Are you there PI? It's me, your prospective PhD student...
Our third book winner is Mahogany Monette, a current PhD student! Be sure to enter the book giveaway for your chance to win a copy of A Field Guide to Grad School! More details below (at the end of the post). Now, onto the good stuff!
So, it’s almost October and you’re wondering whether you should reach out to potential advisors to connect and confirm whether they’re accepting students during the current application cycle. The answer is…it depends. There are a few things to consider before hitting submit on your email. And, to be clear, my advice is based on my experience in psychology, behavioral science, and marketing. If applying to PhD programs in other disciplines, please check in with a trusted mentor. If you don’t have someone to whom you can turn, email me—we’ll figure it out together (letstalkgradschool@gmail.com).
To kick this discussion off, I recently conducted a “super scientific” Twitter poll asking social science faculty to indicate whether they were for or against receiving emails from prospective PhD students. As you can see, faculty were mostly in favor of students reaching out (assuming that the students have done a bit of homework, including checking whether faculty were open to hearing from prospective students). Of the 250 people who responded, approximately 112 responded “yay” or “nay.” Of those 112 people, about 75% responded “yay.” This is good news and suggests that, on average, it’s relatively okay to reach out to faculty (though see my exchange with Dr. Josh Dean re: economics).
Now that you’re *ready* to send some emails, it’s time to do a bit of homework.
Review faculty and department websites. Before reaching out to a prospective advisor, be sure to check their personal and departmental websites (and even Twitter!) to learn as much as you can about them, their lab (if applicable), current work (Google Scholar is good for this as well), and even whether they’re accepting students during the current cycle. As you’re doing this, you’ll likely notice that there’s quite a bit of variability. Some professors update their sites regularly; however, many don’t. As you go through this process, take notes. You can use this spreadsheet I created, or something else—just be sure to save your work!
If a professor indicates that they’re accepting students during the current cycle, you may still wish to reach out to indicate your interest in working with them. If so, you do not need to ask whether they are accepting students and, in fact, I would advise against it. You want to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and asking this question that already has a clear answer will not be helpful. However, if this information isn’t provided, you should feel free to ask.
If a professor indicates that they’re not accepting students during the current cycle, it is highly unlikely that your application to work with them will be successful (in my experience). Now, there may be a couple of professors you could see yourself working with at any one program. If that’s the case, be sure to do your homework on each one. (Side note: It can be tricky to navigate situations where there are multiple professors with whom you’d like to work at a particular institution. You should not assume that all professors are open to co-advising students nor that all professors want to work with each other. Absent additional information, my advice is to reach out to no more than two faculty at a particular program and avoid language that would suggest you would only be interested in being co-advised.)
If a professor indicates that they do not communicate with potential advisees prior to applications being submitted, respect that. As a matter of equity, many professors are moving away from meeting one-on-one with students before application deadlines. Other professors may offer to only communicate via email. If that’s the case, do not request a one-on-one meeting (and, in general, I advise against requesting these sorts of meetings). Again, you want to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. So, in short, if a professor indicates that you shouldn’t contact them ahead of submitting your application, don’t. There is no hidden agenda.
Be clear and concise. When reaching out to potential advisors, be brief. Faculty receive a ton of email. You want to clearly and concisely communicate who you are, what you’re about, why you’re reaching out to them, and what you want. HERE are some sample emails (with annotations) current and former PhD students have sent to potential advisors when applying to programs. In all cases, prospective PhD students attached CVs to their emails (so make sure yours is in good shape!).
Note that the link shared above also includes links to other helpful information I’ve come across on Twitter, including this first-gen guide to grad school from Enrica Bridgewater.
What if they don’t respond? Faculty receive a lot of email! If you don’t hear back, that’s not necessarily a bad sign. At the same time, applying to grad school can be quite costly. So, you will have to decide whether you would like to proceed with applying without knowing whether the professors with whom you’d like to work are accepting students.
Some homework. Working through the steps described above, make sure you’ve done your homework and have learned as much as you can about a potential advisor. This includes reviewing their personal and departmental websites and even social media (especially Twitter). In fact, I’ve seen many professors announce on Twitter whether they’re accepting students during this application cycle. After drafting your emails (and do feel free to use the sample emails provided as templates), you may wish to receive feedback from a trusted mentor or friend. Don’t have anyone to provide feedback? Feel free to request a meeting with me (information below). Note, however, that you should feel comfortable sending your message without feedback (the reality is, we don’t always have people we can ask, nor the time). Know that once you’ve hit submit, whether you receive a response is out of your control. And if you don’t, try not to take it too personally.
SCHOLAR PROFILE #9: DR. PAIGE SAFYER
The purpose of these profiles is to highlight and connect you to scholars at different career stages doing interesting and important research and service work.
This week, we get to learn about Dr. Paige Safyer, who is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Arizona State University.
Now, let’s learn about Dr. Safyer’s academic journey.
What are your research interests?
My research aims to offer a deeper understanding of the developing mind of the child in order to find creative and effective approaches to early prevention and intervention. I study these concepts from multiple perspectives using a three-pronged approach: (1) to discern the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the intergenerational transmission of trauma, (2) to create resources for parents and children that address economic inequalities where typical forms of mental healthcare are unavailable, and (3) to strengthen the relationship between social work and neuroscience and apply neuroscience research to clinical social work interventions.
Where did you earn your PhD and with whom did you work?
I completed my PhD in Social Work and Developmental Psychology (Joint Program) at the University of Michigan under the advisement of Dr. Brenda Volling (Psychology) and Dr. Rich Tolman (Social Work).
