DSPT PhD Programs and Portfolio Workshop

1
DSPT PhD Programs and Portfolio Workshop

• Considering going on to a PhD?
• The following tips and suggestions will help you
  navigate the process and prepare yourself to put
  together a successful application.

2
Where is this information from?

• The experience of DSPT alumni
• Robert Peters, Getting What You Came For The
  Smart Students Guide to Earning a M.A. or a
  Ph.D. (New York Farrar, Straus and
  Giroux, 1997)

3
Part I Choosing a School

• START EARLY!

4
Part I Choosing a School

• Potential Advisors
• You should look primarily for a scholar, only
  secondarily at an institution
• How do you find an advisor?
• Use the library
• Read, read, read!
• Ask your professors
• Look online

5
Part I Choosing a School

• Potential Advisors
• Things to look for
• Career maturity/tenure
• Reputation
• Personality
• Contact potential advisors
• Proofread your letter!
• Plan to visit the school

6
Part I Choosing a School

• Department Prestige
• Connections in the field
• Future job prospects
• Check reputation of department within your area
  of interest

7
Part I Choosing a School

• Other Considerations
• Attrition
• Time to completion
• Job placement success
• Teaching requirements
• Financial support

8
Part II Preparing to Apply

• Plan to apply to at least
• programs!

10
9
Part II Preparing to Apply

• Grades and GRE scores
• Letters of Recommendation
• Give your recommender
• A postage-paid envelope addressed to the school
• An unofficial transcript
• A copy of your CV
• A memo from you to your recommender reminding him
  or her about important things to put in the
  letter
• Statement of Purpose
• The GTU offers a Writing the Academic Statement
  of Purpose workshop!
• This year Wednesday, October 10, 1230-2pm
  Dinner Board Room, GTU Library
• Contact Kathleen Kook (kkook_at_gtu.edu) or GTU
  admissions (gtuadm_at_gtu.edu) to reserve a place.

10
Part III So What Can You Do Now?

• Languages
• Conferences
• Publications
• M.A. Program/Portfolio
• Above all Dont stress too much over getting
  into PhD programs!