Happy Schools Blog » PhD

How to Think and Function as a Scientist

HSB — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:14:01 +0000

In several articles about Phd, we have stated that PhD is about interest towards research and not about financial aid and money. It requires dedication and determination to complete PhD and Post Doc.

On Becoming a Scientist

Bruce Michael Alberts is an American biochemist who published an article in Science Magazine On Becoming a Scientist. It’s a MUST read for any students to considering to study Masters or PhD.

He talks about

how to think and function as a scientist
importance of your mentor
how to find problems and solve them
importance of creativity, risk taking and identifying problems

So, are you still interested to study PhD and go on to become a sceientist or you think Masters degree is sufficient? PhD takes about 4 to 5 years to complete and Post Doc takes another 2 years.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

How to Think and Function as a Scientist

Q&A – Round 4

HSB — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:34:20 +0000

This is Part of of Q&A Section. You can read answers to more questions at

Q1: Patel

I have completed my B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Sardar Patel University at India in April-2009. Right now i am in PG Diploma Biotechnology Technologist-Industrial Microbiology (2years) at Centennial College in canada. I am planing for M.Sc. in biotechnology for that i need GRE or not if yes which type general or subject?

MSc degree is offered only in UK, Canada, India,… In America Master of Science M.S. is offered. Yes, you will need to take GRE Exam to apply for Universities in US, check with Colleges in Canada, if they require GRE Exam.

Q2: Zubin

I am applying for MS in Computer Science at universities in US. I dont have any property on my name, I am showing my maternal uncle as my sponsorer, Can you please help me with the list of documents required to show financial support

Yes, you can have your uncle as your sponsor. You will need to get bank statement from your uncle while applying for Universities and financial affidavit form. Usually the form will be provided by the University. If not, include in the bank statement that your uncle is sponsoring you.

Q3: Trahman

Dear HSB,

I do have a question regarding contacting professors. Should I contact a professor before applying for admission in Ph.D. program or should I do it afterwards? Some suggest to contact professors first. If they give a positive reply then the chances for admission and funding increase. Some people won’t even go through your email. So I need some attractive subjects for emails while contacting professors . Please suggest some email subjects.

Interesting question. Many students applying for PhD usually follow how a Masters students will apply for admission to US. But, they don’t understand PhD is much different from applying for Masters Degree. PhD admission process is much distinct and depends on your academic profile (Direct PhD after Bachelors degree or PhD after masters degree). You can learn all those process from My Happy Schools Blog – Premium Version of HSB.

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Q&A – Round 4

GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test?

HSB — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:39:34 +0000

Question -

I have completed my Masters in Biotechnology and now want to pursue Doctorate in Biochemistry form US. Which will be better to give GRE general test or GRE subjective test?

GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test

For PhD admission in US Graduate School, GRE General Test will be mandatory. So, there is not question of GRE General or GRE Subject test. You have to take GRE General Exam conducted by ETS.

GRE Subject test is not required by most of the Graduate Schools in United States. If GRE Subject test is mandatory, it will be listed as one of Graduate admission requirement. You have to check this requirement at department website. Alos, you can look at about Average GRE Scores for few universities.

If GRE Subject test is not a mandatory requirement, then taking Subject test will increase your chances to get admission with Financial Aid. But, if you already have satisfactory academics, GRE Exam Score, it’s not required to spend time and money to take GRE Subject Test.

You many want to consider PhD in Biotechnology or related courses within Biotechnology. Is there any specific reason, why you want to apply for PhD in Biochemistry?

PhD in US

Since you already have Masters degree, by now you should have an idea on research, hard work and effort required to complete PhD. Don’t apply to PhD, just because you can get better salary and job.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test?

Admission to PhD Without GRE or TOEFL?

HSB — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:59:19 +0000

Question

Can I get admission to PhD without GRE and TOEFL Score?

Admission process to PhD is much different from Maters Degree. Most students have knowledge ( or partial knowlege) about Masters degree in US University admission process, and tend to follow the same process for PhD admission.

