Why do you want an advanced degree in name-of-subject?

[symbolipoint]

I am not in the position to answer the question but I have seen this as part of S.O.P. which some students are asked to write. I feel curious and try to think on this. A real answer is possible, maybe even an honest answer is possible. Or is the question, unanswerable? Should any prospective graduate student get psychological help in order to actually answer the question, "So why do you want a PhD in Physics/Mathematics/WhateverElse?"

 

[MidgetDwarf]

I want to get payed Bish!!! Is typically the most sincere answer, but would get a students application tossed out no questions asked.

 

[Vanadium 50]

"I want to become a professor and this is a necessary step" is a perfectly good answer. We can argue about whether we like this answer, or how effective it might be, but it certainly does answer the question posed.

 

[CrysPhys]

I am not in the position to answer the question but I have seen this as part of S.O.P. which some students are asked to write. I feel curious and try to think on this. A real answer is possible, maybe even an honest answer is possible. Or is the question, unanswerable? Should any prospective graduate student get psychological help in order to actually answer the question, "So why do you want a PhD in Physics/Mathematics/WhateverElse?"

I don't understand why you find this question so difficult. If we're talking about the US, a student will typically apply for a PhD program in physics upon completion of a bachelor's in physics. They will then spend 6+ yrs avg to attain a PhD in physics. That's a hefty commitment. Before making such a commitment, they should have a good reason for doing so. As I mentioned several times before, enrolling in a physics PhD program to "find yourself" is not a good reason. Neither is "Since I was a young lad, I've always had a passion for physics."

 

[gwnorth]

Neither is "Since I was a young lad, I've always had a passion for physics."

 

[Vanadium 50]

If an 18 year old wants to make a multi-year commitment and join the military, he will be asked why. Why should we expect less of a 22-year old who wants to make a multi-year commitment to enter grad school?

 

[symbolipoint]

ChrysPhys complains about topic question , saying this:

I don't understand why you find this question so difficult.

Because I needed to be formally reminded and review this, as general as it may be:

If we're talking about the US, a student will typically apply for a PhD program in physics upon completion of a bachelor's in physics. They will then spend 6+ yrs avg to attain a PhD in physics. That's a hefty commitment. Before making such a commitment, they should have a good reason for doing so. As I mentioned several times before, enrolling in a physics PhD program to "find yourself" is not a good reason. Neither is "Since I was a young lad, I've always had a passion for physics."

 

[Richard_F14]

That's a good question.

In my opinion. Firstly, curiosity and perseverance towards a certain subject are one of the conditions for obtaining an advanced degree. Secondly, students or parents may have a certain degree of academic admiration for advanced degrees. Finally, having good research conditions and financial support.

 

[Mayhem]

Something to the effect of "it's the only way I can be as satisfied as possible", which is a valid justification for all hard endeavors.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Another factor - about half the people who start a PhD finish it. A student is a big investment, and every university wants to see this fraction go up. If someone's rationale is, shall we say, not success-oriented, the department would want to consider it.

 

[ohwilleke]

If an 18 year old wants to make a multi-year commitment and join the military, he will be asked why. Why should we expect less of a 22-year old who wants to make a multi-year commitment to enter grad school?

Since when? Few questions are asked about why when the military is falling short on its recruitment quotas.

 

[CrysPhys]

ChrysPhys complains about topic question , saying this:

Just to clarify: I was not complaining about your post. I was confused, perplexed, puzzled by it. You indicated that the question was bizarre, that it might be unanswerable, that a prospective grad student might need to seek the advice of a psychological counsellor to answer it.

For a while it was fashionable for HR reps to ask job candidates bizarre questions during interviews to assess their personality traits (or just to see how much they would squirm): "If you were an animal, which would you be?" "Which tree best characterizes you?" But, "Why do you wish to enroll in a PhD program?" hardly falls into the same category.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Few questions are asked about why when the military is falling short on its recruitment quotas.

Evidence, please?

You have a nasty habit of accusing people of skulduggery without evidence.

If you go to the first site Google finds, https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/steps/recruiter the very first questions in topics for discussion with your recruiter are in the catefory "reasons to join".

 

[Vanadium 50]

For a while it was fashionable for HR reps to ask job candidates bizarre questions during interviews to

"What would you say is your biggest weakness?"
"A low tolerance for bulls---. You may be experiencing sone of that now."
I didn't get the job.

 

[Choppy]

One of the tip I have for answering this type of question is to dig into the specifics. Really look at what the application is asking you.

The question: "Why do you want a (insert degree) in (insert subject)?" is actually quite rare. It's generally a given that you have an interest and passion in the subject if you're applying.

Most often what they are really asking is more along the lines of:
"You're applying to study (insert subfield) physics with (insert group) at (insert school). How would you define a successful outcome if granted this opportunity? What evidence do you have that you'll be successful, both in general, and in particular with this group/school? And why should we chose you over the other highly deserving applicants?"

 

[Vanadium 50]

The thing about applications is that the elements tend to be correlated. A slapdash statement often goes with weak letters, lower GPA etc. It probably (and one could say this about any element) only matters for the edge cases.

 

[whoohm]

Because I cannot imaging myself without one. That simple.