how to write phd application

How to Prepare a Strong Graduate School Application

You’ve found the perfect graduate program—one with a world-class faculty whose research excites you, an academic experience that will challenge you, a diverse and inclusive culture, a supportive environment with outstanding faculty and peer mentors, and lots of resources to help you succeed no matter which career paths you want to pursue. Now it’s time to convince that program you are a great match for it as well. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare a strong application:

The process of strengthening your graduate school application starts while you are still an undergraduate. Here is a timeline and suggestions for avenues to explore while you are pursuing your undergraduate degree.

Freshman and sophomore years

• Assess your interests, abilities, and career goals
• Identify a mentor 
• Look into graduate school preparation events (e.g., boot camps, pre-application campus visits, summer programs)

Junior year

• Gather information on graduate programs
• Gather application materials
• Learn about entrance examination requirements and dates
• Investigate application deadlines

Pre-Senior Summer

• Narrow your list of graduate schools
• Investigate funding sources
• Write the first draft of your statement of purpose
• Contact recommendation sources

Senior year (Start Early)

• Select the schools you want to apply to
• Register for entrance exams
• Submit completed applications
• Make arrangements to obtain your transcripts for upload into application (8 weeks before application deadline)
• Make arrangements for entrance exam scores to be sent (8 weeks before application deadline)
• Contact recommenders to request strong letters of recommendation (4-6 weeks before application deadline)
• Prepare final versions of your statement of purpose
• Review federal requirements for financial aid
• Complete and submit applications with required fee (at least two weeks prior to the deadline)
• Your fit with the department or program in terms of research goals, work culture, or other measures
• Relevant research or internship experience
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Undergraduate grades
• Patterns of academic study and relevance of prior coursework to proposed graduate study

Many graduate programs require a personal statement or statement of purpose as part of your application. As you write that statement, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Make the statement about you, your skills, your potential, and your interest in graduate studies in a particular department/program at a particular institution.
• Avoid misrepresentations and grandiose statements.
• Engage the reader using active words.
• Avoid negative or judgmental statements (which usually come across as rude or arrogant).
• Do not describe in detail what you have done. Briefly state and explain what you have learned, how it led to your interests, or how it has prepared you for success in graduate school.
• State why you are interested in graduate school and in a particular field of study.
• Share your motivation and career goals.
• Share why you have chosen to apply to a particular institution.
• If possible, indicate faculty with whom you have an interest to work.
• Do your homework: Know the school. Know the admissions and enrollment statistics for your department or program of interest. Know application deadlines.
• Avoid form essays.
• Follow the application directions and guidelines for each institution.

Most Ph.D. programs require an interview—whether on campus or via videoconference—for applicants they are considering for admission, and some master’s programs may require an interview as well. This is your chance to meet with faculty who might potentially sponsor your graduate study. It’s also an opportunity to gather more information about the program. Here is some guidance to help you make a good impression and get the most out of the experience.

• Before your interview, look closely at the website for the schools and departments you’re applying to. 
• Show that you have done your homework on the program’s faculty’s research and be able to talk about specific faculty whose work interests you.
• Your research interest
• How your educational and professional background has prepared you for graduate study
• Why this particular program would be a good fit for you
• If you are applying to the same institution where you did your undergraduate, why you think that institution (and that program) is still the best program for your graduate study
• Typical funding and how it compares to living expenses in the area
• The program’s teaching or research requirements 
• The departmental culture (e.g., are diversity and inclusion priorities for the department and for the university? Do students from different walks of life feel like they belong?) 
• Resources for professional development and student wellbeing
• The environment of support for graduate students, both in the department and in the university at large
• The point of contact for questions

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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How to prepare a strong phd application.

Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School outline a few tips to help you navigate the PhD application process.

It’s no secret the application process can be intimidating. Where do you start? What exactly are schools looking for on your application? What materials do you need to submit? Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School have outlined a few tips to help you navigate the process.

Don’t Delay the Process

A successful PhD applicant starts thinking about their application months or even years before the deadlines. For Alejandro Lopez Lira , a third year student in Finance, the application process began a year before he actually submitted the paperwork. He said, “I spoke to my advisors way before, like one year before, about my letters of recommendation, where to apply, everything involved in the process.”

Each program has different requirements, which can make for a tedious process. Karren Knowlton , a third year in Management, said, “I took a little while to draft a personal statement. I had my mom, who teaches creative writing, and a few other people that I trust just read over it. Then you have to tweak it for different schools because they want slightly different things.”

Taking time to prepare your application is critical. Starting the process sooner rather than later gives you several advantages:

• It allows your letter of recommendation writers enough time in advance to thoughtfully prepare a letter that speaks to who you are as a PhD candidate.
• It gives you more time to review your materials, fix any errors, and proofread, proofread, proofread.
• Finally, it means a lot less stress when the deadline starts rapidly approaching. By planning ahead, you’ll have a much smoother process applying.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Prof. Matthew Bidwell , who previously served as the doctoral coordinator for the Management program , said a common mistake he sees are letters of recommendations from employers. Although he said it is impressive to see work experience, having an employer write a letter is not the best choice.

“We don’t pay very much attention to those because rightly or wrongly, we worry that they’re not looking for the kinds of things that we’re looking for,” he said. “If you have one, it’s not a disaster, but when you see people with two or three — most of their recommendations coming from their work — that kind of heightens our concern. You’re committing to a fairly specialized career, do you really know what that career entails?”

Instead, he suggests getting to know an academic who will be able to write a recommendation attesting to your ability to manage doctoral-level research and work.

Include Research/Work Experience in Your Field

Each program has a unique set of criteria to evaluate applicants, but several doctoral coordinators agree that some research and work experience in your field of interest will strengthen your application overall.

Prof. Fernando Ferreira , doctoral coordinator for the Business Economics and Public Policy and Real Estate programs, thinks work experience can be useful in demonstrating an applicant’s abilities. He said, “Any work experience after undergraduate school is important. If that experience is more related to research it’s even better, but work experience in general is always good.”

Prof. Guy David , doctoral coordinator for the Health Care Management & Economics program , thinks that work experience benefits applicants in terms of giving them a broader view of business. “Work experience creates retrospection about how the world works, how organizations make decisions, and how people function in various situations,” he said.

However, he warns that spending too much time away from an academic setting can have its drawbacks too. “It may lead people to start their PhD later when they are not in the habit of immersing themselves in rigorous studies and have a shorter horizons to develop a name for themselves,” he said.

Although having both research and work experience can strengthen your application, you will not be denied entry because you are lacking either.

Prof. Bidwell said, “I think research experience does give us some confidence that people have some idea about what it is that we do. In terms of work experience, I think we don’t have a strong view. We quite like work experience, but we also take people straight out of undergrad.”

Prepare for the Standardized Tests

Most PhD programs require students to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Having high test scores is a key part of an application as it tests skills learned over the course of many years in school. Quantitative skills are especially important when applying to doctoral programs in business areas. Much like any other standardized test, the GRE requires preparation.

Karren, who took the GRE twice to ensure her scores were high enough, offered advice to those who may be struggling. “I would absolutely recommend practicing the writing beforehand. Look up examples and have your outline structured,” she said. “So much of it is just getting the right structure and how you formulate your arguments so knowing what they’re looking for is key.”

Test prep can be time-consuming, but like anything else, practice makes perfect. There are multiple text books and online sites to help you prepare for the exam. Karren aimed to improve her math scores the second time she took the GRE and recommended this site to help strengthen math skills.

Taking advantage of resources to help you study can limit the number of times you need to take the GRE while ensuring you score high enough to remain in the applicant pool.

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Posted: August 4, 2017

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Doctoral Programs

Start your doctoral journey.

Whether you’re just starting your research on PhD programs or you’re ready to apply, we’ll walk you through the steps to take to become a successful PhD candidate.

Deciding to get a PhD

You might be surprised to find out what you can do with a PhD in business.

Is an Academic Career for You ? What Makes a Successful PhD Student

Preparing for the Doctoral Path

The skills, relationships, and knowledge you need to prepare yourself for a career in academics.

How the PhD Program Works How to Become a Successful PhD Applicant

Choosing the right program

What’s the difference between PhD programs? Find out how to choose one that fits your goals.

What to Consider When Choosing a Doctoral Program What Differentiates R1 Universities?

