How to Prepare for a PhD as an Undergraduate Washington DC

Steps

1. Talk to your professors about your ambitions, especially professors in your field of interest. Not only have they been through the process of obtaining a PhD, but they know other professors and institutions in the field. They'll have inside tips, and may even be able to put in a good word for you later.
2. Talk to current graduate students in your field. They can talk about how they prepared, what to expect, and what they would have done differently. They also have great inside scoops on professors and programs.
3. Know your intended specialty. You'll have an easier time looking for a position if you can search precisely. Plus, you'll sound more credible and dedicated.
   • For example: Don't say: "I want to study birds". Instead say: "I'm really interested in the foraging habits of thrushes".
4. Take lots of relevant classes. The economics graduate program you want to get into doesn't care how many art classes they took-- they want to see an aptitude for economics. Take the hardest classes in your field your college offers.
5. Work hardest in the relevant classes. These are the grades your grad school will care about.
6. Get research experience in your intended field. This will carry a lot of weight in your application. Plus, your supervisors can potentially write letters of recommendation.
7. Acquire skills related to your field. For example, if you want to go into oceanography, lean how to handle small boats.

Tips

• You don't have to carry straight on from your undergraduate degree to postgraduate studies. Consider other alternatives, like take a year out to travel or spend some time in the work force.
• Graduate school is all about research. Once you've met the GPA and GRE score requirements for your school, research credentials carry the weight.
• Hold out for a top choice, instead of settling for a program that doesn't meet your needs. If you don't get in one year, wait and try again.

Warnings

• Make sure you are certain a PhD is for you. It may sound like fun and being able to put Dr in front of your name may sound great, but it is an expensive and time-consuming process.
• It takes a lot of mental strength to cope up with the demands of graduate school, especially if you have a very demanding professor. For that reason many graduate schools have mental health clinics which are free for students.

Sources and Citations

• http://www.findaphd.com

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