and New York have higher rates. Exact percentages vary by state tax brackets.

International Tax Treaties: Some students may benefit from tax treaties between the U.S. and their home countries, which can reduce or exempt certain incomes from U.S. taxes. Check if your country has such a treaty with the U.S. and understand the specific provisions that might apply to your stipend.

Planning Your Finances:

Estimate Total Taxable Income: Include your stipend and any other income. Account for Federal and State Taxes: Familiarize yourself with tax regulations in your university's state. Apply Tax Credits: Educational credits can significantly reduce your tax liability. Use Online Calculators: Tools like the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or state-specific calculators can help provide personalized estimates.

B. Filing Taxes:

Automatic Deductions: Taxes might not be automatically deducted from fellowship stipends. You may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS. Tax Filing: Annually file a federal tax return, and a state tax return if applicable, including any treaty-related claims.

C. Taxation on Fellowship Awards:

Subject to Taxation: One-time fellowship awards are generally taxable if used for incidental expenses such as travel or room and board. Portions used directly for tuition or required materials may be non-taxable.

Managing Finances as a PhD Student:

Budgeting: Develop a budget including all income sources and anticipated expenses. Monitor your spending to stay on track. Emergency Fund: Allocate part of your stipend for emergencies. Banking: Open a U.S. bank account for easier stipend access and bill payments. Healthcare: Ensure you have health insurance, possibly through your university. Seek Additional Funding: Explore scholarships and grants from your university or external sources to supplement your income.

By carefully planning and understanding your financial obligations, you can effectively manage your finances during your PhD program.

Funding comes in many shapes and sizes. You should be aware of all aspects of funding. There’s a professor funding, which means the professor has some research project they are hiring for, typically geared towards PhD students, because they can stick for a while. You have the funding as long as you're working with the Professor. Then there’s a department or university funding, such as that at Wisconsin Madison, where you can change the project and professor. Then there are third-party funding like Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus, and Commonwealth, which have some strings attached, such as repaying by coming back to Pakistan and serving the country for a certain amount of time. Other sources of funding also include TAships. The money can cover most of your tuition. Once you get one of those TAships, you’re usually able to get more. Then there are RAships - some people self-fund their first semester and then they’re able to get RAships and TAships that help cover their tuition. There are plenty of opportunities, you'll just have to look. Niche programs encourage people to apply by offering them funding. So, if it aligns with your interests, you can apply there and get some funding.

PhD is a huge decision, and you absolutely need a huge reason other than funding. It’s like being handed a fishing rod and being asked to get back with a fish nobody has ever seen before. Such is the uncertainty inherent in a PhD. The purpose of a PhD is to receive formal training in research, the goal of a PhD is to actually go through this process and produce a novel finding at the end. There is most definitely going to be a time when this need for novelty makes you desperate. It is then that you need a magical combination of passion and love for your field, and faith in the process to get you through. At times, even your advisor may not be able to get you through a specific research progress slump. This is where your grit and drive get tested to the best of your ability. A drive you’re likely to possess only if you are entering a PhD with a strong reason to begin with.

I would encourage you to first assess what the final destination in your head is. Do you want to go into academia and pursue research full time? Do you want to go into an industry that demands a PhD and high technical acumen? Do you want to pursue research within industry in their research wings? Be sure that you only pursue a PhD if your desired goal absolutely necessitates it. If you have a specific profession or dream job in mind, go meet people who do that and engage with them about their experiences and learn if you can imagine yourself having the experiences they describe. Do you actually want what they get out of their experience or not? If you still want to be like them, then investigate if a PhD is absolutely necessary to get there.