Starting an application

Tips for a successful application process.

Application Requirements Preparing Your PhD Application

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for PhD Admission

The dreaded doctoral statement of purpose — every PhD program asks for it, but why is it so difficult to write? Writing a strong statement of purpose is essential to getting into your top PhD programs. A PhD statement of purpose gives admissions committees an introduction to your research interests and why their specific program is of interest to you.

Like a cover letter for a job application, a great statement of purpose allows you to highlight your strengths, interests and experience. If you need statement of purpose advice, keep reading for guidance on how to write a successful statement of purpose that will make your PhD application stand out.

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement

Though the two may sound similar, they’re not necessarily interchangeable. A personal statement gives insight into who you are, while a statement of purpose is meant to showcase what you want to do. Rarely will you be asked to write a personal statement for a PhD program.

As you go through the PhD application process, you will likely see schools requesting either a statement of purpose or a research statement. In most cases, they're both looking for the same thing. Admissions committees want to know about your academic background, your research goals and what you hope to accomplish as a candidate in a PhD program.

Your research goals should align with faculty research

Being admitted to a PhD program is a great feeling, but if you enroll in a program that doesn’t match your research interests or help support your career goals, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment later down the road.

Applying for admission to a program is all about fit. Faculty reviewers are looking for students who best represent the department’s mission and will help them obtain their research objectives.

By the time you apply, you should have a solid understanding of what the department’s primary research and content areas are, as well as which faculty members you’d like to work with more closely. This might mean finding information about what their labs do and reading published articles related to their work.

Be sure to include how your interests and past experiences align with the work that they do and how you would be an active contributor to those endeavors. This approach shows that you took the time to look into their program, so the committee will be more willing to invest theirs in reviewing your application.

Don’t be afraid to address your weaknesses

Many people assume they should avoid listing their shortcomings in their essays. The whole point of applying to a program is to impress the reviewers, right? But constructively addressing your weaknesses can be a great way to demonstrate how this program can help you achieve your academic goals.

Look at the catalog and read through the courses that are part of the program. If there is a particular class that fascinates you, talk about how it could help you obtain a new skill or a better understanding of a concept that you’ve struggled with before.

This demonstrates that you are actively seeking programs to help you better your education. It also exhibits that you’re mindful of what areas of your knowledge need some improvement, which shows maturity and the ability to self-assess.

Keep it succinct

If your program of interest does not specify a page word or word limit, it’s best to assume that your statement should not exceed two pages total. It should be enough to give them a glimpse of who you are and what you have to offer but not share your life story.

The aim is to communicate how and why this particular program will help you meet your academic and career goals. Limited space means you must prioritize what you include in your statement.

Create an outline before you start writing to ensure you are including points that are relevant to your application and the program to which you are applying. Your statement is also an example of how well you can write. By framing your essay before you write it, you can avoid stream-of-consciousness writing that can often come across as undefined and incoherent.

Proofread! And read it over and over

When you think you have a finished product, read your essay out loud. This makes it easier to catch typos, poor grammar, and oddly worded sentences. If you have a friend who is also applying to grad school, help each other out by editing each other’s essays.

Having someone else read your statement and ask questions can help you clarify your points and make it more compelling. Your statement is your one chance to present yourself professionally in your own words. The occasional mistake is excusable, but messy writing will make them think you lack attention to detail.

Before you hit submit on that application, be sure that you have attached the correct document for the right institution. It can be very embarrassing if your statement mentions the wrong faculty member’s name or refers to another school’s library! It could also cause the reviewers to think you are not as serious about their program.

You’ve spent a good amount of time perfecting your application, so take your time to review everything before you submit it so you can rest easy knowing you’ve presented your best.

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Writing Your Personal Statements

Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.

The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.

Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.

1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.

• Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
• Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?

My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.

The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.

— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History

Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects

• Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
• Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset  or grit  and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
• Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
• Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
• Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved  GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
• Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.

2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.

• Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
• Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.

I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.

— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature

Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects

• Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
• With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
• Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
• Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
• Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
• You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
• Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.

© Stanford University.   Stanford, California 94305.

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Graduate School Applications: Writing a Research Statement

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What is a Research Statement?

A research statement is a short document that provides a brief history of your past research experience, the current state of your research, and the future work you intend to complete.

The research statement is a common component of a potential candidate’s application for post-undergraduate study. This may include applications for graduate programs, post-doctoral fellowships, or faculty positions. The research statement is often the primary way that a committee determines if a candidate’s interests and past experience make them a good fit for their program/institution.

What Should It Look Like?

Research statements are generally one to two single-spaced pages. You should be sure to thoroughly read and follow the length and content requirements for each individual application.

Your research statement should situate your work within the larger context of your field and show how your works contributes to, complicates, or counters other work being done. It should be written for an audience of other professionals in your field.

What Should It Include?

Your statement should start by articulating the broader field that you are working within and the larger question or questions that you are interested in answering. It should then move to articulate your specific interest.

The body of your statement should include a brief history of your past research . What questions did you initially set out to answer in your research project? What did you find? How did it contribute to your field? (i.e. did it lead to academic publications, conferences, or collaborations?). How did your past research propel you forward?

It should also address your present research . What questions are you actively trying to solve? What have you found so far? How are you connecting your research to the larger academic conversation? (i.e. do you have any publications under review, upcoming conferences, or other professional engagements?) What are the larger implications of your work?

Finally, it should describe the future trajectory on which you intend to take your research. What further questions do you want to solve? How do you intend to find answers to these questions? How can the institution to which you are applying help you in that process? What are the broader implications of your potential results?

Note: Make sure that the research project that you propose can be completed at the institution to which you are applying.

Other Considerations:

• What is the primary question that you have tried to address over the course of your academic career? Why is this question important to the field? How has each stage of your work related to that question?
• Include a few specific examples that show your success. What tangible solutions have you found to the question that you were trying to answer? How have your solutions impacted the larger field? Examples can include references to published findings, conference presentations, or other professional involvement.
• Be confident about your skills and abilities. The research statement is your opportunity to sell yourself to an institution. Show that you are self-motivated and passionate about your project.

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Stanford Online

How to write a compelling statement of purpose for graduate school.

A statement of purpose (SOP) is a critical component of most graduate school applications, and are often required for various types of graduate level programs, including Graduate Certificates and Master’s Degrees .

An SOP offers you the opportunity to showcase your motivations, qualifications, and aspirations to a school’s Office of Admissions. Crafting an effective SOP requires careful planning and attention to detail. Whether you're applying to Stanford or any other institution, here's a guide on how to write a standout statement of purpose that shows how your goals align with the program's expectations.

Understanding the Prompt

A prompt's comprehensive nature offers you the chance to provide a holistic view of your journey, motivations, and aspirations. Be sure to check the websites of any programs you’re applying to, as they often have additional information or suggested frameworks to get you started.

Stanford Master’s Degree

If you are applying to a Stanford master’s degree program , the recommended maximum length for your SOP is 1,000 words and the prompt for the statement of purpose emphasizes several key elements:

• Reasons for applying
• Preparation for the field of study
• Research interests
• Future career plans
• Relevant aspects of your background

Stanford Graduate Certificate

If you are applying to take individual graduate courses or pursue a graduate certificate through Stanford Online, the prompt contains less elements than for the master’s program. This statement of purpose should be brief, as you’re limited to 4000 characters. You should summarize:

• Specific course work on your transcript that meets the course and or certificate prerequisites
• Relevant aspects of your professional experience

Tips for Writing your Statement of Purpose

After you fully understand the prompt for the program you’re applying to, use these tips to guide your writing:

