One comment to alleviate many of the issues you raise. Contact a prospective advisor to find out if: 1) that that prof is accepting students. In the sciences accepting a new Ph.D. student is often tied to funding availability; 2) your specific research interests are consistent with the prof's interests at the time. Communication with propective advisors is essential in my opinion to get a good match and to avoid wasting time and money applying to programs where you have no chance of doing what you want to do if you are admitted. I base these comments on my experience as a prof (now retired).
I totally agree with Casey! For my whole undergrad career, I have had professors who are chairs of the admission committee tell their students that they don't care about grades as much as they care about research. Graduate school is mainly about research and if the committee doesn't feel you are a good researcher, they won't let you in. PLEASE make sure you get some research experience before applying.
My piece of advice here: Check very (VERY) well who you will be working with. Look at their number of alumni. Are they successful? Were they happy? Did they keep in touch with their advisor (check publications)? Also, you want to understand where you will be going: Do they have people from your ethnicity? Do they recruit and guarantee people with your demographics succeed? Don't simply follow big names. You will be mentored (or not) by people who may fit or not your goals, expectations, background, and experiences. Evaluate very well who that mentor will be: burnout is real, mental health is real, and especially, your well-being is by far the most important factor you should have in mind. Hopefully, you'll meet a great mentor. Just be cautious, as you don't want to work with people who don't see you, disrespect you, or invalidate you. Good luck!
For folks who are interested in the kinds of things that this commenter brings up, I have multiple videos on choosing programs to apply to, choosing which program to go to, and choosing an advisor!
My first Ph.D. application got rejected. I received an email today stating that they received many applications this time, hence the competition is extremely high. I'm looking at this as a stepping stone to other opportunities. I will keep trying. Sometimes 'No' means 'Not Yet' :-)
I’m a sophomore planning on doing a phd after graduating and this video helped me figure out what I should prioritize for the next 2 years in order to make myself a more competitive applicant! Thanks so much :)
Oh I'm so glad! I'm also planning a video specifically about what to do as an undergrad to set yourself up well, but the short answer is: research experience + get to know faculty.
Despite I have research experience as a master's student and two publications, but it seems that the standards of some Ph.D. programs are so high. I find the most difficult part is writing the motivation letter because I have to answer so many questions like, why I want to do this research, do I really have the ability they need. Thank you Casey for this video, which gives me more confidence to apply for Ph.D. positions.
Thank you. This was really helpful. I had to take off one year from my masters program and am now doing that last year and will be pursuing a phd right after. I was worried about how to address that year off in my applications, especially considering I had a bumpy ride during my bachelors. I’ll make full use of this year to ensure everything I do will benefit me in future.
Thank you so much for such a lovely and encouraging video. I did masters but did not have any publications and I almost lost hope. But your words give me hope. Thank you
Holy moly these points were so informative and spot on!! Wish I could’ve found you earlier before I submitted my applications! But now I’m just waiting for the results while binging on your videos just in case I’ll have to apply again. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights!!
This is super helpful. Thank you. I just graduated and am between either applying for MS or PhD programs right now. It looks like MS is honestly a better fit for me and where I want to go. alight, hope you have a good one.
Wow, ended up coming back to this comment over a year later. Guess what? I'll earn my MS in a couple months. Now am looking at PhD programs to apply to. Thank you for these videos
I currently submitted my PhD applications to few universities in the United States as an International student for fall 2025. I’m afraid of the outcome to be honest because of the investment both financial, emotional and mental. But I think it’s a leap I am proud to take to advance my career to the next level. Hopefully I get the good news I am praying for; will sure be an unforgettable moment. I believe in what God almighty can do.
Thank you so much! This definitely helped me lower the anticipation and anxiety whole awaiting a decision. Thanks a ton and do continue with your series❤️
I have my 2 cents to share: every program is different, and you can't predict what they like. I have two MS ( two 1st author journal publications, 6 conferences, etc) and tried to apply to a very prestigious research facility. I got rejected for the first time and asked for a current Ph.D. student for his insight. What he said really shocks me: this program doesn't like people with MSs, they barely recruit students with MS, they like younger students. Undergraduate students who have a very solid background but not very rigid/defined research intereste can appear more welcoming to that committee. They like students with more flexibility. I guess the takeaway is that the Ph.D. admission is really unpredictable.
This is absolutely true. Hence my final point about the large amount of randomness in the process! There's just no way to know, but the good news is, the randomness sometimes works in your favor.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler Professor, Do you think if European of American universities tend to reject people applying for PhD scholarships from outside those regions? For example from South or Southeast Asia? I've heard somewhere that some universities tend to reject them because getting them is a complex process involving visa applications and many other things.
One of the reasons for rejection for a PhD study is that the topic is either not novel or will not make an original contribution. The other reason is that a university receives many applications and has a place for only a few.
Yes, it was a wonderful video in which very main points about the rejections of applications were discussed. Thanks for this kind of informative video.......
