Getting a PhD Abroad: GRE, Tips & Challenges

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations of pursuing a PhD abroad, particularly focusing on the application process, the GRE requirements, and tips for prospective students. Participants share their experiences and insights regarding different countries, including the US and the UK, and the importance of securing a prospective supervisor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that applying for a PhD is competitive and emphasizes the need to stand out among applicants to secure funding.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of the GRE, with some participants indicating it is required for US applications but not for the UK.
  • Another participant suggests that having a prospective supervisor can significantly enhance the chances of getting accepted into a program, as it ensures the application is considered.
  • One participant shares their experience of aiming to submit applications by Christmas, which they consider a common timeline for UK applications.
  • Interests in specific mathematical areas such as geometry, analysis, and algebra are expressed, with a participant mentioning the importance of maintaining a balanced focus across these areas.
  • Clarification is sought regarding the educational background of one participant, specifically whether their PhD was completed in a different country than their undergraduate studies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the competitive nature of PhD applications and the importance of securing a supervisor. However, there are differing views on the necessity of the GRE depending on the country of application, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best strategies for preparation and application timing.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the importance of starting preparations early, but there is no consensus on specific timelines or strategies that would universally apply to all applicants.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective PhD students considering applications abroad, particularly in mathematics and related fields, may find this discussion relevant.

Swlabr1
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Fantini said:
Given the thread name, I'd like to pose a question here. I'm in my third undergrad year and planning to get my PhD abroad. Do you have ideas on how hard it is, what are good tips regarding that, etc. I know I'd have to take the GRE, but not much beside it.

This is an entirely new question - you really should start a new thread, to stop confusion. If by `abroad' you mean the states, then yes, you'd need to take the GRE. However, you wouldn't need to take it if you were going to, for example, the UK.

As for `how hard', I think the best way of putting it is that getting into grad school is `competitive'. If you are better than the other applicants you will get a place with funding, otherwise you might just get a place and no funding, or even just neither. The trick is to be better than the others (or at least persuade your prospective supervisor that you are the best thing since sliced bread and then get them to fight your corner).

(Also, if by `third year' you mean your final year, you should probably get cracking if you are wanting to apply to start after the summer!)
 
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Following suggestions, I'm creating a new thread.

I'm in my third undergrad year and planning to get my PhD abroad. Do you have ideas on how hard it is, what are good tips regarding that, etc. I know I'd have to take the GRE, but not much beside it.

Swlabr said:
If by `abroad' you mean the states, then yes, you'd need to take the GRE. However, you wouldn't need to take it if you were going to, for example, the UK.

(Also, if by `third year' you mean your final year, you should probably get cracking if you are wanting to apply to start after the summer!)
The states were on my mind, but not limited to it, UK does sound a great option (stop by and say hello to CB :D). It's not my final year yet, that'd be next year, much to do. However, beginning preparations now seems reasonable.
 
Fantini said:
Following suggestions, I'm creating a new thread.

I'm in my third undergrad year and planning to get my PhD abroad. Do you have ideas on how hard it is, what are good tips regarding that, etc. I know I'd have to take the GRE, but not much beside it.The states were on my mind, but not limited to it, UK does sound a great option (stop by and say hello to CB :D). It's not my final year yet, that'd be next year, much to do. However, beginning preparations now seems reasonable.

When I was applying, the goal was to have submitted all my applications by Christmas, which I think is relatively normal (for the UK anyway).

I believe the best way to get into a PhD program is to get a prospective supervisor and persuade them that they want to take you on. This has two benefits: firstly, it ensures that your application will be read (I am unsure about for PhDs, but for postdocs there are so many applications that they just cannot read them all!), and secondly you will have someone in the university willing to fight your corner.

So, find a few people who tickle your fancy at different unis, and e-mail them (or even send them a letter - no-one does that nowadays...). They should tell you how to apply, and when to apply by, etc. You could even get them to look over your application for you!

To find these people, you could try asking around your department.
 
Surely will do, thanks for the tips. As for now, my interest lies in the broad area of geometry. It's like I instantly fall in love with whatever piece of information I can get regarding geometric objects, intuition, facts, work with them, develop machinery, understand concepts. My second interest would be analysis, last but not least algebra. However I try to keep a not so imbalanced view to avoid pitfalls (work too much on one while leaving the other in the dust).

Your post gives the impression that your PhD was in another country, is that right?
 
All mathematicians need analysis, algebra, and topology.
 
I wholeheartedly agree, but I don't have many examples to draw from. My pursuits fortunately seem to be free of nearby influences, narrow-minded people.
 
Fantini said:
Your post gives the impression that your PhD was in another country, is that right?

Well, I did my undergrad in the UK and am doing my PhD here too...so if you mean "another country than the US" then yes, but if you mean "another country from where I did my undergrad" then no...
 
It would be the second option. :P But thanks.
 

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