• Be Concise and Focused Most institutions have maximum lengths for words or characters. With limited space, it's important to be concise and focused. Use each word purposefully to convey your message. Ensure that every paragraph adds value and contributes to your overall narrative.
• Start Strong Your opening should be attention-grabbing. Consider sharing a personal anecdote, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question that sets the tone for your SOP. Engaging the reader from the beginning can make your statement more memorable.
• Address the Prompt Thoroughly Cover each aspect of the prompt thoroughly, addressing your reasons for applying, your background preparation, your research interests, and your future career plans. Use specific examples to illustrate your points. For instance, if you're applying to a computer science program, discuss projects, coursework, or experiences that highlight your passion and readiness for further study in this field.
• Showcase Fit with the Program Demonstrate a clear understanding of the program you're applying to and explain why it's an ideal fit for your academic and career goals. Highlight specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or unique features of the program that attracted you. This showcases your commitment to the program and demonstrates that you've done your research. You may consider including reasons your presence will benefit the program as your uniqueness may help set you apart from other applicants.
• Highlight Research Interests Discuss your research interests in detail. Explain how your past experiences have shaped your interests and how the program's resources can help you further develop them. Share any relevant research projects you've been a part of and explain their impact on your academic journey. If your program includes a capstone, you may want to include more actionable, compelling examples.
• Connect to Your Future Career Articulate your future career plans and explain how the program will prepare you for success. Whether you plan to pursue academia, industry, or another path, convey how the skills and knowledge gained from the program will contribute to your career trajectory.
• Weave in Personal Background Share aspects of your personal background that are relevant to your journey. This could include challenges you've overcome, experiences that have shaped your perspective, or unique qualities that set you apart. Ensure that these details contribute to your overall narrative and that adding them showcases your qualifications.
• Edit and Proofread After writing your SOP, review it meticulously for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Typos and errors can detract from the impact of your statement. Consider seeking feedback from mentors, professors, or peers to ensure your SOP effectively conveys your message.
• Tailor for Specific Programs If you're applying to multiple programs, make sure to customize each SOP to align with the specific program's offerings and requirements. Avoid using a generic SOP for all applications, this tends to be very noticeable to admissions.
• Seek Inspiration from Examples If you’re applying to a Stanford Master’s program, the Stanford Graduate Admissions website provides specific guidance on the statement of purpose. Review your program’s recommendations and, if available, consider reading sample SOPs from successful applicants to gather inspiration and insights.

Writing a compelling statement of purpose for graduate school requires thoughtful reflection, careful planning, and clear communication. By addressing the prompt comprehensively, showcasing your fit with the program, and demonstrating your passion and readiness, you can craft an SOP that stands out and may even increase your chances of admission to your desired program. Although it’s far from the only criteria that will be considered in the admissions process, your SOP is your chance to tell your unique story and show why you are a perfect candidate for graduate study. We hope you find this guide useful as you write your statement of purpose, please know that following this guide does not guarantee your admission to any program.

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How to write a research proposal

What is a research proposal.

A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition – the what .

It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline – the why . 

What it shouldn't do is answer the question – that's what your research will do.

Why is it important?

Research proposals are significant because it formally outlines your intended research. You need to provide details on how you will go about your research, including:

• your approach and methodology
• timeline and feasibility
• all other considerations needed to progress your research, such as resources.

Think of it as a tool that will help you clarify your idea and make conducting your research easier.

How long should it be?

Usually no more than 2000 words, but check the requirements of your degree, and your supervisor or research coordinator.

Presenting your idea clearly and concisely demonstrates that you can write this way – an attribute of a potential research candidate that is valued by assessors.

What should it include?

Project title.

Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.

Research supervisor

State the name, department and faculty or school of the academic who has agreed to supervise you. Rest assured, your research supervisor will work with you to refine your research proposal ahead of submission to ensure it meets the needs of your discipline.

Proposed mode of research

Describe your proposed mode of research. This may be closely linked to your discipline and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, e.g. data, field research, composition, written work, social performance and mixed media etc. 

This is not required for research in the sciences, but your research supervisor will be able to guide you on discipline-specific requirements.

Aims and objectives

What are you trying to achieve with your research? What is the purpose?

This section should reference why you're applying for a research degree. Are you addressing a gap in the current research? Do you want to look at a theory more closely and test it out? Is there something you're trying to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, think about the potential outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your aim. Make sure that this is a focused statement.

Your objectives will be your aim broken down – the steps to achieving the intended outcome. They are the smaller proof points that will underpin your research's purpose. Be logical in the order of how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve 'a' before 'b' before 'c', then make sure you order your objectives a, b, c.

A concise summary of what your research is about. It outlines the key aspects of what you will investigate as well as the expected outcomes. It briefly covers the what, why and how of your research. 

Tip: A good way to evaluate if you have written a strong synopsis, is to get somebody to read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they know what your research is about?

Now that you have your question clarified, it is time to explain the why. Here, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the current research climate in your area of interest.

Providing context around your research topic through a literature review will show the assessor that you understand current dialogue around your research, and what is published.

Demonstrate you have a strong understanding of the key topics, significant studies and notable researchers in your area of research and how these have contributed to the current landscape.

Expected research contribution

In this section, you should consider the following:

• Why is your research question or hypothesis worth asking?
• How is the current research lacking or falling short?
• What impact will your research have on the discipline?
• Will you be extending an area of knowledge, applying it to new contexts, solving a problem, testing a theory, or challenging an existing one?
• Establish why your research is important by convincing your audience there is a gap.
• What will be the outcome of your research contribution?
• Demonstrate both your current level of knowledge and how the pursuit of your question or hypothesis will create a new understanding and generate new information.
• Show how your research is innovative and original.

Draw links between your research and the faculty or school you are applying at, and explain why you have chosen your supervisor, and what research have they or their school done to reinforce and support your own work. Cite these reasons to demonstrate how your research will benefit and contribute to the current body of knowledge.

Proposed methodology

Provide an overview of the methodology and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Cover what materials and equipment you will use, what theoretical frameworks will you draw on, and how will you collect data.

Highlight why you have chosen this particular methodology, but also why others may not have been as suitable. You need to demonstrate that you have put thought into your approach and why it's the most appropriate way to carry out your research. 

It should also highlight potential limitations you anticipate, feasibility within time and other constraints, ethical considerations and how you will address these, as well as general resources.

A work plan is a critical component of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and supports you in achieving your objectives throughout your degree.

Consider the milestones you aim to achieve at each stage of your research. A PhD or master's degree by research can take two to four years of full-time study to complete. It might be helpful to offer year one in detail and the following years in broader terms. Ultimately you have to show that your research is likely to be both original and finished – and that you understand the time involved.

Provide details of the resources you will need to carry out your research project. Consider equipment, fieldwork expenses, travel and a proposed budget, to indicate how realistic your research proposal is in terms of financial requirements and whether any adjustments are needed.

Bibliography

Provide a list of references that you've made throughout your research proposal. 

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How To Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congratulations! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even written a focused grad school resumé . But if you’re like many students, you’ve left the most daunting part of the application process for last—writing a statement of purpose. The good news is that the task doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming, as long as you break the process down into simple, actionable steps. Below, learn how to write a strong, unique statement of purpose that will impress admissions committees and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to.

Jared Pierce, former associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.  

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

How long should a statement of purpose be? “A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words,” Pierce says, noting that it should typically not exceed a single page. He advises that students use a traditional font at a readable size (11 or 12 points) and leave enough white space in the margins to make the statement easy to read. Make sure to double-space the statement if the university has requested it, he adds. 

How to write a statement of purpose: a step-by-step guide

Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. 

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly,” he explains. “Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, Pierce suggests asking yourself these key questions:

• Why do I want this degree?
• What are my expectations for this degree?
• What courses or program features excite me the most?
• Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
• How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your starting point for creating an outline and writing your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.

Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing. 

An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

• An attention-grabbing hook
• A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school 
• Your professional goals as they relate to the program
• Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to the table
• A brief summary of the information presented in the body that emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of purpose is well organized and concise. 

3. Write the first draft.

Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that differentiates you from other applicants. 

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

• Provide insight into what drives you , whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both.
• Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of study.
• Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.

Before you submit your statement of purpose:

• Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly , including requirements about margins, spacing, and font size.
• Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
• Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
• Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.

Making a lasting impression

Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application, explore our related grad school success articles .

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Join one of our application workshops to get your questions answered.

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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

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How to write a good PhD proposal

Study tips Published 3 Mar, 2022  ·  5-minute read

Want to make sure your research degree starts smoothly? We spoke with 2 PhD candidates about overcoming this initial hurdle. Here’s their advice for how to write a good PhD proposal.

Writing your research proposal is an integral part of commencing a PhD with many schools and institutes, so it can feel rather intimidating. After all, how you come up with your PhD proposal could be the difference between your supervisor getting on board or giving your project a miss.