PhD is all about research, if you are not willing to take GRE or TOEFL, then why do you want to think about PhD? It takes lot of effort to complete PhD in US Universities. If you plan to take the easy route, then you are going to face the consuquences few years down the road.

There are few universities that accept students for M.S. degree just with TOEFL Score, but for PhD admission GRE Test Score is mandatory. If you are thinking to study Doctorate degree, then it should be good university, which has research in your are of interest and professor who will be supportive to take you as student.

So, admission to PhD without GRE is not possible in most of the technical fields. So, don’t waste your time searching for Universities for PhD without PhD, instead spend time to prepare for GRE.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Admission to PhD Without GRE or TOEFL?

Universities for PhD in Computer Science with GRE 1240

HSB — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:07:07 +0000

Hi,

I am a Computer Science PhD applicant for Fall 2010. My aggregate is 85 and GRE – 1240 (730 quant + 510 verbal). Please help me with the list of schools I could apply for where I could expect to be funded. Do let me know if it would be helpful to give GRE one more time.

Kindly Advice.

Thanks!

PhD in Computer Science

Not many students visiting this blog are applying for PhD. Most of the visitors are applying for Masters Degree in US Universities. But, students applying for PhD posting questions asking for list of Universities shows that have lot to learn about University Selection. First you have to understand that studying PhD is much different that studying Masters.

Same applies to selecting universities for PhD. You are going to spend 4 to 6 years studying PhD. If you asking someone to select Universities for you, be willing to take a huge risk of losing money, maybe you might get frustrated while in school. You might not like to college, course, research, …

Students applying for PhD, please don’t select universities like a student applying for Masters program. There are so many other factors that have to be considered before selecting universities. Studying doctorate degree requires lot of effort and dedication. Some, students apply to PhD without having any clue and not knowing what to expect during PhD research work.

1240 is good GRE score to get admission for PhD in Computer Science at US University. You have enough time to select university and apply before Nov end. Consider joining Premium Membership to learn about PhD University Selection process and how to find schools where you cam maximize the chances to get admission with some form of Scholarship or financial aid.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Universities for PhD in Computer Science with GRE 1240

PSM or PhD in Biotechnology US or MBA in India?

HSB — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:34:22 +0000

In Orkut MS in Biotechnology Community, there is an interesting discussion going on about PSM in Biotechnology and job opportunities available after Graduation with PSM in Biotechnology. Here’ s how the discussion with Shohini went

Shohini

I have completed my MSc in Biochemistry last year and i have an admit for MS in biotech from northeastern university. It is a PSM course. Could u please tell is it worth going to the US for another masters…and will it help me n my future in anyway…R PSM graduates getting hired.

HSB

It’s not even worth comparing Masters in US to MSc in India. You may want to prepare for this question for Visa- You already have Masters degree, why are you going for another Masters program.

Other than that you can do PSM. It will be whole new experience.

Shohini

The thing is i had applied for PhDs in the US..unfortunately din get thru…and just applied for masters (PSM) in two places NEU was one of them…I am currently working as a lecturer… cud u please tell me that is it better to do a Phd or MBA in India or is the PSM masters better..secondly ppl at neu wid the same course r rite ne jobless..is it only cause of recession or its cause of PSM and cause of the course work and is the scenario this way just in NEU or in other campuses too… please let me noe..

PhD Admission Denied

The process of applying for PhD is very much different from applying for Masters degree. Most of the students do the same kind of application preparation and University selection and end up getting admission denial.

Read this article that will explain what to expect during course of PhD in US Universities.

PhD or MBA in India

Looks like you are not certain on what you want to achieve in career. With Masters degree you can be bit relaxed to make decision. But for second Masters or PhD,you must have lot of interest and focused aim. You just cannot do PhD for 4 to 6 years for sake of coming to US.

MBA in India is different and its 2 years you will be done. Anyone giving advise in such situation are in no position to know your exact situation. So, you have to analyze and find out which would work out best for your future.

