Sicily L.’s Post

For academic references, the best people to ask are those who know your skills, work ethic, and character in a relevant and positive context. Here are some ideal sources based on different situations: The goal of an academic reference is to provide decision-makers with insights into your academic potential, character, and readiness for a particular role. It helps admissions committees, hiring panels, or scholarship boards get a fuller picture of who you are as a student and how well you might fit their program or position.

SUMMARY OF HOW TO WIN GRADUATE SCHOOL POSITIONS 1. Get a research interest 2. Find Professors in your research interest 3. Publish a paper or more in your interest 4. Send cold mail to professor in your interest 5. Search for Universities with Profs in your Interest 6. Prepare your application documents - SOP - CV - LoR 7. Apply on time when the application window opens. That's how to win Graduate School Positions

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 🎓💰🎖️

When interviewing students/alumni, either for story collection or story creation, it's important to ask questions that avoid surface-level responses. Every college wants to promote it's world-class professors. But rather than just saying (or getting the student to say) "the professors are great," let's look at some ways we can rephrase questions that will take us below the surface.

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 🎓💰🎖️

How to 20x your chances of winning a fully funded PhD despite the cutthroat competition✈️📈👩💻💯 The answer is COLD-EMAILING 1. Cold-email profs. Unless otherwise specified on the prof's webpage, cold-emailing is a great way to stand out. It lets them read your research ideas way before they are loaded with applications. They may even invite you for an interview. Grab that opportunity! 2. Tailor your CV according to the lab you're writing to. Things that should match the profs/lab's profile. • Research interests • Research experience • Key skills in bullet points • Relevant research experience • Relevant workshops & trainings 3. Contact existing grad school students Their email address is provided on the program website under "Existing/Current students". They can provide you with golden advice on the Dos and Don'ts of applying. Don't shy away from clarifying your doubts with them. 4. Give you 200% to your statement of purpose. You can't change your grades. You can't change your research exp. You CAN change your statement of purpose & recharge your narrative. Here's how: 5. In your SoP • Clearly show the gaps/challenges you wish to address in your field. • How you will use your past experiences and knowledge to the grad program of your interest. • How you can contribute to the lab & the university. It doesn't matter what the competition is. It doesn't matter what your past was. A strong CV+ Cold-email + SoP with a convincing packaging can give you the fully funded PhD you deserve. Cold-email template by Harvard University 🏫 You can adapt it for Master’s & PhD applications:

Last week, I gave a short lecture for a third-year university class about public history and local history. The presentation went well, with some engagement from the students who were brave enough to ask questions at 9am on a Monday morning (they really are the real heroes). Thirty minutes into my presentation, I had clearly lost the room. The professor -- who I have known for some time and is familiar with my current full time position -- then asked, on behalf of the class, what I did for a living, and how I apply my historical thinking to that role. Relying entirely on my improvisation skills, I gave a five-minute introduction about my current role at HeirSearch, including the kinds of research I do, how I interact with clients, and how many of the skills I learned as a history major -- and later, graduate student -- helped me make a successful transition from history in the classroom to history in the workplace. I asked for questions, and the room came alive! The students were incredibly engaged and had really thoughtful questions about how they can apply the skills that they learn as history majors to the real world. We had an excellent conversation for forty-five minutes! I could tell that the students were not interested in my job specifically, but they were finally seeing an example of someone who did a history program translate their skills to employment, something that I wish I had as I went through my programs. If you are a social science or humanities student looking for a way to articulate your skills in a way that transitions to the real world, please send me a message!

🚫 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 🔖🔖🔖

Here are 5️⃣ documents to work on this summer for your academic job search 👇 ⭐ CV: Your CV should emphasize research and the qualifications that make you an excellent candidate for faculty or postdoc positions in your field. ⭐ Job letter: Draft a standard job letter detailing your research trajectory and teaching experience. Later, you can tailor your letter to each job you apply for and frame your experiences according to each department's needs. ⭐ Research statement: Your research statement should demonstrate that you've participated in productive, quality research and include a detailed plan for your next endeavor. Be prepared to articulate it for the hiring committee. ⭐ Teaching statement: Start by stating the positive impact of education in your field, followed by real-life examples of your teaching methods. It should also include quantitative proof of the benefits you have contributed and end with a strong conclusion about the value of education in your field. ⭐ Diversity statement: The diversity statement is highly individual. It should explain your values and goals around diversity and equitable access to education, and how you exemplify those values in your research, teaching and service. ✅ Preparing now for the academic hiring cycle will take some pressure off later. Review our CV guide and academic statements guide to learn more:

🚫 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 🔖🔖🔖