Let’s explore how to make a PhD research proposal with UQ candidates Chelsea Janke and Sarah Kendall. 

Look at PhD proposal examples

Look at other PhD proposals that have been successful. Ask current students if you can look at theirs.

Nobody’s asking you to reinvent the wheel when it comes to writing your PhD proposal – leave that for your actual thesis. For now, while you’re just working out how to write a PhD proposal, examples are a great starting point.

Chelsea knows this step is easier if you’ve got a friend who is already doing a PhD, but there are other ways to find a good example or template.

“Look at other PhD proposals that have been successful,” she says.

“Ask current students if you can look at theirs.”

“If you don’t know anyone doing their PhD, look online to get an idea of how they should be structured.”

What makes this tricky is that proposals can vary greatly by field and disciplinary norms, so you should check with your proposed supervisor to see if they have a specific format or list of criteria to follow. Part of writing a good PhD proposal is submitting it in a style that's familiar to the people who will read and (hopefully) become excited by it and want to bring you into their research area.

Here are some of the key factors to consider when structuring your proposal:

• meeting the expected word count (this can range from a 1-page maximum to a 3,000-word minimum depending on your supervisor and research area)
• making your bibliography as detailed as necessary
• outlining the research questions you’ll be trying to solve/answer
• discussing the impact your research could have on your field
• conducting preliminary analysis of existing research on the topic
• documenting details of the methods and data sources you’ll use in your research
• introducing your supervisor(s)  and how their experience relates to your project.

Please note this isn't a universal list of things you need in your PhD research proposal. Depending on your supervisor's requirements, some of these items may be unnecessary or there may be other inclusions not listed here.

Ask your planned supervisor for advice

Alright, here’s the thing. If sending your research proposal is your first point of contact with your prospective supervisor, you’ve jumped the gun a little.

You should have at least one researcher partially on board with your project before delving too deep into your proposal. This ensures you’re not potentially spending time and effort on an idea that no one has any appetite for. Plus, it unlocks a helpful guide who can assist with your proposal.

PhD research isn’t like Shark Tank – you’re allowed to confer with academics and secure their support before you pitch your thesis to them. Discover how to choose the right PhD supervisor for you.

For a time-efficient strategy, Chelsea recommends you approach your potential supervisor(s) and find out if:

• they have time to supervise you
• they have any funds to help pay for your research (even with a stipend scholarship , your research activities may require extra money)
• their research interests align with yours (you’ll ideally discover a mutual ground where you both benefit from the project).

“The best way to approach would be to send an email briefly outlining who you are, your background, and what your research interests are,” says Chelsea.

“Once you’ve spoken to a potential supervisor, then you can start drafting a proposal and you can even ask for their input.”

Chelsea's approach here works well with some academics, but keep in mind that other supervisors will want to see a research proposal straight away. If you're not sure of your proposed supervisor's preferences, you may like to cover both bases with an introductory email that has a draft of your research proposal attached.

Sarah agrees that your prospective supervisor is your most valuable resource for understanding how to write a research proposal for a PhD application.

“My biggest tip for writing a research proposal is to ask your proposed supervisor for help,” says Sarah.

“Or if this isn’t possible, ask another academic who has had experience writing research proposals.”

“They’ll be able to tell you what to include or what you need to improve on.”

Find the 'why' and focus on it

One of the key aspects of your research proposal is emphasising why your project is important and should be funded.

Your PhD proposal should include your major question, your planned methods, the sources you’ll cite, and plenty of other nitty gritty details. But perhaps the most important element of your proposal is its purpose – the reason you want to do this research and why the results will be meaningful.

In Sarah’s opinion, highlighting the 'why' of your project is vital for your research proposal.

“From my perspective, one of the key aspects of your research proposal is emphasising why your project is important and should be funded,” she says.

“Not only does this impact whether your application is likely to be successful, but it could also impact your likelihood of getting a scholarship .”

Imagine you only had 60 seconds to explain your planned research to someone. Would you prefer they remember how your project could change the world, or the statistical models you’ll be using to do it? (Of course, you’ve got 2,000 words rather than 60 seconds, so do make sure to include those little details as well – just put the why stuff first.)

Proofread your proposal, then proof it again

As a PhD candidate, your attention to detail is going to be integral to your success. Start practising it now by making sure your research proposal is perfect.

Chelsea and Sarah both acknowledge that clarity and writing quality should never be overlooked in a PhD proposal. This starts with double-checking that the questions of your thesis are obvious and unambiguous, followed by revising the rest of your proposal.

“Make sure your research questions are really clear,” says Sarah.

“Ensure all the writing is clear and grammatically correct,” adds Chelsea.

“A supervisor is not going to be overly keen on a prospective student if their writing is poor.”

It might sound harsh, but it’s fair. So, proofread your proposal multiple times – including after you get it back from your supervisor with any feedback and notes. When you think you’ve got the final, FINAL draft saved, sleep on it and read it one more time the next morning.

Still feeling a little overwhelmed by your research proposal? Stay motivated with these reasons why a PhD is worth the effort .

Want to learn more from Chelsea and Sarah? Easy:

• Read about Chelsea’s award-winning PhD thesis on keeping crops healthy.
• Read Sarah’s series on becoming a law academic .

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• How to write an Academic CV for a PhD Application
• Applying to a PhD
• The purpose of an academic CV for a PhD application is to provide a summary of your educational background and demonstrate the research skills and relevant experience you have that make you capable of undertaking a PhD.
• It should be divided into nine sections : (1) contact information, (2) research interests, (3) education, (4) research and work experience, (5) teaching experience, (6) relevant skills and experience, (7) publications and conferences, (8) professional memberships, (9) referees.
• It should ideally be up to two pages for a new research student, but can extend up to four pages if required.
• The smaller details matter more than you think – write concisely, use consistent formatting, avoid jargons and general statements, check spelling and grammar, and have at least one academic to proofread it for you, ideally in the same area you are applying to.

Introduction

So you are nearing the end of your current degree or making a return to education, and you’ve decided to make your next step a PhD. While the road ahead will be filled with much excitement, you’ll need to secure your position first. This will all begin with a strong PhD application and an equally impressive academic CV and personal statement or cover letter.

Together with your personal statement or cover letter, your CV will show who you are as an individual and what you have to offer. It needs to be concise, correctly formatted and well written to convince your preferred university and supervisor that you are the right student for the project.

This step-by-step guide will get you on your way to creating an outstanding academic CV for your next PhD application. We’ll discuss the sections your CV should be structured into, what each of these sections should include, and how it should be written. We’ll also give you valuable tips that are sure to get your readers’ attention.

What Is an Academic CV?

When applying for a PhD position, it’s common for the university to request a curriculum vitae (CV) from you to accompany your application.

An academic CV may appear similar to a standard CV used for job applications, but they are two relatively unique documents.

Where a standard CV focuses mostly on what your previous responsibilities have been and what you have accomplished to date, an academic CV concentrates on your academic background, achievements and experiences . Your academic CV will be used by a PhD supervisor to determine whether you can meet the challenges associated with undertaking a demanding PhD research project, as not everyone can.

How to Write an Academic CV for A PhD Application

A good academic CV should be broken into nine section headings:

• Contact Information
• Research Interests / Personal Profile
• Research and Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Relevant Skills and Experience
• Publications and Conferences
• Professional Memberships
• Referees / References

Below, we discuss what each of these sections should contain and how they should be written.

1. Contact Information

Start your CV by providing your contact details. All of the following should be included:

• Full name  – Your name should be your document title, formatted in bold and centralised text.
• Email address and contact number
• Location  – Your town/city and country, e.g. ‘Birmingham, UK’, will be sufficient; it’s not necessary to provide your full home address.
• Profiles  – Include a link to any professional profiles you may have, such as LinkedIn or ResearchGate.

NOTE:  Some individuals include a profile photo but be careful before doing so. While this would be expected in some countries such as those in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, this would not be the case in other countries such as the UK and US. This is because it can lead to complications with labour and anti-discrimination laws and potentially cost you your application. We therefore strongly advise you to look into the norms and regulations of the host country before deciding to do so.

2. Research Interests / Personal Profile

For an academic CV written for a PhD position, your ‘research interests’ section will double as you ‘personal profile’. As a brief introduction to yourself, this will be an important section as it sets the first impression of you for the reader.

