Framework to 10x your chances of getting an MS / PhD position

Finding a fully funded MS/ PhD position can be competitive, and it often requires a solid academic record, previous research experience, and a clear vision for future research in your field. To differentiate yourself from others, you need a framework highlighting your strengths and research capabilities to increase your chances of selection. It seems complicated, but we have made it easy for you. You just have to answer one single question.

Do you have one or more research publications?

YES —> Read the following.

NO —> Go to step 1B.

𝟏𝐀. 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬:

MS/ PhD are expensive educational programs. To ease your burden, it is necessary to find yourself a scholarship. It will help you reduce your financial burden as well as help you focus on your study more and more. Here is how you can set a scholarship alert:

• Enrol yourself on your university website. They often have a dedicated section for scholarships. You will be alerted every time a new scholarship is advertised by enabling an email alert.
• Many universities offer scholarships to students to allow them to continue their studies at the same university. You can apply at your university to get a better chance of getting a scholarship.
• Many scholarship websites allow you to make an account with them, and they will remind you through email about any recently announced scholarship.

𝟐𝐀. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡-𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐕:

A well-crafted CV can have a magical effect on a recruiter. Here is how a research-focused CV can help you get an MS/ PhD position:

• A well-crafted CV has a dedicated section for recent publications highlighting your interest and passion for research.
• Prepare your CV aligning with a professor you see as your future supervisor. Compliment their skills and show interest in their area of research. This way, you will get his unique eye during selection.
• Connect your academic background with your goals. Explain in your CV how your coursework has prepared you for these research projects.

𝟑𝐀. 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐤:

It is all about getting the professor’s attention. If you successfully make him open your email, you will have a brighter chance of getting your MS/ PhD position. Here is how designing an email template with a hook can help:

• It will help you get noticed.
• Once the professor opens your email, your eye-catching updated recent research section will keep him on your CV till the end.
• It increases your engagement. Your email won’t go directly to the bin but will be discussed before getting to the recycle bin.
• Sample of email is provided below.

How to write an email to get an Acceptance Letter from the Professor

𝟒𝐀. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥:

Meeting your professor face to face and discussing your matter with him has an extra impact on your chance of getting selected. Your professor receives hundreds of emails daily, and they usually don’t have time to read every email, so if you can meet with him, it will be more effective than mailing him.

𝟓𝐀. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

Scoring high in PhD interviews is one big step in getting your desired position. Here is how you can ace your interview:

• Know your research area more than anything. Your professor will always look for his interest in hiring you, so study your professor and his research. Try to help him make a connection.
• Try to make a storytelling introduction, highlighting your achievements, but focus more on the research side.
• Ask your friends and mentors to ask you questions. This will increase your confidence. Conduct mock interviews with your professors; it will give you an idea of what questions can be asked in an interview.
• Sample of interview Questions is provided below.

Top 10 MS / PhD Interview Questions and Their Answers

𝟔𝐀. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲:

The more you apply, the more you will have a chance of getting selected. Here is how applying more can help you get your desired position:

• Applying for many will help you choose your best fit.
• You will have plenty of other options if you get rejected from one place.
• MS/ PhD positions are often limited, so if you have applied to more institutes, better chances for you to get selected.

You don’t have any research publications?

YES —> Read the following.

𝟏𝐁. 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐏𝐀, 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:

 It’s better to have a publication, but if you do not have one, don’t worry; it’s not a matter of life and death. You can still apply for an MS/ PhD position in the following way:

• A high GPA will solve most of your problems. It will show your hard work during coursework and academic years.
• Showcase your coursework that is directly related to your research area. Mention how you can help with this project using your previous experience.
• Mention the presentation that you have presented at international or national conferences.

𝟐𝐁. 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡:

Volunteering can help you improve your CV even without having any prior publications. Here’s why it is beneficial:

• You will get hands-on practice that you can mention in your CV. It will help you learn techniques and new methodologies and better understand a research process.
• Many labs require candidates who can help them with data collection, analysis, or literature review. If you have any prior experience, it can give you a push during an interview.
• Your network will improve as you meet and work with many technical people who can help your career.

This framework can help you achieve your MS/ PhD position. Stick to it and practice it more and more. All the Best! and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.