Dr. Fiesler, it would be great (maybe you have already done so) if you had a video explaining how to identify prospective advisors: help students identify good ones from bad ones. Thank you so much for your service! I'm a fan of your fantastic work :)
Yep, I have a video on choosing programs to apply to (which includes identifying potential advisors) and also one on choosing an advisor once you have options.
Thank you so much for the tips, this was worthy of the watch. Awaiting admission decisions from the programs that I applied to. The anxiety is high but your video helped me a lot.
Thank you for this wonderful piece, all you have said is true, I have been in the last point, I sent the wrong SOP to the wrong school and got a rejection almost imediately.
Thank you for this video. It includes some really good advice. I only wonder if all academics are as open minded as you are. I am glad grades are becoming decreasingly important. Some geniuses in the history and science had bad (or, at least, not so good) grades. So, it is reasonable for universities to take this into account and realise that, at least in some cases, people with bad grades can actually be really talented people.
just had an interview for a PhD position in an European country. I was really startled with the number of detailed technical questions they asked regarding the research proposal I wrote for the position. I expected a challenge but not to this extent. I still hope I get the position.
From my experience applying to both the US and several universities in Europe, European unis expect quite a lot more technical knowledge during the writing and interview phase because since you need a masters to apply, you should’ve already had some early experience in research. This is especially relevant for smaller programs, 3-year PhDs, because from day 1 you’re doing your research project. US applications are far easier in those terms because you just need to demonstrate being a good fit, not necessarily a knowledgeable person with a clear path. I actually find myself more confident with doing European applications because I can be precise, show why my skill set is relevant to the field in a practical process and interview with professors who will be my colleagues for sure in the field. Hope you did well!
Thank you Casey for sharing your incredible insight on why one may not be accepted into a graduate school program & the reasons behind them. As someone who did indeed receive a condolence letter from a completed (and I might add ahead of their time statement of purpose) application, I know all to well the sting of rejection. It was even harder & of little comfort when a couple months later the Varsity Blues scandal broke, and the university I had applied for was majorly implicated within the cheating scheme of the rich, wealthy, and connected cult of celebrity. C'est la vie. Needless to say, I no longer want to attend that university (maybe just a little but in a different field), but I remain passionate about pursing my graduate studies elsewhere. Many Thanks & Cheers!
woaaah these words bring peace to my mind. I applied this year and tomorrow I have my first interview with the prof. I'm interested to work with. I was nervous for no reason. When you mentioned the do's and don'ts I realized I did it right. If I don't make it, I'll try next year! (:
I received a rejection email from a prospective supervisor after weeks of going back and forth, talking about funding opportunities, enthusiasm about my proposal from other members in the department,etc. The main reasons listed where that my scope of the proposed research wasn’t clearly indicated and that my personal familiarity with certain techniques wasn’t plainly evident. It felt like a list of excuses rather than a legitimate indictment of my unsuitably. The program that I wanted to enter requires that the first year of the program is dedicated to the design of the project. That is precisely when scope and the designation of particular techniques should actually be developed. I don’t know. I’m crushed more than anything. I have a masters, two bachelors and know that I am a fit candidate for a PhD program.
Bro/sis whatever you sound smart af fam. You sound like YOU know wtf you wanna do - so get out there and do it. F that person that rejected you. Ok to the next
None of this means you aren't suitable for a PhD program, for sure. There are a lot of things beyond your control! If you haven't seen it, here's a video about how to think about regrouping after a rejection: th-cam.com/video/0zf9LVNipQ0/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much this is so helpful. I am just a bit sad to know the fact that my low grade may affect my application even though I have my research publication and research experiences.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler Thank you Casey. It means a lot. I am just quite depressed to think that my current PhD rejections are due to my low grade (3.35 out of 4.0). But I love doing research and contribute to my field.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think 3.35 is low. :) Hood luck to you! If you haven’t seen my video about what to do after rejections you over find it helpful!
It really helped me when I had written down SOP. Thanks, Casey, but I don't know why most of the schools are putting me into the waitlists XD Probably applying Ph.D. is coming more and more competitive..
Hello Prof. Fiesler Your videos really help ! Can you please also make a video explaining points, how to make it to TOP schools like Ivy leagues, Stanford, UCB etc ?
@ thank you so much ! I have a question, do undergrads really get an edge over master students while applying to top tier universities? Or this is just my mind playing while i was reading one of your videos’ comments !
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler yes, I also don’t vividly remember where, but just stuck with his concept in my mind ! Do you somehow agree with this or not ! :) (with respect to Phd applicants only) ?
Our program expects a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission. The average GPA of admitted students is significantly higher. We typically interview ~10 to 15 applicants and accept 8 to 10, based on funds. I cannot recall an applicant that was accepted without research experience. All admitted students are guaranteed 5 years of funding from the program. All admitted students are required to do two to three rotations, even if they are certain which lab they will join. It is surprising how many people who fought against doing rotations end up changing their minds. I selected my mentor based on lab culture. People in the lab knew who to make life in the lab fun. I viewed my thesis research as a way to keep myself busy while I went about the process of learning enough about the field. so that I could make an informed decision about my postdoc.
