In Search of a Glorious Spreadsheet of PhD Programs

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    Phd Programs Search
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for an ideal spreadsheet to aid in choosing or applying to PhD programs. Participants explore the feasibility of such a tool, its potential limitations, and alternative methods for compiling relevant information.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for a perfect spreadsheet to assist in the PhD application process, seeking contributions from others.
  • Another participant doubts the existence of such a spreadsheet, suggesting that spreadsheets are better suited for quantitative data rather than qualitative aspects of program selection.
  • A participant indicates a willingness to create the spreadsheet if it does not exist, asking for recommendations on how to compile the necessary information.
  • Some participants suggest that searching online yields various blank spreadsheet ideas that could help organize information about prospective schools.
  • One participant humorously suggests that Google itself serves as a "glorious spreadsheet," advocating for the use of its advanced search features to gather information without manual entry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on the existence or utility of a spreadsheet for this purpose, with some expressing skepticism about its effectiveness while others remain optimistic about creating one.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best method for compiling information, and there are differing views on the effectiveness of spreadsheets versus other tools.

byzantine04
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I am on a quest for the most perfect spreadsheet designed to assist with choosing or applying to phd programs. If anyone is in possession of such an artifact, I implore you to bestow it upon me so I may bathe in the light of the knowledge garnered by those who came before. If your wondrous magnificence is aware of the existence of a wholly pristine spreadsheet which is located elsewhere, pray advise me of the location and this one will form an expedition to acquire it forthwith.
 
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I seriously doubt that such a spreadsheet exists. A spreadsheet does a great job of working with quantitative data, but not so much with the qualitative things you're asking one to do.
 
Thanks for your reply. If it doesn't exist I will create it. I just thought I'd get a big head start on it by using someone else's foundation.

Also, since you don't like a spreadsheet for this job, what would you recommend to compile all of the information?
 
byzantine04 said:
Thanks for your reply. If it doesn't exist I will create it. I just thought I'd get a big head start on it by using someone else's foundation.

Also, since you don't like a spreadsheet for this job, what would you recommend to compile all of the information?
Googling the last part of your thread title returns lots of hits on blank spreadsheet ideas that students can use to organize information about the schools they are considering and applying to...

https://www.google.com/search?q=Spreadsheet+of+PhD+Programs&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
 
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You already have a glorious spread sheet . It's called Google . All you need your end is a bit of DIY user friendly software to select sets of search filters without having to enter them manually each time .

The advanced search facilities on Google are immensely powerful . Use them .
 
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