TIMELINE

Below is a recommended timeline for applying to Ph.D. programs.

 

Summer Before the Final Year of Your Degree Program

 

  1. Schools: Identify schools (typically between 5 and 10) to which you're interested in applying. Look at their programs. Look at the funding they offer. Look at their reputation. Identify also their application deadlines and requirements, so that you won’t be rushing at the end to complete the required materials. Find a way to keep track of those dates. Most important, identify faculty with whom you want to work!
  2. Recommenders: Think about 3 professors (ideally at Emory) with whom you've formed strong relationships and who will be most likely to write you a good recommendation. Contact them to ask if they will write you a strong recommendation. If they agree, remember to give them the rough timeline, give them a copy of your CV, and consider adding some bullets describing to them why you believe you’re an excellent candidate for Ph.D. programs.
  3. GRE: Take it! Take it early so you can re-take it if you need to.

 

Early Fall (September)

 

***The two most important submissions you make in your application are your writing sample and your statement of purpose. Students often underestimate the amount of work, and the number of drafts, that each of these require in order to stand out in the minds of prospective readers.

 

Other parts of your application—letters of recommendation, GREs, academic record, and letters of recommendation—function in the minds of your readers as “supporting evidence” of your personal statement and writing sample.

 

  1. Writing Sample: Typically, the writing sample is 20-25 pages in length. Most people use the best paper they've written for a class in their Master's program. Sometimes you might need to adapt it to fit the page requirements. You should definitely also make use of the edits your professor suggested.
  2. Statement of Purpose (SoP): This is the most important document you will submit! It tells the program who you are, what you want to do, why you want to do it, and why the school you're applying to is where you should do it. You need to have as many versions of this SoP as the number of schools to which you are applying. Some parts might stay the same, but you need to adapt each of them to reflect the school’s interests and the way your application conforms with those interests.
    1. Create a draft and have people read it.
      1. Send it to your colleagues. They can absolutely help!
      2. Ask your advisor and the Director of your program if that is appropriate.
 
      1. Make sure at least two other people have read it and pay close attention to their suggested revisions.
  2. Applications: Begin completing applications for the schools you have identified so you know what they look like and what you'll need. You don’t want to be surprised by a new or unfamiliar application requirement right before the application is due.

 

Fall (October/November)

 

  1. Recommenders: Send out a reminder email to your recommenders emphasizing when their letters are due and thanking them for their willingness to support you.
  2. Statement of Purpose: Continue making edits. Do any refining necessary.
  3. Applications: Fill out the applications. This isn't hard, but it is repetitive and takes an annoyingly long time.
  4. Finalize Your Writing Sample: Make sure you integrated the feedback and it’s ready to go.
  5. CV: Get your CV in order. There are resources at LifeatCandler.com.
  6. Transcripts: Request them! Sometimes this takes a while, and it is always a tedious process. Don't wait until the last minute.

 

Winter (December/January)

 

1. Submit!

 

RESOURCES AND REMINDERS

 

  1. There will be programs throughout the year about applying to Ph.D. programs, be sure to make use of what is offered on a group basis, especially by your degree program.
  2. Current PhD students are a great resource for you! They'll usually be willing to sit down with you and answer any questions you have. Laney Graduate School and its website are also a great resource for you and are very close by!
  3. Also consider the faculty member who does work closest to what you’re interested in here at

Candler or at Emory. You can also reach out to your old faculty members and find new ones!

 

Remember

 

  1. This is a grueling process. It's mentally and emotionally taxing. Don't get discouraged. Talk to your colleagues also in the process to commiserate. Find your own sources of inspiration and encouragement.
  2. These programs are incredibly competitive, it is always wise to be developing additional vocational paths you may take if you do not get into a program this time around.
  3. Most important: you can do this, but you don’t have to do it alone!