Use bullet points or a brief paragraph to summarise who you are, your relevant qualifications, your research interests and your relevant skills and experience. When writing this section, your focus should be on two aspects: demonstrating your  ability to conduct a PhD  and your  enthusiasm for the project .

To create an impactful research interests’ section, adhere to the following:

• Tailor to each research project you apply for:  One of the easiest ways to do this is to read the project description attached to the PhD advert, identify two to three of the most prominent keywords, and incorporate them into your writeup.
• Keep it short:  This section is only an introduction, so keep it concise and punchy over long and detailed; 50 – 60 words is a good target.
• Make every word count:  As 50 – 60 words isn’t much, be as specific as you can. Avoid clichés such as “I am committed to research and have a high attention to detail” at all costs; not only are they generic and overused, they also don’t provide the reader with any useful insights into you.

3. Education

A PhD CV is all about academic achievements and qualifications, so your education section should be given high importance and form the bulk of your CV, especially as it will be used to determine if have the core skills required for the position.

Working in reverse chronological order, provide a breakdown of your current academic qualifications. For most of you, this will be an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate Master’s degree.

When listing your qualifications, provide the full name of the degree, the degree type, and the duration in terms of its start and end year. You do not need to limit this to your past qualifications; if you’re currently studying or taking an external course, include them as well, but state that they are ongoing and provide an expected grade if you have one.

If your degree is relevant to the PhD project you are applying to, include a list of the modules you completed and your corresponding marks; the same applies to your final year dissertation project.

Note:  If you list your relevant modules, streamline their names by removing any course codes. For example, “FN01 Fluid Dynamics” should become “Fluid Dynamics”. Course codes are only used for internal purposes, and each university will have its own system, so remove them to avoid any possible confusion.

Feel free to also list your GCSEs, A-Levels or other relevant academic qualifications if applicable to the field you are applying to, however, this isn’t necessary, and most supervisors will not ask for them. The exception to this is if your university degree is not directly related to the project you are applying for, but your previous qualifications are. In these cases, include them to help demonstrate the suitability of your academic background.

Finally, list any honours, awards and prizes that you have won or any other notable academic achievements that will help to strengthen your application.

4. Research and Work Experience

Your research and relevant work experience is just as, if not more, important than your educational background. This is because most applicants applying for the position will have similar qualifications, so your research experience can often be the deciding factor when all other things are considered equal.

Your research experience may include both paid and voluntary, full-time and part-time work, as well as university project work. However, in all cases, the experience you mention should be relevant to the project you are applying for or have helped you develop skills that make you a more capable researcher. For example, it’s not necessary to mention your time in retail, but any previous time as a laboratory or teaching assistant or teaching support absolutely will be.

If you any discuss research that you have done as part of your studies, present them as individual project listed in reverse chronological order, as before. You can also include research projects you are currently working on, regardless of how developed they are.

When discussing any projects, include the following:

• What the project was about,
• What research methods you used,
• The skills you gained,
• Any notable achievements or outcomes.

5. Teaching Experience

Since one of the main career paths after a PhD is an academic career, teaching experience can significantly strengthen your academic CV. However, it is generally accepted that not all applicants will have teaching experience, but if you do, include it here.

When discussing your teaching experience, state what level it was at, e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate, and what it involved, i.e. marking, teaching, supervising or organising.

6. Relevant Skills and Experience

This section should describe all other skills and experiences that will help strengthen your application.

They should be specific to the PhD project or demonstrate your potential to become a competent researcher. This includes:

• Technical skills and experience, e.g. the use of computer software packages or research equipment common to the project you’re applying for.
• Non-project specific courses you’ve sat, e.g. an academic writing and communication course.
• Languages you know with their proficiencies noted.

7. Publications and Conferences

Most students won’t have academic publications, but if you do, list them here. Formal publications can include anything from journal articles, which is most likely to an adaptation of your final year dissertation project if you do have one, and published reports. If you have these, list them in reverse chronological order using the reference system adopted by the university you are applying to, as this is what the PhD supervisor will most likely be used to.

If you aren’t a published author or co-author, you can still include other text publications that you may have been involved in, such as online articles, magazines, newsletters and blogs. The topics of these publications should relate to your field or academia in general and be written in a formal tone that showcases your critical thinking and writing skills.

If you’ve ever given a conference presentation, include it here with details of the name, date and location of the conference, the title of your presentation and a summary of what it was about.

Even if you haven’t presented in conferences, you should still list any you have attended, including any seminars or talks. This is a useful way to illustrate your interest in the subject and your commitment to gaining new knowledge within your field.

TIP:  If you haven’t attended many conferences or seminars, consider attending several upcoming ones relevant to the research area you’re interested in. Not only is this a great way to learn more about the field in terms of its latest developments and gaps, but it can also be an effective way to make your academic CV more relevant if it’s currently light on research experience.

8. Professional Memberships

Being affiliated with an academic group, society or professional body demonstrates your enthusiasm for your field and for connecting with other like-minded individuals within the community.

When listing these, include the name of the group, the associated membership dates and the position you have held within it.

9. Referees / References

Your references will form the last section of your academic CV.

Your PhD application should specify the number of referees you should include, but if it does not, try to include at least two, but ideally three.

Two of the referees should be academic, with most students choosing their personal tutor and their final year’s dissertation project supervisor. It can be other staff members, but the essential requirement is that it is someone who knows you well enough to be able to substantiate your abilities and character.

If you don’t have two academic referees, you can use a professional referee as long as they are still relevant to the project you are applying for. This will most likely be the case for those who have worked in industry for some time before deciding to return to education.

When creating your reference list, list your referees in order of relevance and how well they know you, not in alphabetical order. This is so if only the first referee is called upon, it will be the individual who can provide you the most useful reference. The following information should be provided:

• Professional title,
• Name of current university,
• Phone number and email address.

It’s imperative that you first seek permission from the individuals before listing them as a referee. It would also be beneficial to send them a copy of your CV, cover letter and application form so they can familiarise themselves with the broader details in case they are called upon.

Tips for Creating a Standout Academic CV

No matter how impressive your academic achievements are or how much experience you have accumulated in your field, the PhD supervisor may never find out if your CV is too difficult to read. With this in mind, here are a few tips for achieving a high degree of clarity:

Formatting for Clarity

• Highlight key information through the use of bolding, italics and underlining, but be careful not to overdo it so that it loses its purpose.
• Keep your formatting consistent throughout, such as indentations, font type and font size, vertical spacing and margins.
• Insert page numbers on each page.
• Avoid jargon and abbreviations to maximise clarity.
• Avoid splitting sections across two pages.

Keep It Concise

• Try to limit your CV to two pages and not more than four. If you need to go over two pages, make sure the most important information is on the first two pages.
• Avoid dense paragraphs, overly long sentences and generic statements. The aim is to pass on essential information in a way that doesn’t require the reader to have to extract it themselves. This leads to the next tip,
• Use bullet points whenever possible, they’re easier to digest than paragraphs.

NOTE:  Remember that you will also submit a cover letter or personal statement alongside your CV, so don’t feel the need to cover everything to a high level of detail here as you will have the opportunity to do so elsewhere.

Check and Revise

• As a rule of thumb, the academic CV you submit as part of your PhD application should be the third or fourth version you produce. Try to keep a day or two between each version so that you always approach it with a fresh perspective.
• Proofread for any spelling and grammar mistakes. Although this will seem like we’re stating the obvious, a small mistake can be enough to jeopardise your chances considering that there will be many other high-profile candidates for the supervisor to choose from.
• Have your document checked, first by an academic such as your tutor, and second by a professional proofreader or by an advisor from your university’s careers team. The former will check for technical issues, the latter for common curriculum vitae formatting, spelling and grammar mistakes.

Save in PDF Format

If the submission method allows for it, convert your CV to PDF format. This significantly reduces the likelihood of compatibility and reformatting issues when opened by the supervisor.

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PhD Resume: How to Make a CV for a PhD Application

3 key takeaways

• PhD resumes are the best way to show your education, skills, and experience when applying to a Doctor of Philosophy program.
• PhD resumes are like traditional resumes in that you want to show your skills and experience, but the CV format and sections are different.
• You can easily create and customize your PhD resume with Teal’s AI Resume Builder.

