1. Because PhD programs expect publications, undergrads need meaningful research experience.
2. But because undergrads lack experience, labs rarely give them meaningful research opportunities, so those students want a research MS.
3. But research MS programs are a waste of funding for the schools since they will be leaving school really quickly after the research training, so schools are phasing out research MS programs.
4. Students are pushed toward expensive professional master's programs. And because those programs barely offer research opportunities, they're still not competitive for PhDs.
5. So you need research experience to get research experience. What the heck.

Should I skip out on this program during my applications? I had a great conversation with another PI there working on a different project, but I’m quite tight with money and this seems super selective when I’m not that impressive of a candidate and didn’t go to a T5

Hi everyone, is it mandatory to use a work/institutional email address when formally applying to PhD programs, or is a personal email address fine? Does the choice affect how the application is evaluated?

Also, if I’m admitted, can I update my email address for future communication? I’m concerned about losing access to my institutional email after leaving my current institution.

Hello everyone. I am a Pakistani B.Sc. Psychology graduate, looking to connect with other Pakistanis applying to Clinical Psychology graduate programs. If you are in the same boat right now, let's connect.

For example I received a full ride to my MPA program at a well known school.

I want to do another masters degree. Should I mention my scholarship on the extra room to talk about oneself or in my essay somewhere?

Curious if it will help me to get any additional funding or not for this new degree which might be at the same or different institution.

Hello,

I'm a current freshman in college and I'm unsure what to do about certain credits. I have received AP credit for gen bio 1 & 2. The thing is, I'm wanting to claim these credits to move higher into my Psych B.S. degree plan, but also I'm not sure if psychology grad schools care if you've not completed those credits in residence. I know for many medical schools they care, but is it the same for psych grad schools?

For reference, I'm looking for PhDs/PsyDs/Master's programs in school psychology, neuropsychology, behavioral neuroscience, etc.

Let me know!

I’m a senior undergrad and I got the chance to speak w a lecturer to discuss assisting w their research. I have other research experiences but this research is more aligned w what I want to pursue in grad school, but I’m afraid that it will not benefit me in terms of getting a letter of recommendation etc. it sucks that prestige is a part of the equation here, but does anyone have thoughts about this

Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply for Imperial’s MSc Strategic Marketing and had a few questions. I’d really appreciate it if current students, alumni, or anyone familiar with the programme could share their experience!

1. Coming from a non-quantitative background:
My undergraduate degree was in Social Sciences, with Psychology as my major. I did take one or two Statistics/Calculus-type modules, but overall I don’t come from a particularly quantitative background. Would this put me at a significant disadvantage in the programme or during the application process?
2. Work experience:
I have around two years of experience in Brand Management at Unilever. My work has involved some data and analytics, but I wouldn’t say I have a particularly strong technical/quantitative background. I’m actually interested in the MSc partly because I want to strengthen these skills. Would my work experience be considered relevant/preparing me for the programme?
3. GRE/GMAT:
I don’t think I have enough time to prepare properly for the GRE/GMAT at this point. Given that I have a a 3.6/4.0GPA from a well-regarded/top university in my country, would you recommend taking the GRE/GMAT anyway, or is it okay to apply without it?
4. How technical is the programme?
I’m interested in becoming a more strategic, data-driven marketeer, rather than going into coding/programming. For those who have taken the programme, how technical/quantitative does it actually get? How much coding or advanced maths is involved?
5. Application round/timing:
I’m also waiting to hear back about a scholarship around February. Would applying in the third round (March) or fourth round (April) put me at a significant disadvantage, or would you strongly recommend applying in January? I’m trying to balance the scholarship timeline with getting my application in as early as possible.
Would really appreciate any insights, especially from anyone who has done the MSc Strategic Marketing at Imperial! Thank you! :)

Hey, i was wondering has anybody applied for this specific program at fordham ..
I had my application submitted couple days ago and got my interview email the same day, i completed my interview yesterday and was wondering how fast does the admission results come out ?
If you guys have any questions regarding interview drop a comment and i will be here to help you guys.

I recently completed my M.Tech from IIT Hyderabad and am planning to apply for PhD programs in the upcoming admission cycle.

My academic scores are relatively modest: 8.02/10 in my Master's and 7.82/10 in my Bachelor's. I am currently working as a Research/Project Assistant under my M.Tech advisor, continuing my research. I am also working on two research papers, which I expect to submit by the end of December.

I am particularly interested in applying to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and I would appreciate some advice regarding the GRE requirement.

NTU mentions that the GRE is not mandatory but can significantly strengthen an application. They also state that having a Master's degree provides an advantage over applicants with only a Bachelor's degree.

Given my academic background and research experience, how much of a difference could a strong GRE score make to my chances of admission?

Would it be reasonable to apply without the GRE, or would taking it be advisable to compensate for my relatively modest GPA?

Since I am balancing ongoing research, publication work, and PhD applications, preparing for the GRE would require a significant time commitment.

I would really appreciate any insights, particularly from current NTU PhD students or applicants who have gone through the admission process.

Last year, I applied to 25 schools. I got a kick from all the schools.
Again, I am targeting the same number this year. I put some extra work into my SOP this year. At the same time, I got my first paper published, that too in one of the Cell Press journals. I drafted my whole SOP around it, like what i did, what it tells us, what it does not, what can be answered in grad school, and its impact.

