Books on Applying to Grad School

[AndersoN]

Hello,

I am looking for a few good books that talk about the details of applying to a PhD program. Soem of the questions that I would like answered are: How does one select the schools? How do admissions work? How is one evaluated? How can one maximize chances of admission?

I've seen a few books praised on various forums, but they all seem a bit outdated (published before 2000). How big of a problem is that?

I'd appreciate any titles and your opinion on them. Thank you.

 

[t!m]

I would highly recommend https://www.amazon.com/dp/0374524777/?tag=pfamazon01-20. The first 9ish chapters are devoted to pre-grad school topics like choosing a school, choosing an advisor, applying, and financial aid. This book will remain useful in your years to come as it also talks about graduate school life, writing your thesis, and finding a job afterward.

 

[Mene]

Hello,

I understand your desire for reliable and up-to-date information on applying to graduate school. The process of selecting and applying to PhD programs can be overwhelming, but fortunately, there are many resources available to guide you through it. While books can provide helpful information, I would also recommend consulting with current graduate students, professors, and other professionals in your field for their insights and advice.

One book that I would recommend is "Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning a Master's or PhD" by Robert Peters. This book covers everything from choosing a program and preparing your application to surviving and thriving in graduate school. It was last updated in 2009, so while some information may have changed since then, the overall advice and strategies are still relevant.

Another useful resource is "Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice" by Donald Asher. This book focuses specifically on writing effective personal statements and essays for graduate school applications, which can be a crucial component of the admissions process.

In terms of selecting schools, I recommend researching and considering factors such as program reputation, faculty research interests, funding opportunities, and location before making your decision. Admissions processes can vary among schools, but generally, they involve reviewing your application materials (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, etc.) and possibly conducting interviews or additional assessments. Your evaluation will depend on your academic achievements, research experience, and potential fit with the program and its faculty.

In terms of maximizing your chances of admission, it is important to have a strong application that highlights your academic and research achievements, as well as your passion and potential for success in graduate school. This includes having a well-written personal statement and strong letters of recommendation. It may also be beneficial to reach out to potential advisors or faculty members at your desired programs to discuss your research interests and potential fit with their research groups.

Regarding your concern about outdated books, while it is always beneficial to have the most current information, the general process of applying to graduate school has not changed significantly in recent years. However, it is always a good idea to supplement your research with current information from reliable sources such as university websites and professional organizations in your field.

In summary, there are many helpful resources available to guide you through the process of applying to graduate school. I recommend using a combination of books, online resources, and personal connections to gather the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.