Most Important Factors for PhD Admission ( > 25 schools)

[dodger]

1. GPA / GRE

is it true that a 3.5+ threshold and a 700+ on the quantitative are the basic minimums (give or take a few points), and that the differences between these numbers among candidates are not as important as other factors?

2. personal statement

this is apparently the most important part of the application? at least, it's what one of my professors told me, and stressed that it was important to highlight different interests and show how one thinks about problems.

3. writing sample

how important is this? it's obviously important to show original research and cogent arguments, but having said that, most applicants aren't expected to be submitting publishable-quality work, but just some demonstration of being a future scholar.

4. letters of recommendation

probably the most important part of the application, depending on who writes them? if they are from well-known or star professors, these letters trump all? if they are from regular profs, then the personal statement trumps the LORs?

5. extracurricular activities / work experience

irrelevant unless directly related to PhD program in some capacity (e.g. previously worked at a think tank; editor of a student publication; etc.)

thoughts on this? essentially, it's: 2>>>4>>>>>>>>>>3>>1>>>>>>5?

unless the LORs come from renowned profs, then it's: 4>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>2>>>>>3>>1>>>>>5?

accurate?

[adaptations]

Before I begin, I should say that everything I post in this section is speculative. It is based on conversations with faculty from admissions committees and discussions with doctoral students, so take it with a grain of salt.

GRE/GPA: I think the GRE is generally used for a cutoff, but I don't think 700 is a minimum. I was just looking at Duke and UCSDs admission statistics and it is clear they admit people who received less than a 700 on their quantitative section (even if there aren't that many of them). U. of Washington (ranked 25) had an average quantitative score last year of 702 for admitted students. My suspicion is that GPA carries more weight. Of course it's not the be all and end all, but it is a pretty good indicator of your potential - unless you've been out of school for a long time.

SOP: Clearly very important! Probably the most important thing.

LORS: Next most important. However, if they aren't from academics they don't matter as much. Numerous committee members told me if it's from a politician, then it really means nothing.

Writing sample: Assuming you've made the cut to those really being considered, these certainly weigh in the decision process. (although it is somewhat surprising how many schools don't require them, i.e. Harvard, UCSD, etc...) However, I do think committee's are looking for work that is polished enough to be published (or nearly). After all, they will have numerous applicants who already have publications (of some sort).

As for work experience and extracurricular - they matter the least. I'd say work experience matters more, if it contributed directly to your research, writing, or related skills.

Those are my thoughts on the subject.

Ciao,

[IvyHope]

Writing sample: Assuming you've made the cut to those really being considered, these certainly weigh in the decision process. (although it is somewhat surprising how many schools don't require them, i.e. Harvard, UCSD, etc...) However, I do think committee's are looking for work that is polished enough to be published (or nearly). After all, they will have numerous applicants who already have publications (of some sort).

I was told by Harvard that the statement of purpose served as a writing sample. Note, I am not applying to the same program, yet it was interesting nonetheless.