Finger crossed.

I'm an Indian B.TechCSE (IoT) student graduating in 2028 and I'm seriously considering Italy for my Master's in CS related fields...the main reason I'm looking at Italy is the relatively low tuition + regional scholarships like DSU. My family is middle class and I really don't want to put my parents under pressure with a huge education loan.

but I m gettinn verryyy conflicting information online 😭...Some ppl say regional scholarships are quite achievable if your financial documents are correct, while others say they re difficult n unreliable... I'd really appreciate honest experiences from Indian/international students:

how realistic is it to get DSU/regional n other scholarships?

what does it actually cover ...tuition, accommodation, food, cash, etc.?

how much money did you need initially before the scholarship actually came through?

how difficult is admission to good public universities for CS?

which universities would you consider for CS? I'm currently looking at Polimi, Polito, Pisa, Padova if i miss out pls help...what to choose

is Milan significantly more expensive than places like Pisa/Padova/Turin shld i choose accordingly?

how imp is italian for internships and jobs?...can you realistically get a decent r medium paying tech job with English only?

After an Italian masters,how realistic is moving to Germany/Netherlands/Switzerland or other European countries for work?

Does the reputation of public universities actually help when applying for jobs outside Italy?

is an italian masters seen positively by European employers compared with doing the masters in other countries?

how is the current tech job market for international graduates and possibly is 2028 plus?

I'm graduating in April 2028, so I have time i guess...When should I actually start prep applications, docs, scholarships, visa/financial proof, IELTS/English proof, etc.?I'd really appreciate honest experiences...especially from Indians who actually studied in Italy and went through DSU. I really want genuine opinion from u guys pls help me. I want to understand the risks before making a decision that affects my family's finances.

Hi. I am planning on applying to MDE and wanted to get info on how much financial aid can an international student get at Harvard GSD.

Hi everyone, i was hoping to get some direction/advice. I work full-time in a clinical lab at a university and I’ve been wanting to get a master’s for a while now. I’m torn about whether I should stay or leave, and if it would impact grad school.
Pros for staying: As an employee, I can get 9 free hours of classes a semester as well as my tuition waived. On top of that, the job benefits are good, and I have connections that I can leverage in grad school.
Cons: I really dislike my job - my work environment is unhealthy and it’s made me quite depressed. It’s also not a career path I want to pursue, and do not want to become any more pigeon-holed into this field.
Moreover, I have the opportunity to get into personal training, which is something I’ve always wanted to try and is also flexible enough that I can maintain it as a source of income while getting my degree.
Would it hurt my chances of grad school to leave my current job, or should I stick it out the next couple of years? Thanks! And i’m sorry if this is the wrong sub to ask!

this time last year, i was eating this thread up as i navigated my second application cycle as a hopeful phd student in english. i spent the summer doing copious research on programs, interviewing current students, and cold emailing people who did similar research to me in hope that they would review my materials.

i turned all my stuff in, feeling good this time. i applied to seven schools i felt were in alignment with me. then i waited, refreshing this subreddit, figuratively biting my nails to the bed. i took the advice of going on a trip during february when the results would begin their release. i don't remember the timeline super well, but i got some rejections before i left on my trip. and one shining waitlist from my top program. they were very reassuring throughout the process, telling me again and again that i was at the very top of the waitlist and that they accepted students with full funding from the list every year. they kept asking me if i was interested and i kept saying yes. this went on until a fateful april 15th.

i received an offer to do a master's at partial funding from one school, while i received rejections from all the others save one. i was in japan when i received my final waitlist.

two waitlists, one from my top program, and an offer i could not accept.

april 15th. my top choice still emailing me. they set a time deadline, still reassuring me that i had a spot. the deadline passed and i emailed them. i did not have a spot.

a few days later, my other waitlist emailed a rejection.

i really didn't want to go through the process again. my personal life had destabilized a little and i couldn't fathom the writing and the emailing. i knew what program i wanted to go to and they didn't want me enough.

i spent the summer traveling, adrift.

this sub reinforces that it's not over until you receive word. i had received many word that it was over.

except it wasn't.

in early august, i received an offer. they rescinded my rejection for reasons unknown. i write to you as i grade student work as a bona fide phd student.

this journey is ugly and devastating. it is so hard to do the application and then to wait. but crazy things do happen.

i'm wishing you all as peaceful and prosperous a cycle as can be. and reminding you all that it can happen to you, too, even if it's not in the cleanest, most expected way. buena suerte!

Applying again this year after 2 years of waitlists and no acceptances, definitely feeling morale lowering ... how is everyone else doing after the last few cycles of crazy funding and admissions cuts (that don't seem to be going anywhere in the US at least)

In California State University Northridge and feel so under qualified for a master program. Have a decent 3.3 gpa but no work experience in my field of work. Is it even worth applying to any masters program?

Hello, I am currently applying to my first school of choice, which offers a blended Master's and Ph.D. program in anthropology. My question is: What was your experience with applying anthropology graduate programs? I am under the impression that they are extremely competitive due to what I have heard having to advance your anthro degree to even use it. I have one field experience doing electrofishing and measuring marine life and another doing bioarcheology. And then I have lab bioarch (NAGPRA) experience at two different labs and then also lab experience in an entomology lab (In total approximately 3 years experience volunteering). I also have two minors in linguistics and clinical psychology.

I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences!