Sanya Jain - Your Grad Coach’s Post

I have helped 250+ students with their scholarship applications in the last 3 years. You can get a funded PhD/Master's, too. It's simpler than you think. All you need to do is identify how you can contribute to your field of research. Most people who get rejected don't know this: Just writing that you're passionate about/interested in X is barely enough. You need to go beyond passion. Talk about the applicability of your interests. Think of it like: • How can my research contributions can solve a certain problem? • Can I think of any alternatives that might make this methodology more efficient? • What makes my background & vision consistent with the goals of this lab and/or program? Once you have this, writing your SoP is no big deal. You now have to think about your CV. Most students who get rejected have a shabby CV. • It's filled with vague work summaries (always use action verbs) • Too many colors (go for black & white only) • Weird formats (no tables & boxes) Again, that's not the end. You must make sure your referees write STRONG LoRs that really encapsulate your suitability, accomplishments & abilities required to succeed in grad programs. They won't be able to write such a letter if: • You asked a wrong supervisor • You didn't give them enough info on why you think you are the right fit for the program & why you're applying (your short & long-term goals). • You didn't give them enough time. Remember that rejections can be avoided about 75% of the time if you plan with a calm mind. Doing everything at the last moment is a waste of your time, money & potential. I'll talk more about how to write impressive research proposals & personal statements soon. DM if you want to work with me 🎓💰🎖️

BEFORE YOUR LECTURERS SUBMIT YOUR RECOMMENDATION LETTER, ENSURE YOU TELL THEM THIS…. A well-structured Letter of Recommendation is crucial for a PhD candidate’s application. Below is a guide to help ensure the letter effectively highlights the candidate's qualifications and potential. I. Introduction - The recommender should briefly introduce themselves, explaining their professional relationship with the candidate and the purpose of the letter. - Clearly state their endorsement of the candidate for PhD studies. II. Candidate’s Background and Qualifications - Describe the candidate’s academic background, research experience, and relevant skills. - Highlight their achievements, awards, and publications that demonstrate their potential for PhD-level research. III. Research Experience and Skills - Provide specific examples of the candidate’s research experience, including projects, collaborations, or contributions to research papers. - Emphasize their research skills, such as data analysis, experimental design, or theoretical modeling. IV. Academic and Professional Abilities - Assess the candidate’s academic abilities, including their understanding of theoretical concepts, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities. - Evaluate their professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management. V. PhD Potential and Career Goals - Express your opinion on the candidate’s potential for success in PhD studies and their future career goals. - Describe how their research interests align with the PhD program they are applying to. VI. Personal Qualities and Characteristics - Highlight the candidate’s personal qualities, such as motivation, dedication, and passion for research. - Describe their ability to work independently, think critically, and adapt to new situations. VII. Conclusion - Summarize your overall assessment of the candidate’s potential for PhD studies. - Reiterate your strong endorsement of the candidate. Additional Tips - Use specific examples and anecdotes to support your evaluation. - Avoid generic statements or clichés. - Maintain a professional and objective tone. - Proofread the letter carefully to ensure accuracy and clarity. This structure should guide the recommender in crafting a compelling and thorough Letter of Recommendation, enhancing the candidate's chances of success. With Love, Novawrites Limited Credit: Moses Udoisoh #PhD #AcademicWriting #RecommendationLetter #HigherEducation #GradSchool #PhDApplications #Research #AcademicSuccess #Novawrites #Scholarship #StudentSuccess #LOR #PhDCandidate #AcademicSupport