I love this series. I'm applying to PhD programs right now and these were beyond helpful. I do have one question - I already took the GRE, before I realized that most of the programs that I'm applying to are not looking at GRE scores this year due to COVID. I paid for the test, studied, and did really well. I was excited when I saw my results and then subsequently disappointed when I realized that they won't be looked at by 90% of the schools I'm applying to. Should I still send in the scores? I feel like they can't hurt, but your comment on making mistakes and attention to detail made me reconsider. Will they think I was sloppy with my application if they received a GRE score from me when they were not asking for one this year?
I would say that if they explicitly say they don't accept them, then you should not send them - unless you email and ask, which you could certainly do! But I actually think it's more common for them to be optional (this is what our department does), in which case if you think they will help you you should definitely send them! Good luck!
I took time to look at how much work you have done, now am wondering, why are you an Associate Professor and not a Full Professor. I think you deserve Full Professorship.
1. Should I mention the faculty members in my SOP, whose work actually made me interested in applying to that institution, and what paper specifically? 2. Does the final year Masters dissertation count as Research Experience? I joined a job in a related field after my Masters and I'm applying for PhD now after 1.5 years, I'm really confused whether they will treat me the same as a current student out of Masters or not. That being said, you are amazing! Thanks a ton! This video gave me a ray of hope for my PhD Dream.
it's funny just how much countries vary on certain criteria. In germany for instance, if you apply for a bachelor's a master's degree, saying *why* you want to live in that city specifically can actually enhance your chances of getting a spot. Like saying "my mother has alzheimers and she lives in Munich, and I need to take care of her" would be considered a form of "hardship" that would give you a stronger application. It's not the same for phd's however, which are treated just as a normal job in europe, not as university application.
I had a 3.7 GPA in undergrad 3 published papers as a third author and 2.5 years of research experience and 2 post baccalaureate certificates but all schools denied me because I could only get 2 letters of recommendation ..... disgusting that a stupid letter of recommendation determines your future
Did they all tell you that was the reason? That surprises me a little but if so I expect it was just because it meant the application was incomplete... so the good thing is, that's something that you can remedy for next time.
I am a 5th year medical student from a European university. I will graduate next year and apply for a PhD program in virology. I cannot even describe my passion for research and understanding viruses, and for immunology & vaccinology. I am fixing to apply for an 'advanced' residency program in infectious diseases (preferably in the USA after passing the USMLE). An advanced residency program allows candidates to earn a PhD degree by the time they finish their residency training. As a medical student in Europe, it has been extremely hard for me to find some short-term related programs where I could collaborate, assist or anything. Lab internships are extremely rare here. I am currently writing a review paper on a virus and its infectious mechanisms, additionally a case report with two other doctors on a rare type of infection. I might attend a microscopy course (SEM/TEM) in another country in a few months to boost my resume. I feel helpless as of now. Do you have any tips for me, or can you make a video for medical graduates going for a PhD? I sincerely appreciate the work you do.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler The problem with medical school is the following: How can a young medical doctor (MD) or a medical graduate apply for a PhD program in virology if they have no laboratory experience or work done? Almost everything we learn in med school is clinical, even microbiology is clinical microbiology. Another route of doing a PhD in virology is having a master degree in a related subject like immunology / microbiology (which is almost entirely laboratory work). I am wondering if it is harder to graduate from medical school and apply for a PhD program like virology (which involves lab work and research).
It could be so helpful if you make a video about how to get GRE !? And talk about the scores. Because a lot of universities don't have minimum score requirement.
I personally think that GRE scores are a garbage signal and programs should get rid of them! And since I've literally never cared about them I don't have any insight into how others might evaluate them.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler Thank you for your opinion, actually I just want to take a test for the university requirements and the score doesn't matter to me. Your channel is always helpful professor keep going.
Thank you for your valuable information ,the only thing i struggle with is that if i can mention two different interests or not? i am applying for PhD in management and they all have two different specialties, strategic management or organizational behavior, although they have some overlaps but i am not sure whether mentioning both of them in my sop as research interest gonna be a negative point or not?
Thank you so much for this video!! I spend nearly 9 months to apply for a PhD position. I only got 1 accepted out of ~60 places. But this isn’t my 1st priority so I keep apply for loads of them. I think the reason why I’ve been rejected that much because I don’t have too much experience and my motivation letter doesn’t show up much about myself. Like you mentioned in the vid. I got 2:1 upper second for Bachelor, distinction for Master. But I only have exp in the uni. I’m really exhausted at the moment and I doubt about my ability. But I believe one door closes, another door opens. I try until I can’t try anymore. 💪🏻
Good luck to you!! And I recommend (to save yourself time an energy) to only apply to places that you would actually want to go! If you'd rather wait/try again than go somewhere, there's no need to apply.