Having a strong PhD resume can be the key to showing admissions teams why you’re a good fit for their program. It can even help you gain admission to even the most selective schools.

And while you might be familiar with the standard resume format when applying for a job, what about the resume you need to apply for a PhD program? A PhD resume still needs to showcase your skills, accomplishments, and experience, but how you show your strengths—and how you format them—differs from a traditional resume.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what a PhD resume contains, how to create a resume for a PhD application, and even explore some CV examples and templates for you to use as a guide. ‍

Need to create your PhD resume? Make a free resume in Teal today.

Understanding the PhD resume

A PhD resume is a document you submit as part of your application to a Doctor of Philosophy program. Sometimes called a PhD CV , this type of resume is to highlight your academic qualifications, research experience, and professional achievements.

When you submit a PhD CV, you’re likely submitting to an admissions committee composed of faculty members and program coordinators. The goal? To impress these individuals with your academic and research qualifications and convince them you’d be a valuable addition to their program. 

PhD resume vs traditional resume

Both PhD resumes and traditional resumes aim to show you're a strong match for the position or criteria the recipient is evaluating. While you want to show you’re qualified in both scenarios, what you include in these documents and how you format that information is different.

Specifically, PhD resumes focus much more on academic and research experience, while traditional resumes focus on work experience. Because of this, PhD resumes tend to be longer and more detailed, often including sections to cover various research projects, publications, teaching experiences, and more—similar to a traditional or academic CV.

Essential sections of a PhD CV

A PhD CV needs clear sections that organize your education and academic background, your professional experience, and your key skills. Here are all of the essential sections of a PhD resume.

Contact Information

Your contact information simply states your name, how the people reviewing your name can contact you, and where you’re located. Be sure to include:

• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Your city and state (no need to include your full address)

Professional Summary

Your resume summary gives an overview of who you are, your research experience and interests, and what research you hope to pursue as part of the PhD program. This should only be a few sentences. 

The resume Education section will likely be one of the lengthiest on this type of resume. List your education history in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent degree goes first.

For each part of this Education section, be sure to specify the type of degree, your major, the institution, and what years you were in school.

You can also choose to list relevant courses, projects, or presentations, including your thesis or dissertation, as well as your GPA if you're a recent grad.

Research Experience

Your Research Experience section should clearly outline any research projects you’ve been involved in. Include your specific role, methodologies, and your achievements with impact.

When describing your achievements, quantify them whenever possible—whether that’s the number of publications you contributed to or how many conferences you presented at.

Teaching Experience

Including teaching experience in academia on this type of resume shows your experience working with students in academic positions—which may be a part of your job role in a prospective PhD program.

Even if you won’t be teaching or assisting students with courses, teaching experience in academic positions shows soft skills like communication and presentation.

In reverse chronological order, include the title of the teaching position, the institution where you taught, and the courses, including their level (e.g., undergraduate or graduate).

You may also choose to include specific job responsibilities you had or notable achievements. For example, you may want to include evaluations, student outcomes, or awards on your resume .

Depending on how much teaching and research experience you have, you may choose to combine these sections under one general “Experience” section.

Publications

This section is for listing publications you’ve contributed to. Publications can include peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, published excerpts of your dissertation or thesis, reports, and books or book chapters.

When listing publications, ensure they're presented in reverse chronological order. Pick the citation style (e.g. APA, Chicago, MLA) that’s most commonly used in your field. Include the publication title, authors, journal name, year of publication, and any relevant volume or issue numbers. If applicable, mention the specific role you played in the research and writing process. For more impactful publications, you can add a brief summary of the research findings or significance. 

If you haven’t published any work yet, you can skip this section.

Presentations and Conferences

If you’ve given a presentation or been a part of a conference, include this in a separate Presentations and Conferences experience section. Presentations and conferences can include academic or industry conferences, seminars and workshops, and webinars.

In reverse chronological order, be sure to include the conference title and location, presentation title, your role (presenter, co-presenter, panel member, etc.), and the date.

If you’re applying for open position in a Doctor of Philosophy program, it’s likely you have a multitude of skills. However, you want to select the most relevant skills to the program you’re applying for.

Be sure to include any key skills specified in the program description and the most relevant skills to the research you want to pursue, including technical skills or other hard skills.

These skills can be formatted as a bullet point list, grouped in sections by specific types of skills.

Unlike a regular resume where you shouldn’t include references—or even that references are available upon request—you’re typically expected to list references in a PhD resume. Be sure to look at the requirements listed on the application to see how many references you should include.

Usually, you’ll be required to list two or three references. For each reference, include their name, title, place of work (if that’s an institution, the institution name), their phone number, and email.

PhD CV example

In this PhD CV example, the candidate includes all of the relevant sections to show their own academic and professional experience, including their background studying, researching, and teaching in the computer science field.

PhD resume template

Ready to make your own PhD resume? Here’s a CV example template to copy and paste and fill out with your own qualifications:

Your Name  

[Your Email] [Your Phone Number] [Your City, State]

A [your subject] student with a strong foundation in [specific subject] seeking a PhD position to conduct research in [your field of research]. With a passion for [specific subjects and interests], I’m eager to contribute to [specific development in your field].

[Degree Name] in [Field of Study] [University Name], [Month, year of graduation] [Your GPA] — [List of honors or other achievements]

Research Assistant , [Research Lab Name] [Start Date] - [End Date]

[Brief description of research]

• [Achievement 1: Quantify your contribution]
• [Achievement 2: Quantify your contribution]
• [Achievement 3: Quantify your contribution]

Teaching Assistant , [Course Title] [University Name], [Start Date] - [End Date]

• [Publication 1, including publication title, authors, journal name, year of publication, and any relevant volume or issue numbers]
• [Publication 2, including publication title, authors, journal name, year of publication, and any relevant volume or issue numbers]
• [Role at conference] , [Conference Name], [Location], [Date]
• [Title of presentation] , [Conference Name], [Location], [Date]
• [Category]: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

[Reference Name 1] [Reference Title],  [Reference Institution] [Reference Email], [Reference Phone Number]

[Reference Name 2] [Reference Title],  [Reference Institution] [Reference Email], [Reference Phone Number]

How to tailor and optimize your CV for different PhD programs

Just as you'd customize your resume for a specific job if you were one of many job seekers, it’s crucial to tailor a PhD version to the unique focus and requirements of each program.

To tailor your PhD CV, first carefully review the program’s details. You’ll want to become familiar with the program description, course offerings, faculty research interests, and any specific requirements.

Then, be sure to include:

• Keywords: Identify any key terms and phrases within the program description, including research areas, methodologies, and required skills (including technical skills).
• Similar to resume keywords in a conventional job search, you’ll want to include these keywords to help you stand out when admissions committees scan your resume. You also want to remove any irrelevant skills. (For example, your skills in project management may be relevant to industry jobs like research operations manager but may not align with the specific research focus of certain PhD programs.)
• Program requirements: If there’s a minimum GPA, specific coursework, research requirements, or skills the program is looking for, add these to your resume. 
• Transferable skills: Highlight key skills that might be valuable to the program, whether that’s research skills, soft skills like critical thinking or problem-solving, or skills relevant to the program’s specific focus—include them alongside impact to showcase how you used them.
• Related experience: Mention related roles or projects on your resume that showcase your academic and research abilities. For example, if you have experience as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA), or relevant coursework, honors, or awards from your bachelor’s or master’s degree, including these on your PhD resume can showcase your experience, skills, and potential.

By carefully tailoring your PhD resume to each program, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression and securing admission to your desired program.

Tips for optimizing your PhD CV

Not only do you need to tailor your PhD resume to the specific program you’re applying for, but you’ll also need to think about resume optimization to ensure your PhD resume’s ATS compatibility. ATS (applicant tracking systems) are used to help file and organize resumes.

To ensure your resume is optimized for ATS, focus on:

• Keyword integration: Those searching these systems often rely on specific keywords to identify qualified applications, which means it’s crucial to read through the program description and include any relevant keywords. You don’t need to “keyword stuff,” but rather naturally incorporate key requirements, tools, skills, and experience.
• Formatting: Ensure the format of your CV is easily readable so the ATS can parse it. That doesn’t mean you need to submit a no-frills resume, but it does mean you should choose readable fonts, have clear white space, and avoid hard-to-read graphics.
• Proofreading: Thoroughly proofread your resume to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies.