Why did you choose your PhD institution and advisor(s)?
I received the most funding from the University of Michigan, which was a major factor, but I also felt the most comfortable there. The other schools I interviewed at were very formal and everyone wore suits and seemed very stressed out. At Michigan, the professors and students were dressed more casually and were friendly. I chose to work with my advisors based on their research interests, and I was incredibly lucky that they are both also great people and amazing mentors. It’s so hard to know what your advisor is like interpersonally before you work with them, and unfortunately I believe this is ultimately what leads to an individual being successful or unsuccessful in graduate school. Make sure you ask about the process of changing advisors in the program of your choice (and if that is possible), so you know your options if you and your advisor do not work well together.
Please share more about your academic journey.
After high school I was unsure what I wanted to do with the rest of my life (and still am) but was interested in film and applied to art school. I spent a year at SUNY Purchase studying English and film, and took an interdisciplinary course taught by a psychologist and an anthropologist about the origins of violence that blew my mind. I ended up working with the psychology professor who ultimately encouraged me to transfer to a school with more of an academic focus. I transferred to Bryn Mawr College and became a psychology major and had a few amazing mentors who allowed me to take classes in the Developmental Psychology PhD program and encouraged me to write a senior thesis, which made me want to go to graduate school. After college I spent three years at the University of British Columbia as a research assistant and volunteered at a crisis hotline. I also worked with my undergraduate advisor to publish my senior thesis.
How did you navigate the PhD application process?
I had a very supportive undergraduate advisor who wrote a publication with me and encouraged me to get research experience. I then spent three years as a research assistant learning how to collect and analyze data. My advice to you: Try to get as much research experience as possible before you apply, and a publication if possible. I am glad that I did not go straight from college to graduate school, and had that time as a research assistant to consider what I wanted my research focus to be in the future.
Also, make sure your research interests are aligned with who you're applying to work with and individually tailor your applications. Although this may be more work and mean you are unable to apply to as many schools, I think it really does make a difference. I also applied to different kinds of programs, including clinical and developmental psychology PhD programs, which can give you more options.
What is one bit of advice you'd like to give new (first-year) PhD students?
Find a mentor who isn’t your main advisor, who doesn’t have an agenda, and who can give you advice. Even the kindest, most generous PhD advisor will push you in a certain direction, so make sure you have other voices that can contribute to your professional development. Figure out what your goals are and then how you can reach them within the confines of your program, instead of doing what others want you to do and being unsure of how everything will come together. You need to believe that your work is valuable and that you have something to offer the field. Go to graduate school for yourself, not for anyone else. Make sure you read The Professor Is In and are aware of the precariousness of the academic job market and have realistic goals.
Is there anything else about you or your journey that you’d like to share?
I wrote here about my positive experiences in academia but I have also had negative experiences—terrible mentors (not at UofM) and times when my mental health was at a low point. Being in a PhD program is incredibly difficult, and I could not have done it without support and access to high quality mental healthcare. That being said, I would do it over again with only a bit of hesitation. Good luck!
Many thanks to Dr. Safyer for sharing more about her academic journey!
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
In this section, I highlight resources you may find helpful as you navigate the PhD application process as well as the PhD itself. This week, I’m sharing a post from someone describing how to navigate PhD applications in the UK as well as an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their application statements.
If you’d like to see a specific resource appear here, please share the relevant information via this survey. And remember, I maintain a running list of resources here.
The New Kommers: This post discusses one person’s experience applying to PhD programs in the United Kingdom as a student from the United States. Admittedly, my newsletter is very US- and Canada-focused and this is because that’s what I know. So, when I happen upon information that can help students navigate the PhD application process outside these two countries, I will be sure to share it (and recommendations are certainly welcome)!
Recall that in August, I profiled Merle van den Akker, a PhD student in Behavioural Science at the Warwick Business School. In the current season of her podcast (cohosted with Sarah Bowen), Questioning Behaviour, she talks with recent Behavioral Science PhD graduates (including me). So, be sure to tune in to hear from folks with a range of experiences.
Application Statement Feedback Program: Our goal is to provide fast, constructive feedback and editing support for the research/personal statements of PhD applicants in psychology, with an emphasis on underrepresented minorities and/or those who are not ‘in the know.’
This program offers a great opportunity to receive feedback on your application statement. Unfortunately, though, it is only open to applicants applying to psychology PhD programs (I do hope opportunities like this become available in other disciplines!). Share your application statement between October 4 and October 8 for consideration and be sure to read the eligibility requirements and preparation information! Also consider following this program on Twitter (@asfp_phd) for links to other great resources.
How to reach me: You are always welcome to email me (letstalkgradschool@gmail.com) or find me on Twitter @tweetsbymidge.
Let’s give away some books: Readers located in the United States and Canada are eligible to enter the book giveaway to receive a copy of A Field Guide to Grad School by Dr. Jessica Calarco. To do so, complete this survey and note that you only have to complete it once to be entered in all subsequent giveaways! I do hope to expand the reach of the giveaway; however, at the moment, the shipping costs are too great to scale. If you’d like to talk about ways your institution could secure an electronic (or hard) copy, please let me know (sign up for a 1-on-1 meeting below!).
1-on-1 sessions: Interested in some additional mentorship? Sign up for 1-on-1 sessions to discuss your questions regarding the social science PhD application process and/or completing a social science PhD more generally! Sign-ups will happen via Calendly and you can check periodically for updated openings. Sign up here!
Until next time!
Margaret
This is super helpful! Especially the bit about checking the professor's website first. Sometimes it's hard to know if you should reach out, so this clears things up a lot! https://sprunkr.online/
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