I finished Master's study as well as Master's thesis in Astrophysics which doesn't have that many positions. Got low grades in some courses (aproximately equivalent to D) because, maybe, I was not used to English oral exam or not able to follow what professors were saying in class haha. My grade of my second-year thesis was decent (like A?) and I thought I could flaunt about it if I got an interview. But the truth that I only got 1 interview out of ~20 application (which I failed) in the past whole year really makes me wonder if I am undercompetitive. Well I don't mean to request an answer because your video is detailed enough, but just want to spit my feelings out to a stranger because I don't think anyone I know can relate and they might just say "then try to do ***". I just feel like I am not motivated to apply anymore because I have almost zero (let alone positive) feedback for what I have been doing, but I occassionaly got anxiety attack at late night and had thought like "what if I could know this earlier or do better" in recent time. Anyway, thank you for your opinions and advice!
please make a video about giving out lectures to other colleges and how much you should charge who pays the fees for motel and meals and so forth. I'll tell you a secret I watched a lot of your videos and I love every 1 of them they're just a wonderful person with the greatest smile.
There's not really anything to make a video about here! It varies a lot. I've given talks at universities where they paid an honorarium, but more where they have not. It is typical for at least your travel expenses to be paid if you've been invited to travel to give a talk rather than volunteering to do so.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler has there ever been a person giving a job teaching as a professor who doctor of degree is not from a university that is accredited?
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler I enjoy watching your video they're very educational but most of all I love your smile also your glasses really turn me on and your lovely woman. I wish we can met in person.
One comment to alleviate many of the issues you raise. Contact a prospective advisor to find out if: 1) that that prof is accepting students. In the sciences accepting a new Ph.D. student is often tied to funding availability; 2) your specific research interests are consistent with the prof's interests at the time. Communication with propective advisors is essential in my opinion to get a good match and to avoid wasting time and money applying to programs where you have no chance of doing what you want to do if you are admitted. I base these comments on my experience as a prof (now retired).
I also have a video about reaching out to prospective advisors! th-cam.com/video/XPM22bWTjRk/w-d-xo.html
I totally agree with Casey! For my whole undergrad career, I have had professors who are chairs of the admission committee tell their students that they don't care about grades as much as they care about research. Graduate school is mainly about research and if the committee doesn't feel you are a good researcher, they won't let you in. PLEASE make sure you get some research experience before applying.
Absolutely, with the caveat that this isn't so easy for some students - e.g., if you're not at a research institution for undergrad.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler hello i have one qoure can i do phd in usa or europe if i complete 1 yrs masters in india ?
@@sanket700 You can pursue a PhD in the U.S. in many programs without a masters degree at all.
@@sanket700 which program are u applying for phd?
@@abhart Bro i have completed my bsc in plane cs
but iam inrested in gaming devlepment so mainly in data sci .
My piece of advice here:
Check very (VERY) well who you will be working with. Look at their number of alumni. Are they successful? Were they happy? Did they keep in touch with their advisor (check publications)?
Also, you want to understand where you will be going: Do they have people from your ethnicity? Do they recruit and guarantee people with your demographics succeed? Don't simply follow big names. You will be mentored (or not) by people who may fit or not your goals, expectations, background, and experiences. Evaluate very well who that mentor will be: burnout is real, mental health is real, and especially, your well-being is by far the most important factor you should have in mind.
Hopefully, you'll meet a great mentor. Just be cautious, as you don't want to work with people who don't see you, disrespect you, or invalidate you. Good luck!
For folks who are interested in the kinds of things that this commenter brings up, I have multiple videos on choosing programs to apply to, choosing which program to go to, and choosing an advisor!
Thank you so much for this.
Just got an interview for my top school last week. I thank you so much. I used your CV examples and they were really helpful. This vids are pure gold
That's great, congratulations! I have a video about interviews going up in a few hours. :)
Guide me to get a PhD admission
My first Ph.D. application got rejected. I received an email today stating that they received many applications this time, hence the competition is extremely high. I'm looking at this as a stepping stone to other opportunities. I will keep trying. Sometimes 'No' means 'Not Yet' :-)
That's a good attitude! I have a video about what to do if you received rejections that might be useful. Good luck!
Also apply to more school to increase your chances
So how’s it going?
@@emmakekelelesometimes the school is very specific and right for you
Same happened with me, but I will take this rejection as redirection to something much better
Probably this is the first time someone is saying publication is not a MUST. That helps a lot! Thank you
Wow I was feeling so anxious because I will be applying to PhD this year, but this video gave me so much relief lol. Thank you so much!
Oh I'm so glad! Good luck!
Any luck?
Thank you again! I hope the advisor I end up with has an attitude like yours :)
Good luck!!!
