Reflect on the past and plan for the future
Thanksgiving is a great season to reflect on our journey so far and plan for the next steps. Along with this topic, I'll share my thoughts on graduate school application preparation.
Academia - preparing for personal statement (proposal)
In the past two weeks, I've had several conversations about graduate school applications. On Thursday, I came across an article posted by the University of Michigan titled “What are specific faculty looking for in PhD applications?” I highly recommend it to anyone who is applying for a PhD or knows someone who is! As I read through it, I realized that not only PhD applicants will find this information useful, but job seekers can also benefit from the principles mentioned.
In the article, you’ll be surprised by the many different angles professors use to describe their ideal students. However, I sensed several shared principles across their responses. Here are the summaries with my interpretation:
Show what you want as a researcher. Your personal statement is almost like a proposal. What do you want that makes pursuing a PhD necessary? This isn’t a simple story to tell. In your statement, mention your past experiences, questions about the field, and vision for the coming years. The main goal is to show what you want as a researcher, with everything in the statement supporting this goal.
Use previous work to explain your motivations. Most applicants are high-achievers with many accomplishments to share. Your resume is the perfect place for that, not the personal statement. Use your previous work to explain your inspiration for the field you’re applying to. Readers will grasp the core message better if the storyline is simple and clear.
Describe your thinking process. One professor mentioned that “Scholars must focus more on identifying and framing problems, as finding solutions is often easier.” Dive deeper into the thinking part of your previous experiences to showcase how you identify and address problems.
Back yourself up with technical depth. In the personal statement, discuss your proposed research should you be admitted. Several professors mentioned they want to see clarity and insights. This might sound intimidating at first because the more specific we are, the more we expose ourselves to judgment. However, we should recognize that this is precisely what research entails. In fact, the papers we will publish in the future will face even more scrutiny. Preparing the statement is actually good practice for entering a field where everyone shares and critiques research ideas. So don’t be afraid to demonstrate technical thinking and insights. Spend ample time thinking, researching, and seeking reviews of your statement.
Create a win-win situation for the lab. Many professors want to see how their lab can be a good fit for you. While most applicants show how they can contribute to the lab, you can also discuss how the lab’s specific resources can help you excel. This demonstrates next-level thinking.
Show who you are and what you want to become. School is a place for growth. Professors look for students they can help cultivate. They want to know you not just as a researcher but as a student and a person.
Be authentic. The personal statement is about describing your story. Take this chance to express the true you! (One professor warned that they can tell if it’s the applicant or ChatGPT writing.)
Express your passion for learning. Many professors want to work with students who show curiosity, self-motivation, and ownership. These characteristics allow professors to best cultivate their students.
A few additional remarks:
GPA alone cannot showcase research ability. Several professors emphasized that GPA isn’t everything. One mentioned appreciating students who took challenging courses that pushed their boundaries. Don’t obsess over GPA at the expense of valuable learning opportunities.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Preparing an application is challenging. Reach out for assistance when needed. Even people without technical expertise can help you check if your storyline is clear. The last professor in the article also offered some advice, so be sure to check that out!
Writing the application is an excellent way to reflect on your past and plan for your future. I realized that I could benefit from this exercise periodically (as if I’m writing a personal statement) even when I’m not actually applying. I hope you find something helpful here! Good luck!
Others - My thank you notes
Sharing my gratitude here :)
Thank you to my readers. I know many of you personally and have enjoyed our conversations. You’ve truly fueled my thinking and inspired me to write about many topics in my newsletter!
Thank you to my colleagues. You're wonderful people to work with! Your efforts to maintain a positive culture in the workplace allow me to approach work with an optimistic attitude, ultimately helping me learn and grow faster.
Thank you to my family and friends. Your constant support and thoughtful outreach help me maintain a healthy work-life balance. I'm grateful for your understanding and companionship during challenging times. Thank you also for being vulnerable and sharing your own struggles with me.
Thank you to my “one-and-only” study buddy :)
Thank you to my dear heavenly Father for everything.
Happy thanksgiving!