How to write a PhD application CV with Teal

Ready to start writing a resume for a PhD application? Teal’s AI Resume Builder can help you create each PhD resume section in seconds—and ensure that what you include is tailored to the program and optimized for ATS. Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating a standout PhD resume.

1. Choose an ATS-friendly PhD CV template

First, you’ll need to choose your resume template. Sort through Teal’s various ATS-friendly templates, filtering depending on your style and layout preferences.

2. Fill out required sections

Next, you’ll need to add all of the required PhD resume sections, from your Contact Information and Education to your Professional and Academic Experience and References. Teal has customizable sections for each of these requirements and more! If there’s a section you need that’s not in the template, you can also “rename” a section to fit what you need. For example, you may rename the “Projects” section to “Presentations and Conferences.”

3. Use AI to make your summary and descriptions stand out

Teal’s AI allows you to quickly and effectively generate professional summaries and resume experience descriptions.

4. Customize your resume

From accent colors and font to section sizing, Teal allows you to adjust your resume organization and design—while remaining ATS-friendly.

5. Analyze and adjust your resume

Next, it’s time to optimize your resume. Using Teal’s Analysis Mode, you can identify areas for improvement, whether that’s a need to add more keywords, including other resume structure elements, or improving how you describe your experience.

6. Export your resume PDF

Once you’ve improved your resume using Teal’s Analysis Mode and feel set to submit, it’s time to export your resume! Easily export your work with the “Export PDF” button and selecting Resume.”

Start writing your resume for a PhD application with Teal

Like any resume for a traditional industry job, a PhD CV is your first impression—but this time, it’s your first impression on an admissions committee, not hiring managers, recruiters, or a staffing agency.

A PhD resume should match the requirements in each specific program’s description, using keywords that show you’re a good fit in the program and satisfy any ATS searches. Unlike a resume for the job market, where you need to show work or industry experience that fits a job description, you’ll need to focus on your academic achievements, specifically your education, research, and teaching experience.

TL;DR? While you're not up against other job candidates, you are competing with top talent. You need to differentiate what you bring to the table.

Building and customizing your PhD resume is easy with Teal’s AI Resume Builder. Teal provides templates, customizable formatting, and AI suggestions to help you create not only a clean, ATS-friendly resume, but one that effectively demonstrates why you’re right for any PhD program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a resume for a phd.

To write a PhD resume, emphasize your academic achievements, research experience, and skills. Include sections like Education, Research Experience, Teaching Experience, Publications, and Skills, ensuring each is tailored to the specific PhD program you’re applying to.

What does a PhD CV look like?

A PhD CV typically includes detailed sections such as Education, Research and Teaching Experience, Publications, Presentations, and relevant skills. Unlike traditional resumes, it focuses heavily on academic and research accomplishments, often spanning multiple pages.

How long is a PhD resume?

A PhD resume, also called a CV, is generally longer than a traditional resume, often spanning 2-4 pages or more, depending on the depth of your research, publications, and teaching experience.

How to put a current PhD on a resume?

To list your current PhD on a resume, include it in the Education section with your expected graduation date. Highlight any ongoing research, teaching, or relevant academic achievements related to your PhD program.

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How to apply for a research degree

Once you’ve found a PhD project or decided on your own proposal and spoken with a potential supervisor, you can apply using our online application system.

Prepare your application

The online application form takes about 30 minutes to complete. 

Typically when you apply, you’ll need:

• your personal details
• how you plan to fund your studies
• project title
• supervisor name (you should speak to the supervisor before applying)
• 2 academic references from your most recent place of study
• an academic transcript of your undergraduate degree showing modules and marks achieved
• an academic transcript from your Master's degree showing modules and marks achieved if you have already graduated
• undergraduate degree certificate and Master's degree certificate (if you have already graduated)
• English language qualification (if required)
• CV (also referred to as a resume)
• personal statement
• research proposal (if you are planning your own project or if it states you need to provide it)

Apply as early as possible if you need to secure a UK visa or if you are applying for funding or sponsorship. Deadlines for research funding are usually at least 6 months in advance of the start date. 

Some projects will have a different application procedure. This is usually the case when the project is funded by a doctoral training partnership.

Steps to apply

• Check that you meet the entry requirements and confirm the key dates either on the project page or with your potential supervisor.
• Write a personal statement including your motivation for the project, your relevant skills and experience, and how it supports your future goals. Keep this focused and concise.  
• Have supporting documents ready to attach to your online application.
• Register for an account then complete and submit the online application form. You’ll be able to save and review your application before submitting it.  
• Check you have received our email confirming we've received your application. We usually send this straight away.
• Use your account login details to track the progress of your application.

Ready to apply?

 for questions about applying, please contact our faculty  graduate  schools:,  arts and humanities: .

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Student Services Centre, Building 37, Highfield Campus 

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• How to Write a PhD CV

Written by Chris Banyard

As you embark on your journey towards obtaining a PhD, crafting a compelling academic CV is a crucial step in your PhD application . Unlike a traditional CV, an academic CV focuses intensely on your academic accomplishments, research experience, and scholarly contributions. It’s your opportunity to showcase your qualifications concisely and effectively to potential supervisors and admission committees.

Writing a PhD CV can feel daunting, especially given its importance and the specific requirements it entails. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to write a compelling PhD CV, offering detailed examples and actionable advice to help you stand out. Whether you're applying for a program in the UK or internationally, these tips will ensure your CV is both informative and engaging.

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What is an academic cv.

An academic CV is a document tailored to highlight your academic achievements and research activities. Unlike a standard CV, which typically focuses on work experience and skills, an academic CV offers extensive details on your academic background, publications, research projects, teaching experience, and more. This format allows you to provide a thorough representation of your scholarly journey and potential to contribute to your chosen field of study.

How long should an academic CV be?

While an early-career academic CV should be kept to no more than four pages, most can effectively convey necessary information in two pages. It’s important to avoid being overly verbose and to maintain relevance throughout. Keep in mind that clarity and relevance are more impressive than length. Admission committees often appreciate a well-organized, concise CV that communicates your qualifications effectively.

Key features of an academic CV

• Professional and up-to-date : Ensure the CV is professional, up-to-date, and tailored to the specific PhD program you’re applying for. Regularly update your CV to include new research, publications, and academic achievements.
• Reverse-chronological order : Present information in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent activities. This approach makes it easier for reviewers to see your latest work and progress.
• Focus on relevance : Highlight experiences and accomplishments relevant to the PhD program. Tailoring each section to align with the specific requirements and interests of the program can significantly increase your chances of success.
• Concise and clear : Despite the potential for length, aim for clarity and conciseness. Avoid overly verbose descriptions and ensure that essential information is easily accessible.

PhD cover letters

An academic CV is often accompanied by a PhD cover letter. This will give you the chance to expand on the experience you've laid our in your CV and fill in any gaps.

Read more about PhD cover letters .

PhD CV format

An academic CV has several additional sections compared to a standard CV .

1. Personal profile and research interests

2. publications, 3. research experience, 4. teaching experience, 5. funding and awards, 6. professional society membership.

• 6. Referees

This section, often found at the top of your CV, should provide a brief summary of your research experience and interests. Tailor it to the specific PhD program by addressing the project or job description directly. A well-crafted personal profile can set the tone for the rest of your CV.

As with all aspects of a PhD CV, it is better to show, not tell . Give evidence of skills, interest and enthusiasm where possible rather than just stating it outright.

If you are deeper into your academic career, and have lots of publications and research experience, you may not need to have a research interests section – it should be fairly clear from your research experience.

• "I have spent four years studying 18th Century History, focusing on the French Revolution. I've published several articles in renowned history journals and presented my findings at international conferences. I aim to deepen my expertise through PhD research at your esteemed institution, particularly exploring socio-political impacts of revolutionary movements."

"I’m enthusiastic about Science and I really like learning. My research interest is Physics. I’ve got undergraduate and Masters degrees in Physics, so I want to do a PhD next."

List any journal articles, books (or chapters), reports, and patents in reverse chronological order. Highlight your name if you are one of many authors. This section demonstrates your ability to contribute original research to your field.

If this is a long list, it may be better suited as an appendix .