PSM Biotechnology Masters better?

You have 3 options

PSM in biotechnology at NEU
Apply for PhD for next semester
MBA in India.

I would think bit further and suggest the fourth option

Go for Visa for NEU for PSM Biotechnology. After you come to the University, it will be much easier to move to PhD or transfer to different course or get dual degree PSM + MBA. In this way you are not going spend another 1 year applying for PhD.

But, you have prepare for Visa. They will ask you for sure about second Masters degree. If you have right answer, you will be on your way to US.

Job for PSM Biotechnology Graduates

You have teaching experience, so there should be some opportunity to get TA while doing PSM. Start networking as soon as you goto US. I’m going to publish Q&A with a student doing Masters in Keck Graduate Institute. It will be an lengthy interview ( 2 Part Post). Finding job in this economy is tough, but it’s not impossible.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

PSM or PhD in Biotechnology US or MBA in India?

PhD – Admisison, Scholarship & Semester

HSB — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:18:09 +0000

Happy Schools Blog - Premium Membership Club

Shuvro from Bangladesh

Hi!
This site is much informative I think.

I completed M.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. My CGPA in B.Sc. is 3.34 @ scale 4 and in M.Sc. is 3.25.
I have a paper publication. No GRE/TOEFL yet. Have plan but I think the score will not be more than average. I want to do PhD from any reputed US University on Electromagnetics.

Is it possible to get admission for PhD?

Any possibility to get scholarship?

What will be the right semester for 2010?

Please help me.

Admision for PhD?

You can certainly get admission for PhD, but GRE and TOEFL Scores alone will not get admission. It has lot to do with your interests, Letter of Recommendation, Statement of purpose, research interests. Your paper publication will be an added advantage.

PhD with Scholarship

Having strong academic profile is one thing, but you must know how to express yourself in the PhD application. Basically, you will need to market yourself as strong candidate for research. We are actually going to teach exactly how to market your skills while applying for Graduate School through Happy Schools Blog – Premium Membership Club.You chances of getting admission with scholarship increases by presenting high value documents.

Which Semester 2010

That option largely depend son your personal situation and other things. To apply for Spring 2010, you should have GRE and TOEFL by Mid July for PhD. It will take another 2-3 months to find the right schools. For Fall 2010 semester, it’s better to submit the application by end of November 2009.

Suggestions

When asking questions in forums and blogs like this, try to be give more detailed information. For instance you said

Have plan but I think the score will not be more than average.

Average GRE Scores for you might be 950 and I might conside Average GRE Score to be 1300. There is no way to give a definitive answer for generalized question.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

PhD – Admisison, Scholarship & Semester

GRE Score 880; PhD Admit $20,000 Financial Aid; F1 Visa Chances?

HSB — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:05:11 +0000

This question was asked by Shreya through email about her chances of getting f1 Visa with Low GRE Score and admission with Financial Aid.

Shreya Asks

I have secured 880 in my GRE and 85 in Toefl exam. I have applied for PhD in US universities. I have received I-20 letter from University of xxxxx . They have also offered me Graduate Assistantship of $20,000. Still can my visa be denied because of low GRE score?Please reply asap.

F1 Student Visa

Student Visa stamping depends on many factors, not just the GRE Score. Since University in US have recognized your academic performance by giving Admission with $20,000 Graduate Assistantship , Visa officer will give consideration for that.

If University believed that your GRE Score 880 is less, then they shouldn’t given admission in first place. They looked at your credentials ( Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Resume, Projects, GRE and TOEFL Score,….) before giving admission.

Visa officer will look at 3 things

Are you competent enough to study in US
Do you have enough financial background to pay for education expenses while in US
Will you return to your home country after completing the education

Since you got admission in PhD with Graduate Assistanship, factor 1 and 2 is satisfied. So, you have to prove that you will come back after completing the education in US.You have bright chances ti get Visa stamping. Be positive and attend the interview with a bright smile on your face. Confidence is the key.