I’m a sophomore planning on doing a phd after graduating and this video helped me figure out what I should prioritize for the next 2 years in order to make myself a more competitive applicant! Thanks so much :)
Oh I'm so glad! I'm also planning a video specifically about what to do as an undergrad to set yourself up well, but the short answer is: research experience + get to know faculty.
Despite I have research experience as a master's student and two publications, but it seems that the standards of some Ph.D. programs are so high. I find the most difficult part is writing the motivation letter because I have to answer so many questions like, why I want to do this research, do I really have the ability they need. Thank you Casey for this video, which gives me more confidence to apply for Ph.D. positions.
Thank you. This was really helpful. I had to take off one year from my masters program and am now doing that last year and will be pursuing a phd right after. I was worried about how to address that year off in my applications, especially considering I had a bumpy ride during my bachelors. I’ll make full use of this year to ensure everything I do will benefit me in future.
Thank you so much for such a lovely and encouraging video. I did masters but did not have any publications and I almost lost hope. But your words give me hope. Thank you
I am in the same shoes right now, please how did you go about your application
Holy moly these points were so informative and spot on!! Wish I could’ve found you earlier before I submitted my applications! But now I’m just waiting for the results while binging on your videos just in case I’ll have to apply again. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights!!
You're so welcome, good luck to you!!
Thank you so much for this series! This is giving me so much more confidence in preparing to apply for PhD programs.
This is super helpful. Thank you. I just graduated and am between either applying for MS or PhD programs right now. It looks like MS is honestly a better fit for me and where I want to go. alight, hope you have a good one.
Wow, ended up coming back to this comment over a year later. Guess what? I'll earn my MS in a couple months. Now am looking at PhD programs to apply to. Thank you for these videos
Looking into a PhD in applied linguistics. SOOO helpful. Thanks so much!!!
I currently submitted my PhD applications to few universities in the United States as an International student for fall 2025. I’m afraid of the outcome to be honest because of the investment both financial, emotional and mental.
But I think it’s a leap I am proud to take to advance my career to the next level. Hopefully I get the good news I am praying for; will sure be an unforgettable moment.
I believe in what God almighty can do.
Same here
I got rejected many times! It's a competitive world, and timing I guess is really important.
Me too! Good luck to you. :)
Exceptional mastery of subject matter, eloquently expressed with great examples making Casey Fiesler the go-to person.
You have boosted me so much with positivity that I now feel better in this process of application. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much! This definitely helped me lower the anticipation and anxiety whole awaiting a decision. Thanks a ton and do continue with your series❤️
I'm so glad it was helpful, good luck!
Thank you it was helpful
Can you please advise what to include prosal in the proposal to make it stand and increase your chances
Your field of interest ?
@@yatingandhi4477 Neuroscience
Thank you very much. I've been in a lot of anxiety with my applications. I will be following your suggestions.
Good luck!
I have my 2 cents to share: every program is different, and you can't predict what they like.
I have two MS ( two 1st author journal publications, 6 conferences, etc) and tried to apply to a very prestigious research facility. I got rejected for the first time and asked for a current Ph.D. student for his insight. What he said really shocks me: this program doesn't like people with MSs, they barely recruit students with MS, they like younger students. Undergraduate students who have a very solid background but not very rigid/defined research intereste can appear more welcoming to that committee. They like students with more flexibility.
I guess the takeaway is that the Ph.D. admission is really unpredictable.
This is absolutely true. Hence my final point about the large amount of randomness in the process! There's just no way to know, but the good news is, the randomness sometimes works in your favor.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler Professor, Do you think if European of American universities tend to reject people applying for PhD scholarships from outside those regions? For example from South or Southeast Asia?
I've heard somewhere that some universities tend to reject them because getting them is a complex process involving visa applications and many other things.
@@kishanchali8752 that's nor true. Actually if you look at most phd class profiles in the usa. It is mostly international students from Africa, Asia
@@msf8297 What's your source?
May I know which uni you applied to?
This is really a helpful and encouraging video! Thank you so much for your advice and experience, hope I can get into my dream program.
Fun video to watch after already being accepted for three positions this fall!
Hey, super useful video (along with the others)
Thank you for this tips! They are really valuable, hope I will manage with them and do everything right… without mistakes anywhere at least 😅
Thank you this was lovely! :) Also, I love your positive energy
Thank you so much for making this video! Such a gem! 💎
One of the reasons for rejection for a PhD study is that the topic is either not novel or will not make an original contribution. The other reason is that a university receives many applications and has a place for only a few.
Yep, as this video says that second one is indeed the most important one!
Very very practical advice I have ever seen. Thank you so much.
Yes, it was a wonderful video in which very main points about the rejections of applications were discussed. Thanks for this kind of informative video.......
Thank you so much Casey. I'm pumped to apply to my dream universities. Thanks for all the good advice.
Dr. Fiesler, it would be great (maybe you have already done so) if you had a video explaining how to identify prospective advisors: help students identify good ones from bad ones.
Thank you so much for your service! I'm a fan of your fantastic work :)
Yep, I have a video on choosing programs to apply to (which includes identifying potential advisors) and also one on choosing an advisor once you have options.
These videos are all on my channel under the Applying for PhD Programs playlist!
Excellent, detailed, very informative, and
practical video... Thank you so much
Thank you so much for the tips, this was worthy of the watch. Awaiting admission decisions from the programs that I applied to. The anxiety is high but your video helped me a lot.
Cheap I want to talk to you
I can feel you. Keep going do more of such.
The video is excellent! I plan to do a PhD but in political science.
Thank you for this wonderful piece, all you have said is true, I have been in the last point, I sent the wrong SOP to the wrong school and got a rejection almost imediately.
We've also accepted applicants who accidentally sent the wrong SOP.
Thank you for this. Incredibly helpful.
This is so helpful. THANK YOU!
Thank you for this video. It includes some really good advice.
I only wonder if all academics are as open minded as you are.
I am glad grades are becoming decreasingly important. Some geniuses in the history and science had bad (or, at least, not so good) grades. So, it is reasonable for universities to take this into account and realise that, at least in some cases, people with bad grades can actually be really talented people.
just had an interview for a PhD position in an European country. I was really startled with the number of detailed technical questions they asked regarding the research proposal I wrote for the position. I expected a challenge but not to this extent. I still hope I get the position.
Good luck!
From my experience applying to both the US and several universities in Europe, European unis expect quite a lot more technical knowledge during the writing and interview phase because since you need a masters to apply, you should’ve already had some early experience in research. This is especially relevant for smaller programs, 3-year PhDs, because from day 1 you’re doing your research project. US applications are far easier in those terms because you just need to demonstrate being a good fit, not necessarily a knowledgeable person with a clear path. I actually find myself more confident with doing European applications because I can be precise, show why my skill set is relevant to the field in a practical process and interview with professors who will be my colleagues for sure in the field. Hope you did well!
Casey, this is great and remarkable
What a discovery
I adore your energy and yes you are very useful to me
Thank you 😊
Thank you so much, bad timing was my issue the last time. The expert in my field left after he encouraged me to apply. This was really sad.
I'm sorry to hear that, good luck to you!
Thank you Casey for sharing your incredible insight on why one may not be accepted into a graduate school program & the reasons behind them. As someone who did indeed receive a condolence letter from a completed (and I might add ahead of their time statement of purpose) application, I know all to well the sting of rejection. It was even harder & of little comfort when a couple months later the Varsity Blues scandal broke, and the university I had applied for was majorly implicated within the cheating scheme of the rich, wealthy, and connected cult of celebrity. C'est la vie. Needless to say, I no longer want to attend that university (maybe just a little but in a different field), but I remain passionate about pursing my graduate studies elsewhere. Many Thanks & Cheers!
Maybe that worked out for you then! Good luck as you keep pursuing your goal!
Thank you very much. I found all this information to be very helpful.
great advice. thank you so much. God Bless!!!
Thank you so much for your sharing your precious tips! I highly appreciate it! 😌
The videos are super useful. Thanks a million!
thx for such awesome information. you talk very sweet and honest.
That was super helpful, thank you!
Excellent video. To the point, informative, motivational. Thank you so much. You have helped me a lot today. Have a great day. :)
woaaah these words bring peace to my mind. I applied this year and tomorrow I have my first interview with the prof. I'm interested to work with. I was nervous for no reason. When you mentioned the do's and don'ts I realized I did it right. If I don't make it, I'll try next year! (:
Oh that's wonderful, good luck to you!
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler I got accepted! :'D
Yeah! Congratulations!
Congrats!
@@RocioGonzalezMeza Hey, you had any research experience earlier?
You are so nice and relatable thank you so much for your help fingers crossed i will smash my interview ❤ please do more content
Very helpful, thank you so much!
Excellent. The video definitely inspired me.
Thank you❤❤❤ it’s really helpful
Thank you so much!!!! You're great
Thank you so much Casey!!! You helped a lot, in fact, you made me feel motivated! Thank u again
I'm so glad, good luck!
Woww these are really helpful advice. Thank you!
I received a rejection email from a prospective supervisor after weeks of going back and forth, talking about funding opportunities, enthusiasm about my proposal from other members in the department,etc. The main reasons listed where that my scope of the proposed research wasn’t clearly indicated and that my personal familiarity with certain techniques wasn’t plainly evident. It felt like a list of excuses rather than a legitimate indictment of my unsuitably. The program that I wanted to enter requires that the first year of the program is dedicated to the design of the project. That is precisely when scope and the designation of particular techniques should actually be developed. I don’t know. I’m crushed more than anything. I have a masters, two bachelors and know that I am a fit candidate for a PhD program.
Bro/sis whatever you sound smart af fam. You sound like YOU know wtf you wanna do - so get out there and do it. F that person that rejected you. Ok to the next
None of this means you aren't suitable for a PhD program, for sure. There are a lot of things beyond your control! If you haven't seen it, here's a video about how to think about regrouping after a rejection: th-cam.com/video/0zf9LVNipQ0/w-d-xo.html
great video. thanks for the good advices!