How to write cold emails that will get you full funding & Potential questions you could ask a graduate school admission committee It is important to note that it's not enough for a graduate school admission committee to ask you questions and remain mute when it's your time to ask questions. You must also evaluate them to ascertain if the department or school will support you mentally and contribute to your academic and professional growth. Here are a few questions you could ask them: 1. What opportunities are available for research or hands-on experience within the program? 2. Can you provide examples of recent graduate student successes or achievements within the department? 3. How does the program support graduate students in terms of mentorship and academic advising? 4. What resources are available for professional development and career preparation? 5. How diverse and inclusive is the graduate student community, and what initiatives are in place to support diversity and inclusion? 6. Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration or involvement in extracurricular activities outside of the program? 7. What is the typical timeline for completing the program, and what support is available for students to stay on track? 8. What is the typical day like for a graduate student in your department. #please #share WHAT IS COLD EMAIL AND HOW DO YOU WRITE ONE? Cold emails, or introductory emails to professors you’ve never met, are one route to getting a research position. Step 1. Research Professors! Most professors will have a faculty website that you can go through to learn a little more about them. Step 2. Introduce Yourself: Address the Professor “Dear Professor So-and-so”. In just a sentence, you should mention your name, year, and major. Step 3. Explain why you’re emailing them about THEIR research: Here, you need to show that this isn’t just-another-research-email. You should use the work you did in Step 1 to provide some good evidence that you’ve at least looked them up! Step 4. What do you want from them? Here, it’ll usually just be “any available position in your lab.” Step 5. What is your availability? Availability to meet: Request for a Zoom meeting at the Professor's availability. Step 6. Why should they pick you? This is a little tricky, since you might not necessarily have prior research experience. That’s okay though! Think about what you’ve done that could demonstrate that you are a strong candidate. Challenging coursework? Genuine curiosity? Step 7. CV Just attach the CV to the email, and mention you’ve included them Step 7. Review Review your email before sending it out. Step 8. Follow-up Samples https://lnkd.in/d6T9j-Ft https://lnkd.in/dTXWu_jU https://lnkd.in/devCvGQW #please #share and #repost to your network Cc: Saheed Kolawole

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How to write cold emails that will get you full funding & Potential questions you could ask a graduate school admission committee It is important to note that it's not enough for a graduate school admission committee to ask you questions and remain mute when it's your time to ask questions. You must also evaluate them to ascertain if the department or school will support you mentally and contribute to your academic and professional growth. Here are a few questions you could ask them: 1. What opportunities are available for research or hands-on experience within the program? 2. Can you provide examples of recent graduate student successes or achievements within the department? 3. How does the program support graduate students in terms of mentorship and academic advising? 4. What resources are available for professional development and career preparation? 5. How diverse and inclusive is the graduate student community, and what initiatives are in place to support diversity and inclusion? 6. Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration or involvement in extracurricular activities outside of the program? 7. What is the typical timeline for completing the program, and what support is available for students to stay on track? 8. What is the typical day like for a graduate student in your department. #please #share WHAT IS COLD EMAIL AND HOW DO YOU WRITE ONE? Cold emails, or introductory emails to professors you’ve never met, are one route to getting a research position. Step 1. Research Professors! Most professors will have a faculty website that you can go through to learn a little more about them. Step 2. Introduce Yourself: Address the Professor “Dear Professor So-and-so”. In just a sentence, you should mention your name, year, and major. Step 3. Explain why you’re emailing them about THEIR research: Here, you need to show that this isn’t just-another-research-email. You should use the work you did in Step 1 to provide some good evidence that you’ve at least looked them up! Step 4. What do you want from them? Here, it’ll usually just be “any available position in your lab.” Step 5. What is your availability? Availability to meet: Request for a Zoom meeting at the Professor's availability. Step 6. Why should they pick you? This is a little tricky, since you might not necessarily have prior research experience. That’s okay though! Think about what you’ve done that could demonstrate that you are a strong candidate. Challenging coursework? Genuine curiosity? Step 7. CV Just attach the CV to the email, and mention you’ve included them Step 7. Review Review your email before sending it out. Step 8. Follow-up Samples Rita Ekechukwu

‼️Attention aspiring postgraduate scholars‼️ ✅The quest for funded studies can be daunting, but don't let that deter you. Your journey begins now, during your current degree program. Whether you're completing a bachelor's or master's, every achievement counts. Key steps to prepare: ✅Excel in your current studies ✅Gain relevant research experience ✅Build relationships with professors, lecturers and senior colleagues ✅Refine your research interests (Be clear on what your interest(s) are/is. ✅Polish your CV (some CVs command response from PIs) and writing skills (very important at the stage of communicating to PI’s) When the next application cycle opens, be ready to showcase your academic prowess. Remember, a strong application is built over time, not overnight. Stay tuned for more in-depth tips on securing your dream funded program! #PostgradStudies #FundedPrograms #AcademicAdvice #ResearchOpportunities

