There are three key things to bear in mind when applying for a PhD.
• Admissions are competitive. Programmes will only have a limited number of spaces available in each student ‘cohort’ and will use their application process to select the most promising candidates.
• The application process will be holistic. Individual elements such as academic grades or entry test scores will all play a part, but graduate programmes will be looking for well-rounded candidates with the right character and personal potential.
• Your research proposal will be much less important than it would be for a UK PhD. This is because you will develop your research ideas during a US PhD programme.
If you are looking to do a Ph.D., you have to hone your expertise in your area of interest. Also, the tips below will help you through the process.
1) Decide which field of research you want to pursue and shortlist potential universities and professors if you want to follow.
2) Get in touch with a supervisor and convince them that you are interested in doing a Ph.D.!
3) Identify a program. Contact the selected university. Ask about the eligibility, program structure, fee, application procedure, etc.
4) Check the application deadline for the program chosen!
5) Send in your application.
6) Get confirmation of admission.
7) Apply for a student visa when you have the admission letter. Look for apt accommodation.
8) Arrive at least a week before your course begins.
9) Contact the International Office of your university.