Thank you so much this is so helpful. I am just a bit sad to know the fact that my low grade may affect my application even though I have my research publication and research experiences.
"may" but not necessarily. For any weakness in an application (and EVERY applicant has weaknesses!) it can be made up for by strengths.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler Thank you Casey. It means a lot. I am just quite depressed to think that my current PhD rejections are due to my low grade (3.35 out of 4.0). But I love doing research and contribute to my field.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think 3.35 is low. :) Hood luck to you! If you haven’t seen my video about what to do after rejections you over find it helpful!
Thank you for guidance❤
Love it. This video improved my moral 😊
That was an amazing video mam! Very informative!
Thanks a lot for the tips.
Ma'am, your advice helps a lot!
I'm so glad to hear that - good luck!
It really helped me when I had written down SOP. Thanks, Casey, but I don't know why most of the schools are putting me into the waitlists XD Probably applying Ph.D. is coming more and more competitive..
It could be a lot of things, some off which have nothing to do with you. Good luck!
Hello Prof. Fiesler
Your videos really help !
Can you please also make a video explaining points, how to make it to TOP schools like Ivy leagues, Stanford, UCB etc ?
That’s all of my videos. :) Mu advice is all about making your application as strong as possible.
@ thank you so much ! I have a question, do undergrads really get an edge over master students while applying to top tier universities? Or this is just my mind playing while i was reading one of your videos’ comments !
@kummudsharma8833 I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone suggest that…
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler yes, I also don’t vividly remember where, but just stuck with his concept in my mind !
Do you somehow agree with this or not ! :) (with respect to Phd applicants only) ?
@kummudsharma8833 I can’t think of any reason that would be the case.
Our program expects a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission. The average GPA of admitted students is significantly higher. We typically interview ~10 to 15 applicants and accept 8 to 10, based on funds. I cannot recall an applicant that was accepted without research experience. All admitted students are guaranteed 5 years of funding from the program. All admitted students are required to do two to three rotations, even if they are certain which lab they will join. It is surprising how many people who fought against doing rotations end up changing their minds. I selected my mentor based on lab culture. People in the lab knew who to make life in the lab fun. I viewed my thesis research as a way to keep myself busy while I went about the process of learning enough about the field. so that I could make an informed decision about my postdoc.
Awesome video! Love it!!
I love this series. I'm applying to PhD programs right now and these were beyond helpful.
I do have one question - I already took the GRE, before I realized that most of the programs that I'm applying to are not looking at GRE scores this year due to COVID. I paid for the test, studied, and did really well. I was excited when I saw my results and then subsequently disappointed when I realized that they won't be looked at by 90% of the schools I'm applying to. Should I still send in the scores? I feel like they can't hurt, but your comment on making mistakes and attention to detail made me reconsider. Will they think I was sloppy with my application if they received a GRE score from me when they were not asking for one this year?
I would say that if they explicitly say they don't accept them, then you should not send them - unless you email and ask, which you could certainly do! But I actually think it's more common for them to be optional (this is what our department does), in which case if you think they will help you you should definitely send them! Good luck!
Thank you so much ma'am once again !!
I took time to look at how much work you have done, now am wondering, why are you an Associate Professor and not a Full Professor. I think you deserve Full Professorship.
I only got tenure two years ago. :) On the typical timeline!
great advice...thanks
New subscriber. This is a really useful video. Thank you.
1. Should I mention the faculty members in my SOP, whose work actually made me interested in applying to that institution, and what paper specifically?
2. Does the final year Masters dissertation count as Research Experience? I joined a job in a related field after my Masters and I'm applying for PhD now after 1.5 years, I'm really confused whether they will treat me the same as a current student out of Masters or not.
That being said, you are amazing! Thanks a ton! This video gave me a ray of hope for my PhD Dream.
You are great! thanks
it's funny just how much countries vary on certain criteria. In germany for instance, if you apply for a bachelor's a master's degree, saying *why* you want to live in that city specifically can actually enhance your chances of getting a spot. Like saying "my mother has alzheimers and she lives in Munich, and I need to take care of her" would be considered a form of "hardship" that would give you a stronger application.
It's not the same for phd's however, which are treated just as a normal job in europe, not as university application.
I had a 3.7 GPA in undergrad 3 published papers as a third author and 2.5 years of research experience and 2 post baccalaureate certificates but all schools denied me because I could only get 2 letters of recommendation ..... disgusting that a stupid letter of recommendation determines your future
Did they all tell you that was the reason? That surprises me a little but if so I expect it was just because it meant the application was incomplete... so the good thing is, that's something that you can remedy for next time.
Really valuable content in the video. Thank you for all the tips and suggestions. (Subscribed)
Thank you dear professor.
