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It's application season again. Those who are applying for Masters/PhD/postdoc, etc - I figured I would mention 5 things I look for when I review applications. Happy to answer any general questions.
Applicants - good luck! Wherever you land, know you will make a difference.
Applicants - good luck! Wherever you land, know you will make a difference.
1. Match with the level of training desired.
For Masters applicants, I ask, "does this person meet a certain bar?" For PhD or postdoc applicants, I ask, "what is unique about this person that will make them a good fit?"
Tailor your app to the size & competitiveness of the pool.
For Masters applicants, I ask, "does this person meet a certain bar?" For PhD or postdoc applicants, I ask, "what is unique about this person that will make them a good fit?"
Tailor your app to the size & competitiveness of the pool.
2. A personal touch.
If you have overcome major obstacles in your life, humbly mention them. Discuss scientific questions that inspire you, unique hobbies, etc.
The best applicants are distinguished not by GPA or test scores, but by their humanity and intellectual curiosity.
If you have overcome major obstacles in your life, humbly mention them. Discuss scientific questions that inspire you, unique hobbies, etc.
The best applicants are distinguished not by GPA or test scores, but by their humanity and intellectual curiosity.
3. Humility.
My #1 turnoff is an applicant who lacks humility. I want people who will create a positive atmosphere, and nobody wants to work with someone who is full of themselves.
Focus on your personal touch (#2), let your letter writers and CV speak to your accomplishments.
My #1 turnoff is an applicant who lacks humility. I want people who will create a positive atmosphere, and nobody wants to work with someone who is full of themselves.
Focus on your personal touch (#2), let your letter writers and CV speak to your accomplishments.
4. Fit with the program.
I don't just want someone who is smart, I want someone who will enhance the work of other team members who are already here.
Research the program and highlight why you specifically want to go there (not just "it's ranked highly").
I don't just want someone who is smart, I want someone who will enhance the work of other team members who are already here.
Research the program and highlight why you specifically want to go there (not just "it's ranked highly").
5. Conscientiousness.
To my mind, if someone cares about the quality of their work, other things fall into place. Putting in the hours, getting the details right, finishing what you've started, etc. Demonstrate your conscientiousness and ask your letter-writers to speak to it.
To my mind, if someone cares about the quality of their work, other things fall into place. Putting in the hours, getting the details right, finishing what you've started, etc. Demonstrate your conscientiousness and ask your letter-writers to speak to it.
In summary, I'm looking for someone who has a personality, is humble and conscientious, and knows how they and the program can provide mutual benefit. I'll take that applicant over a 4.0 GPA and 20 publications any day. I suspect that 90% of selection committees feel the same.
