phD Admission

[Anna901109]

Hi,

Does anyone know whether I have to fully finish my master degree before applying for the phD program ? I have asked some phD students and they told me to wait until I finish my mater

completely..

Thanks

[fuzzylogician]

Most likely, no. You didn't give us much to go on -- the field, even country you're applying in. But in the vast majority of cases: in the US you only need a BA, not an MA, when applying for a PhD, and it's possible to apply before you even have the BA completed as long as it's done before you enroll. If you're in an MA program and applying for the PhD program in the same school, there will usually be some procedure for applying/switching tracks during the year when you're finishing the MA. In Canada, some (most?) programs require an MA, but again it should be possible to apply before it's completed, as long as it's completed before you begin the PhD. If there is a requirement like that that you don't meet, you might be conditionally accepted and will have to show you have fulfilled all the requirements before you're officially admitted. However, you should still be able to apply. 

[hippyscientist]

It definitely depends on the school. I'm applying whilst studying a Masters in the UK, which officially doesn't graduate until December 2016, but I will have finished all the work by July. Some schools are okay with it, others are not. Your best option is to contact the schools you are interested in, to see what their policy is.

[Anna901109]

3 hours ago, fuzzylogician said:

Most likely, no. You didn't give us much to go on -- the field, even country you're applying in. But in the vast majority of cases: in the US you only need a BA, not an MA, when applying for a PhD, and it's possible to apply before you even have the BA completed as long as it's done before you enroll. If you're in an MA program and applying for the PhD program in the same school, there will usually be some procedure for applying/switching tracks during the year when you're finishing the MA. In Canada, some (most?) programs require an MA, but again it should be possible to apply before it's completed, as long as it's completed before you begin the PhD. If there is a requirement like that that you don't meet, you might be conditionally accepted and will have to show you have fulfilled all the requirements before you're officially admitted. However, you should still be able to apply. 

Thanks friend. I am doing my master in Chemical Engineering (froth treatment for oilsands) in Canada and hopefully to finish by the end of April next year. I am planning to apply for the phD program in some top universities in US. In fact, I just told with one phD student today and he told me that I will have to wait until I have fully completed my master program. But, I really want to get admission in September...

[Anna901109]

Anyone knows phD admission requirements in top US universities such as typical admitted GPA, GRE and number of publications ? Someone told me extracurricular activities do not matter at all but what if I would like to apply for Harvard ? I do not think these top university will totally look at your grade and research.... What really make you stand out ?

[Extra Espresso]

18 hours ago, Anna901109 said:

Anyone knows phD admission requirements in top US universities such as typical admitted GPA, GRE and number of publications ? Someone told me extracurricular activities do not matter at all but what if I would like to apply for Harvard ? I do not think these top university will totally look at your grade and research.... What really make you stand out ?

It really depends on your overall profile and what you want to do. It's certainly not only a numbers game, but how much each category is weighted depends on the specific program and the field. Virtually all US universities will ask for your GPA, GRE scores, research experience, a resume/CV, a statement of purpose, and two to three letters of recommendation. The statement of purpose and letters of recommendation both have a large bearing on your application: the statement of purpose because it is where you tell your academic story, why graduate school, and what you will bring to the program and the letters of recommendation because it is where others who are experienced in your area can speak honestly about you as a candidate. GPA, GRE scores, and publications all certainly have bearing on your application, but the general consensus is that schools take a much more holistic approach in reviewing your application. 

Also, note that the "top universities" vary widely from field to field, and even then it's better to choose a place that fits what you want to research and what direction you want to take for your career than one that is simply ranked highly. The stickied posts under this forum (Applications) have some really great advice about the whole application process - you should definitely check those out for more detailed responses!