I am a 5th year medical student from a European university. I will graduate next year and apply for a PhD program in virology. I cannot even describe my passion for research and understanding viruses, and for immunology & vaccinology.
I am fixing to apply for an 'advanced' residency program in infectious diseases (preferably in the USA after passing the USMLE). An advanced residency program allows candidates to earn a PhD degree by the time they finish their residency training.
As a medical student in Europe, it has been extremely hard for me to find some short-term related programs where I could collaborate, assist or anything. Lab internships are extremely rare here.
I am currently writing a review paper on a virus and its infectious mechanisms, additionally a case report with two other doctors on a rare type of infection. I might attend a microscopy course (SEM/TEM) in another country in a few months to boost my resume. I feel helpless as of now.
Do you have any tips for me, or can you make a video for medical graduates going for a PhD?
I sincerely appreciate the work you do.
I’m afraid I don’t know anything about medical school! But I don’t see why my advice here wouldn’t apply.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler The problem with medical school is the following: How can a young medical doctor (MD) or a medical graduate apply for a PhD program in virology if they have no laboratory experience or work done? Almost everything we learn in med school is clinical, even microbiology is clinical microbiology.
Another route of doing a PhD in virology is having a master degree in a related subject like immunology / microbiology (which is almost entirely laboratory work).
I am wondering if it is harder to graduate from medical school and apply for a PhD program like virology (which involves lab work and research).
Again, afraid I don’t know anything about medical school so there’s no way for me to compare! But I’m sure there are other people you could ask.
thank you dr. please to explain doctorate by research, and to explain PHD online program to give some points about these tow topics , thank you
It could be so helpful if you make a video about how to get GRE !? And talk about the scores. Because a lot of universities don't have minimum score requirement.
I personally think that GRE scores are a garbage signal and programs should get rid of them! And since I've literally never cared about them I don't have any insight into how others might evaluate them.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler Thank you for your opinion, actually I just want to take a test for the university requirements and the score doesn't matter to me. Your channel is always helpful professor keep going.
Thank you for your valuable information ,the only thing i struggle with is that if i can mention two different interests or not? i am applying for PhD in management and they all have two different specialties, strategic management or organizational behavior, although they have some overlaps but i am not sure whether mentioning both of them in my sop as research interest gonna be a negative point or not?
Have you seen my video on SOPs yet? If that doesn’t help I can try to answer this here.
Thank you so much for this video!! I spend nearly 9 months to apply for a PhD position. I only got 1 accepted out of ~60 places. But this isn’t my 1st priority so I keep apply for loads of them.
I think the reason why I’ve been rejected that much because I don’t have too much experience and my motivation letter doesn’t show up much about myself. Like you mentioned in the vid. I got 2:1 upper second for Bachelor, distinction for Master. But I only have exp in the uni.
I’m really exhausted at the moment and I doubt about my ability. But I believe one door closes, another door opens. I try until I can’t try anymore. 💪🏻
Good luck to you!! And I recommend (to save yourself time an energy) to only apply to places that you would actually want to go! If you'd rather wait/try again than go somewhere, there's no need to apply.
I finished Master's study as well as Master's thesis in Astrophysics which doesn't have that many positions. Got low grades in some courses (aproximately equivalent to D) because, maybe, I was not used to English oral exam or not able to follow what professors were saying in class haha. My grade of my second-year thesis was decent (like A?) and I thought I could flaunt about it if I got an interview. But the truth that I only got 1 interview out of ~20 application (which I failed) in the past whole year really makes me wonder if I am undercompetitive. Well I don't mean to request an answer because your video is detailed enough, but just want to spit my feelings out to a stranger because I don't think anyone I know can relate and they might just say "then try to do ***". I just feel like I am not motivated to apply anymore because I have almost zero (let alone positive) feedback for what I have been doing, but I occassionaly got anxiety attack at late night and had thought like "what if I could know this earlier or do better" in recent time. Anyway, thank you for your opinions and advice!
Good luck!
Thank you very much 😊
Maybe not
Thank you so much!
'Take it with a grain of salt' came from the fact that salt used to be super valuable, therefore something worthless was worth a grain of salt.
Very helpful 👌
Very informative...
please make a video about giving out lectures to other colleges and how much you should charge who pays the fees for motel and meals and so forth. I'll tell you a secret I watched a lot of your videos and I love every 1 of them they're just a wonderful person with the greatest smile.
There's not really anything to make a video about here! It varies a lot. I've given talks at universities where they paid an honorarium, but more where they have not. It is typical for at least your travel expenses to be paid if you've been invited to travel to give a talk rather than volunteering to do so.
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler has there ever been a person giving a job teaching as a professor who doctor of degree is not from a university that is accredited?
No idea!
@@ProfessorCaseyFiesler I enjoy watching your video they're very educational but most of all I love your smile also your glasses really turn me on and your lovely woman. I wish we can met in person.
@@dr.johnpaul7374 This is an extremely inappropriate comment.
Thank you Prof
Thank you so much