Applying for Graduate Studies
Tips
Your application will be reviewed by at least three faculty members from SOLS, so you should identify the faculty members you want to see your application. Think about which faculty members you might like to work with, and on what types of specific projects. Use the references cited in their journal articles to learn more about the faculty member's research and whether it appeals to you. Identify these faculty members in your statement of research interest, and on the application and information form.
- Prepare your statement of research interest with care. This statement does not tie you into a specific research project, but we use it to identify students who have a mature sense of the kind of research they want to pursue in graduate school, as well as students who can think critically and write clearly about a research problem. Be sure to mention the faculty members you might like to work with and the types of specific projects that might interest you. Hint: Don’t begin your statement with, “Ever since I was a child...”
- Send an email to the specific faculty member(s) that you are most interested in. Tell them about your interests and reasons for wanting to work with them, ask them what kind of projects are currently going on in their laboratory and ask if they are taking additional students in the coming year. We like to receive these letters and usually answer them promptly. Realize that our application procedure relies, in part, on how well a student fits our research programs, so it helps if a specific faculty member is keen to have you come here.
- Consider visiting the campus. There is much about the fit between a student, a particular program, and a specific faculty member that is difficult to evaluate from the application. A visit allows you to sell yourself directly; it puts a "face" on your application and allows you to evaluate our programs more closely. Travel funds are usually available for top applicants to visit SOLS, so if you are a serious candidate for one of our programs, ask the your potential mentor or the Grad Programs AD if funds are available to help defray the cost of airfare.
- Do not be afraid to ask your potential mentors and our current graduates the tough questions. Make comparisons among the places you are considering and do not hesitate to ask us for more information. We are confident that the more you know about us, the greater the chances that you will select our program for your graduate studies. Hint: Get the details about grad stipends and quality of life issues with grad students and the Grad Programs office staff, but spend your valuable time with potential faculty mentors talking about your research interests!