PhD Programmes in the US

Transcription

1 PhD Programmes in the US

2 US-UK Fulbright Commission: Promoting peace and cultural understanding through educational exchange Awards for postgraduate study and research in the US and UK Fulbright Advisory Service: Website Resource Library Events Enquiries Senator W. J. Fulbright

3 Why Study in the US? Wide range of universities on offer Funding opportunities, many of which allow students to gain teaching and research experience Have the flexibility to explore your academic interests Internationalise and strengthen your CV Experience US university life

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5 Why Study in the US? Wide range of universities on offer Funding opportunities, many of which allow students to gain teaching and research experience Have the flexibility to explore your academic interests Internationalise and strengthen your CV Experience US university life

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7 Why Study in the US? Wide range of universities on offer Funding opportunities, many of which allow students to gain teaching and research experience Have the flexibility to explore your academic interests Internationalise and strengthen your CV Experience US university life

8 Why Study in the US? Wide range of universities on offer Funding opportunities, many of which allow students to gain teaching and research experience Have the flexibility to explore your academic interests Internationalise and strengthen your CV Experience US university life

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10 Notes on Terminology: US College, university, institute, school Class, course Degree program Undergraduate study Graduate study Public UK University Module Course First-degree Postgraduate study State-funded

11 Timeline: Typical Timeframe Spring / Summer - End of 2nd Year Beginning of 3rd Year Time Before Enrolment 1 1 ½ Years Months Notes Learn about US higher education and application process Begin choosing universities May Apply for a Fulbright Award Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities Register for admissions exams Begin admissions and funding applications Late Autumn / Winter of 3rd Year Spring of 3rd Year Summer after 3rd Year Aug. / Sept Months 4-7 Months 1-3 Months -- Submit admissions applications Submit funding applications Receive admissions decisions Notify universities Apply for your visa Attend a Pre-Departure Seminar Begin study in the US!

12 Overview of US Higher Education: Key differences between the US and UK: No pure research degrees Coursework expressed in credits or required courses No set fees Type of degree programmes: Academic/research or professional Doctoral degree structures: 2 + 2/3 where you initially apply for the Master s programme Apply directly for a PhD but have the option for a terminal Master s If you already have a Master s ask the department Visiting students

13 Choosing a Degree Programme: Type of degree programme: Master s: Academic/research vs. professional Doctoral Joint degree programme Non-degree seeking student status Suitability of the department - the academic fit : Faculty expertise Electives and concentrations Size and atmosphere Relationships between students and faculty Additional opportunities for research, teaching and conference attendance Prestige - the slippery slope

14 Choosing a Degree Programme: Public vs. private Location Centres of excellence for certain fields Cost of living Urban, suburban or rural Cultural differences Weather and climate Proximity to public transport / airports Extracurricular opportunities Competitiveness of admission Costs and availability of university funding prioritise if necessary

15 Resources for Choosing a Degree Programme: Print resources at the Fulbright Resource Library and regional centres Online university search engines linked from our website US News & World Reports rankings Talk with lecturers, specialists in your field, etc. Publications in your field who s doing work in the US? Department websites, current students and faculty members

16 Cost of Attendance: Tuition and fees can vary significantly between universities and even degree programmes May be a set semester/yearly rate or calculated on a per-credit basis Factor in cost of living, books and personal expenses = $8,500 - $10,000 Average cost of attendance: Master s: $21,900 (public) - $34,100 (private) Doctoral: $28,600 (public) - $40,200 (private) Source: NCES

17 Sources of Funding: Personal/family funds US universities Fellowships Assistantships Application procedures External funding bodies Types of funding bodies Application procedures Loans

18 Choosing Based on Funding Issues Balancing act that will require flexibility and effort on your part For example: Living in the Midwest or South, or a rural area = lower cost of living Choosing a university at which you are a top student = better chances of receiving additional university funding through the IIE placement process Ultimately, you know what s right for you

19 Funding Resources: US universities website Online scholarship searches: Fulbright monthly advising s Fulbright Awards

20 Timeline: Typical Timeframe Spring / Summer - End of 2nd Year Beginning of 3rd Year Time Before Enrolment 1 1 ½ Years Months Notes Learn about US higher education and application process Begin choosing universities May Apply for a Fulbright Award Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities Register for admissions exams Begin admissions and funding applications Late Autumn / Winter of 3rd Year Spring of 3rd Year Summer after 3rd Year Aug. / Sept Months 4-7 Months 1-3 Months -- Submit admissions applications Submit funding applications Receive admissions decisions Notify universities Apply for your visa Attend a Pre-Departure Seminar Begin study in the US!