🚫 Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes When Applying for Fully Funded PhD Programs 🚫 Applying for a fully funded PhD can be daunting, but steering clear of these common pitfalls can greatly increase your chances of success. Here’s how: 1. Personalize Your Cold Emails ✉️ : Make a strong first impression by tailoring your emails to each professor you're contacting. A well-crafted introduction could lead to interviews, positively influence the admissions committee, and keep you top of mind during the selection process. 2. Enhance Your CV 📝: Your CV should not just list your experiences but highlight them strategically. Use tools like Word, Docs, or LaTeX to format your document neatly, emphasizing key experiences like your degree, research projects, and relevant coursework in bold. Consistency in formatting is key. 3. Strengthen Your Letters of Recommendation 📚: Engage with your recommenders well in advance. Provide them with your CV and a clear explanation of your motivations for pursuing graduate studies and how their mentorship has impacted you. This encourages them to write detailed and supportive letters. 4. Develop a Meaningful Statement of Purpose 🔖: Extend beyond the contents of your CV. Illustrate how your experiences have prepared you for graduate studies and discuss how you intend to contribute to the academic community. Your SoP should articulate your unique perspective and value to the program. Need help? DM me for assistance 🔖🔖🔖

🚫 Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes When Applying for Fully Funded PhD Programs 🚫 Applying for a fully funded PhD can be daunting, but steering clear of these common pitfalls can greatly increase your chances of success. Here’s how: 1. Personalize Your Cold Emails ✉️ : Make a strong first impression by tailoring your emails to each professor you're contacting. A well-crafted introduction could lead to interviews, positively influence the admissions committee, and keep you top of mind during the selection process. 2. Enhance Your CV 📝: Your CV should not just list your experiences but highlight them strategically. Use tools like Word, Docs, or LaTeX to format your document neatly, emphasizing key experiences like your degree, research projects, and relevant coursework in bold. Consistency in formatting is key. 3. Strengthen Your Letters of Recommendation 📚: Engage with your recommenders well in advance. Provide them with your CV and a clear explanation of your motivations for pursuing graduate studies and how their mentorship has impacted you. This encourages them to write detailed and supportive letters. 4. Develop a Meaningful Statement of Purpose 🔖: Extend beyond the contents of your CV. Illustrate how your experiences have prepared you for graduate studies and discuss how you intend to contribute to the academic community. Your SoP should articulate your unique perspective and value to the program. Need help? DM me for assistance 🔖🔖🔖

Can you communicate your research in under 5 minutes? Under 3 minutes? The article discusses the history of the 3 Minute Thesis competition and advice on using this critical skill - concise communication - during your job search. #phd #postdoc

Academics: Academia is the only place I can make an impact! Also academics: I can’t possibly articulate or quantify my impact! We talk a lot about impact both within and outside the academy, but when it comes to measuring academic impact, we get a little weird. We’re good with counting publications and calculating our h-index, but when it comes to the elements of our jobs that don’t end up in a peer-reviewed journal, there’s an attitude that measurement somehow cheapens our efforts. We seem to feel that it’s impossible to quantify the impact we have on our colleagues or students. That something vital is lost in translation when we start counting and measuring. This is an especially ironic attitude when it comes to social/behavioral scientists. We’re all about measuring and quantifying the intangible. I’ll admit that it’s hard to look back and quantify activities that weren’t well-tracked or documented at the time, but it is doable! We had a fantastic conversation in Recovering Academics about how to describe teaching experience on a resume, and shared the bullet points we’d all written. It is doable! It feels reductive to distill the rich experiences of teaching into a few short bullet points, but that’s the whole point of a resume! This is just a brief representation of the in-depth work you’ve done. It doesn’t reduce you or your experiences. If you’re still in academia and looking to leave, do some little experiments to help quantify your impact! Create a new rubric for a course and track the time it takes you to grade with the new version vs. the old version. Have you revamped any courses to improve student experiences? Compare your student evals before and after the revamp. There are lots of great strategies for looking at your impact in a more intentional way. What other ideas do you all have? #RecoveringAcademics #LeavingAcademia