F1 Visa Interview Tips

Here are some article that was published previously that is a MUST read before appearing for F1 Visa interview stamping

F1 Student Visa Interview Questions
H-1B Mock Interview Video ( Applies to F1 Visa Stamping to0)
Sample F1 Visa interview Documents
F1 Visa canceled due to Fake Bank Statement
F1 Visa Interview Tips, Not Tricks

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GRE Score 880; PhD Admit $20,000 Financial Aid; F1 Visa Chances?

University Transfer after First Semester?

HSB — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:56:42 +0000

If you applied to many US Universities, but got admission from just one University what can you do? Can you go for F1 Visa Stamping to one University that sent I-20 or apply for next semester? Mirdul sent this comment in the email

Hello, I applied to different to 5 universities excluding CSU, Long Beach

1. University of Texas, Arlington
2. UMass, Dartmouth
3. UNC, Charlotte
4. Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville
5. San Diego State University, San Diego

Got reject from every one of them (Electrical Engineering), What are the chances of getting a different university in the second year or can I get into Phd with some financial aid, after I finish my 1st year into some other university?

Thanking you
Mridul Singh

Admission from One University

This year many students are getting just one admission. Do you know what is the reason behind that?

Due to recession in US many are going back to school. So, number of applications received by the school have increased. When students normally consider university as moderate or safe, they are finding it tough to get admission this year.

In your case since you have received I-20 from California State University, Long Beach there are not many options for you. In fact this makes your job much easier. Be prepared to pay out of state fee.

University Transfer after One (First) Semester

Since you don’t have admission from other universities, you can go for Visa stamping for California State University @ Long Beach. In mean time apply for few different schools for Spring 2010 semester. For some reason you don’t like CSU, you can transfer to different school after 1 semester.

Read about FQ’s about University Transfer artilce for International Students.

University Transfer after First Semester ( Part 1 and Part 2)

PhD with Financial Aid

You can find answers to similar questions

Usually students get Aid for PhD, but it will take one or two semester. But, if you want to get transfer, make sure you get it right after first semester. Hopefully this answers your questions.

If you have more questions, leave a comment to this article.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

University Transfer after First Semester?

How to Find US University Giving Scholarship?

HSB — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:25:07 +0000

In today’s Q&A section Tia asks about scholarship, university and how to find the schools that gives scholarship for international students.

Tia Asks

You gave very good information about aid. Can you tell me how to know which university is giving how much scholarship? and if i am applying for P.hD in biology field then how shall i find the right university and apply?

Applying for PhD

Applying for PhD is not same as applying for Masters degree. In fact you can find answer to similar question – I need 5 Universities that give Scholarship for PhD. I like to highlight the same fact again. If you are applying for PhD for the sake of getting Aid but if you planning to graduate with Masters after 2 years, then please don’t apply for PhD.

To do research it requires commitment and lot of passion. Usually all PhD students will get funded by the college or by the professor. So, you have to select the school based on your research interest. If you are not sure about research and time involved, you will have to study the research article – Life of Phd Students.

University with Scholarship

You are not the only person trying to find answer to the above question. Almost every student applying to US Colleges is looking for some form of funding (aid, scholarship, fellowship, ..). According to Open Doors study, only 30% of the students get aid, and 70% of then pay from their savings or from their parents money. Having said that, you have to try to get aid, it’s not given to you as gift. If your have academic qualification, university will give it to you, usually PhD students will get some form of aid along with admission. If not after you come to US, you have to impress the professor. After one or two semesters you can get aid.

But, above all you need to find schools that have research that interests you. Don’t just go to a school where your friend has said they are giving aid to all students. Satisfaction you get by selecting schools on your own is much more, compared to some consultant doing the work for you.

So, this is what you will need to do

Read the research article from above link
Decide if you really want to do PhD
Then search for schools that offer PhD in your area of interest
Apply to PhD Program
Enjoy your research and commit yourself
Scholarship and finding will come to you.

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How to Find US University Giving Scholarship?