I want you to find this an amazing value — please see my guarantee to all readers below!
Save money, time, and launch your research career confidently with this no-b.s. guide to applying for a U.S. STEM PhD in the 2025-2026 academic year. Having reviewed countless applications and trained scores of PhD students at top programs, I tell you what really matters and how to avoid common and sometimes irreversible mistakes in applying and selecting programs and advisors. I also include special considerations for the political issues affecting admissions this cycle.
The goal of this guide is to set you up for long-term success as a researcher, not simply get you into a PhD program. I cover the entire process so you don’t have to piece together admissions advice from countless “experts” who have not been in the room where decisions are made.
Content highlights:
What’s a PhD, really? Test your knowledge of the fundamental goals of the PhD and the diversity of timelines and milestones among programs. Learn about the different sources of funding that hugely impact how you spend your time (even if you have “guaranteed funding”).
Start with confidence: Determine if a PhD is the best next step and get an overview of the application process — with tips on preparing if you’re still an undergraduate.
Choose where to apply: Run through my checklist to identify your lifestyle requirements, find a research area and groups that excite you, and contact and screen potential advisors. Get a behind-the-scenes look on how your application will be reviewed.
Assemble a standout application: Learn what faculty are looking for, what really matters in the statement of purpose & personal statement, how to select and guide letter writers, and how to approach your CV, standardized tests, & fee waivers.
Nail interviews and campus visits: Get a sneak peek into what you can expect, including the questions you’ll likely be asked (and good and bad answers to them). Learn what information you can gather (i.e., what questions you can ask) now vs. after the offer, and find out again what goes on behind the scenes.
Making the right choice: Learn how to vet people and programs so you can find supportive groups and exclude toxic ones, make a wise decision, and build your network in the process.
What to do before you start your PhD: Set yourself up for a fun first year, discover overlooked PhD-specific ways to save money, and start cultivating the mindset to excel as a researcher.
Plus, if you think I’ve left something out, let me know and I’ll write about it! It’s important to me that you find this guide to be an excellent value. That’s why I also invite you at the end to sign up for (free) emails for additional content and updates about admissions this cycle.
Estimated reading time: 1 h 40 min (41 pages/~25,000 words) —but all in a digestible, modular format!
I want you to find this an amazing value — please see my guarantee to all readers below!
Save money, time, and launch your research career confidently with this no-b.s. guide to applying for a U.S. STEM PhD in the 2025-2026 academic year. Having reviewed countless applications and trained scores of PhD students at top programs, I tell you what really matters and how to avoid common and sometimes irreversible mistakes in applying and selecting programs and advisors. I also include special considerations for the political issues affecting admissions this cycle.
The goal of this guide is to set you up for long-term success as a researcher, not simply get you into a PhD program. I cover the entire process so you don’t have to piece together admissions advice from countless “experts” who have not been in the room where decisions are made.
Content highlights:
What’s a PhD, really? Test your knowledge of the fundamental goals of the PhD and the diversity of timelines and milestones among programs. Learn about the different sources of funding that hugely impact how you spend your time (even if you have “guaranteed funding”).
Start with confidence: Determine if a PhD is the best next step and get an overview of the application process — with tips on preparing if you’re still an undergraduate.
Choose where to apply: Run through my checklist to identify your lifestyle requirements, find a research area and groups that excite you, and contact and screen potential advisors. Get a behind-the-scenes look on how your application will be reviewed.
Assemble a standout application: Learn what faculty are looking for, what really matters in the statement of purpose & personal statement, how to select and guide letter writers, and how to approach your CV, standardized tests, & fee waivers.
Nail interviews and campus visits: Get a sneak peek into what you can expect, including the questions you’ll likely be asked (and good and bad answers to them). Learn what information you can gather (i.e., what questions you can ask) now vs. after the offer, and find out again what goes on behind the scenes.
Making the right choice: Learn how to vet people and programs so you can find supportive groups and exclude toxic ones, make a wise decision, and build your network in the process.
What to do before you start your PhD: Set yourself up for a fun first year, discover overlooked PhD-specific ways to save money, and start cultivating the mindset to excel as a researcher.
Plus, if you think I’ve left something out, let me know and I’ll write about it! It’s important to me that you find this guide to be an excellent value. That’s why I also invite you at the end to sign up for (free) emails for additional content and updates about admissions this cycle.
Estimated reading time: 1 h 40 min (41 pages/~25,000 words) —but all in a digestible, modular format!
This guide is free if you truly cannot afford it. While it has cost me significant time and money to produce, I don’t want money to be the reason someone cannot access this information. If you need a free version, please send me an email describing your situation (location, goals, etc.).