21 Admissions Exams: GRE - Most Master s programmes, including the LLM GMAT - MBA programmes LSAT - JD programmes MCAT - MD programmes English-language proficiency exams

22 Timeline: Typical Timeframe Spring / Summer - End of 2nd Year Beginning of 3rd Year Time Before Enrolment 1 1 ½ Years Months Notes Learn about US higher education and application process Begin choosing universities May Apply for a Fulbright Award Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities Register for admissions exams Begin admissions and funding applications Late Autumn / Winter of 3rd Year Spring of 3rd Year Summer after 3rd Year Aug. / Sept Months 4-7 Months 1-3 Months -- Submit admissions applications Submit funding applications Receive admissions decisions Notify universities Apply for your visa Attend a Pre-Departure Seminar Begin study in the US!

23 Admissions Applications: Submit an application to each university Will follow a similar format: Application form Admissions exam scores Transcript Personal statement 2-3 recommendation letters CV Application fee Interview (for MBA) or audition (for the Arts) Submission of work (writing sample, portfolio, etc.)

24 Selection Criteria: Academics Degree results - Minimum 2:2 undergraduate results Admissions exam results Academic fit As discussed in choosing slide, compelling reasons for: pursuing that particular degree programme at that institution how it will help you achieve your future goals For UK students - why you re interested in studying in the US Relevant preparation - Work/research experience and/or coursework Extracurricular involvement

25 Approximate Grade Conversions: UK First Class Honours US A (4.00) 2:1 2:2 Third Class Honours Pass A-/B+ ( ) B (3.00) C+ (2.30) C (2.00)

26 Recommendations: Ask someone who knows you well, both in and out of the classroom Consider meeting with your referee to discuss letter Make sure referee is aware of deadlines and paperwork to complete Letter should be a marketing tool for you as an applicant Above all, encourage referees to be enthusiastic, positive, descriptive and anecdotal and avoid being restrained and too modest

27 Personal Statements: Strong personal statements set your application apart Illustrate your motivations for the subject you ll study quote or anecdote Why me? connect the dots between your CV and transcript academic background work/research experience leadership or extracurricular involvement, etc. Why here? your academic fit with the institution reasons for selecting the university/scholarship programme what academic work with the department s facilities, faculty or course offerings support Why now? your current and long-term professional/research interests and goals and ways in which the university/scholarship programme will help you achieve these goals Tips

28 Timeline: Typical Timeframe Spring / Summer - End of 2nd Year Beginning of 3rd Year Time Before Enrolment 1 1 ½ Years Months Notes Learn about US higher education and application process Begin choosing universities May Apply for a Fulbright Award Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities Register for admissions exams Begin admissions and funding applications Late Autumn / Winter of 3rd Year Spring of 3rd Year Summer after 3rd Year Aug. / Sept Months 4-7 Months 1-3 Months -- Submit admissions applications Submit funding applications Receive admissions decisions Notify universities Apply for your visa Attend a Pre-Departure Seminar Begin study in the US!

29 Visas: F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (Fulbright and other government-sponsored programmes) Generally, straightforward process in the UK: Receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) from the US university Complete SEVIS application (I-901) and pay fee ($200) online Complete visa application and pay fee ($131) online Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in London Refer to US Embassy for visa enquiries: (Operator Assisted 1.20/min)

30 Website:

31 Autumn Seminar - 2 November 2009 (London)

32 USA Grad School Day Spring 2010 for study in (London and Wales)

33 Resource Library

34 Enquiries

35 Fulbright Awards: The Fulbright Commission aims to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship. - Senator J William Fulbright UK Scholars

36 Benefits: Significant contribution toward tuition fees and maintenance for at least the first year of study Application support and university placement Recognition of the Fulbright name during admissions process and beyond Visa processing, a comprehensive 2-3 day orientation and support and enrichment events whilst in the US Membership to extensive alumni network (

37 Eligibility: UK citizenship Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) from any university May not hold US citizenship, be a dual citizen, hold a green card, or reside in the US at time of application Preference given to candidates who have not had extensive recent experience in the US

38 Successful Applicants: Are well-rounded Have demonstrated academic excellence Have shown leadership skills and initiative and have been active inside the classroom/lab as well as outside Possess a curiosity for the US and American culture Serve as good ambassadors for the Fulbright Commission and for the UK in the US Indicate a clear reason for selecting universities and a desire to give back to the UK and the Fulbright Commission upon returning home

39 Application Information: All categories (except Harvard MBA Award): Application available online at from February 2010 Components: Application form Personal statement Research statement Transcript / confirmation of degree results CV Deadline: 31 May 2010 for study commencing in Harvard MBA Award: Application available online at from November 2009 Deadline: April 2010 (for study from )

40 Questions?