Detail all relevant research projects, including your current research. Describe the projects clearly, listing the skills and experiences gained. Mention supervisors and highlight any impressive aspects. This section is crucial as it shows your hands-on experience and technical abilities.

2017-present: Investigation into Viral Capsid Protein Self-Assembly

Masters degree research project, supervised by Prof. J. Bloggs. Acquired knowledge in molecular biology techniques and in vitro protein analysis. Presented findings at several academic conferences.

2016: Redox Sensors of Bacillus subtilis

Undergraduate research project under the supervision of Dr S. Smyth. Gained experience of protein crystallisation and bioinformatic analysis. My research report for this project was awarded a First Class mark.

Laboratory research. I have research experience in Molecular Biology laboratories at the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee, developing relevant skills such as PCR, genetic cloning, protein purification, and protein crystallisation.

Presenting. I have presented research using a variety of techniques, including talks, posters, and workshops. These have been presented to academic experts at national conferences.

Academic writing. I have written many pieces of assessed research writing. These include literature reviews, research reports, and meta-analyses. All marks shown in Education section.

Include any teaching or mentoring roles you've undertaken, indicating the level of students and any additional responsibilities, such as planning or grading. Teaching experience is often highly valued in academic settings as it shows your ability to disseminate knowledge effectively.

List any competitive grants, scholarships, fellowships, or bursaries you’ve received. This demonstrates your ability to secure competitive funding—a key skill in academia. Highlighting these achievements can significantly bolster your application.

Being actively involved in professional societies shows commitment to your field of study. Ensure you include dates of membership. Active participation in these societies can also provide networking opportunities and demonstrate your engagement with the academic community.

7. Referees

Always check the application requirements for the number of referees needed. Typically, provide at least two academic references who can vouch for your competence and potential. Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to your specific qualifications and achievements.

What if I don’t have publications / experience?

As a PhD applicant, it is unlikely that you will already have lots of publications, research experience or academic funding / awards.

If you do, this will go a long way to building a successful application.

However, as an undergraduate or new postgraduate student you will not be expected to have lots of this.

It is important to include any experience you have (for example, a research project at Masters level) and show an enthusiasm for research.

It could be worth changing your PhD CV to a more skills-based format. In this way, you can put more focus on transferable skills that are useful in academia, and less focus on research experience.

If your CV still seems bare, it may be beneficial for your academic CV if you can find ways to get research experience or develop research skills.

Academic CV flexibility

There is some flexibility in writing a CV – you can change the sections included to better suit you or better suit the application.

General CV sections

Some of the same sections as a general CV should be included in an academic CV. However, these may need to be adjusted to be appropriate for a position in academia.

This should be your name, fairly large and clear, at the top of the page. It is not necessary to write “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae” – this should be obvious to the reader.

Include your contact information below this, such as your address, phone number and email.

For an academic CV, this is an important section and usually is found near the top of the CV. List by degree, plus titles, with the most advanced first (i.e. PhD, Masters, Bachelors etc.). It is acceptable to include your current degree, clearly noted.

This section is vital to show the hard skills necessary to be eligible for the position. For example, if a PhD project description states that applicants require a Masters degree, then your relevant Masters degree should be prominent here.

If useful to the application, you can include individual courses on a degree with their marks. But, give course titles and do not include course codes – these are usually just for internal administration purposes.

Results pending

A student applicant may not have received exam / dissertation results at the time of applying. This is acceptable – just include any results or marks you have already.

Other skills

Research and teaching skills may already be included in specific sections, but this section may serve for any other relevant skills .

This can include things like administrative experience, professional development, additional training, and languages (with proficiency noted).

• Administration experience: treasurer for University English Literature Society, management of local business’ social media accounts
• Technology skills: Diploma of Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing (awarded by International Career Institute)
• Languages: French (fluent), German (conversational)

I like reading books. I have experience of working in a local shop. Good with animals. Can do 46 keepie-uppies in a row. . .

Discussion of CV content at the interview

If you are shortlisted for a PhD interview , you may be asked to discuss the contents of your CV. Therefore, you can keep the CV concise and clear, and expand later at the interview if it is relevant.

Should I include a photo of myself?

In the UK, USA and Canada, a photo should not be included. In some professions, this will cause the CV to immediately be discarded due to anti-discrimination laws.

However, in some countries, for example in continental Europe, photos are often included at the top of a CV. Always check the conventions of the country you are applying to.

Layout and formatting

Most of the same rules apply for a general CV as for an academic CV. However, it may be useful to check the common PhD resume format conventions for a specific academic field – these can sometimes vary.

Organisation

For all CVs, the most important parts for the application are placed at the top. Generally speaking, you should follow this PhD CV template when ordering the sections of your resume:

• 1. Name and contact information
• 2. Education
• 3. Publications
• 4. Research experience
• 5. Teaching experience
• 6. Funding and awards
• 7. Professional society membership
• 8. Referees

The exact order of these can be adjusted to better suit the application and the applicant.

There is some flexibility in the PhD resume formats. You may choose a style that you like, but it should follow the following rules.

The format of the CV should always be clear, with a readable, normal-sized font and line-spacing where possible. Make sure the format is consistent throughout.

Headings and subheadings can be larger and / or emboldened. There should be clear spaces or definitions between each section.

UK and Canada CV vs. USA CV

There can be differences in the layout and formatting of CVs in different countries. UK / Canadian CVs tend to be shorter and more condensed than their American counterparts. Always check the conventions of the country you are applying to.

Tips for writing an academic CV

As you write your academic CV for a PhD application, there are plenty of things you should bear in mind to make sure that you give a strong impression to those reading it. These are our tips for producing a great academic CV:

• Make it clear and scannable : Ensure all information is easy to find at a glance. Use clear headings, bullet points, and avoid splitting sections across two pages. A well-organised CV will make a better impression.
• Proofread and seek feedback : Have multiple people review your CV to catch potential errors and improve clarity. It’s particularly useful to receive feedback from someone experienced in your field.
• Avoid redundancy : Do not duplicate information already present in your cover letter, research proposal, or personal statement. Each document should provide unique insights into your qualifications and ambitions.
• Tailor to each application : Customise each CV to align with the specific requirements of the PhD program or project description. Highlight the experiences and skills most relevant to each unique opportunity.
• Correct formatting : Use consistent fonts and styles, avoid jargon, and submit your CV in PDF format to prevent formatting issues. Proper formatting ensures that your CV looks polished and professional.

Finally, always get additional advice and opinions. Not all advice is good, but you should always get help to find any mistakes or opportunities for improvement. Advice from someone who is experienced in the research field – perhaps a PhD graduate themselves – who can offer discipline-specific help on the academic CV will be particularly useful.

Still searching for a PhD?

Head over to our PhD course listings to find the latest opportunities. You can filter by topic, keywords, location and funding available.

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Chris banyard.

Chris helped expand our student advice content in 2018, whilst working towards a PhD at the University of Sheffield. He shared honest and amusing advice on making mistakes, accidental self-sabotaging and managing rejection during a doctorate as well as reflecting on his own experience skipping a Masters before his PhD.

You may also like...

We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

What documents you need for a complete study abroad application, what they are and what they should and should not include.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD Program Application

Personal statement guidelines, general guidelines to keep in mind:.

• One size does not fit all : Tailor your personal statement to each program and department you are applying to. Do your research to learn what is unique about each of your choices and highlight how this particular program stands out.
• Yes, it’s personal : Showcase your unique strengths and accomplishments. Explain what influenced your personal decisions to pursue the program. Ask yourself, could this be applied to your friend or neighbor? If so, you need to be more specific and provide examples. Saying that you are a “good scientist” isn’t enough. Provide examples of your previous research experience, projects you’ve completed, and what technical skills you learned. Explain how you overcame any challenges along the way.
• Set aside enough time :  Although personal statements are generally short in length (approx. 700 words; 1-2 pages), give yourself ample time to write a strong, well-written statement. It takes more time than you think to develop a final draft for submission.
• Focus on your spelling, grammar, and vocabulary :  It’s important to present a well-written statement with good grammar and vocabulary. Write concrete, succinct sentences that flow well. Avoid flowery language. Visit the Writing Center for additional review and feedback.
• Proofread one more time: Check your grammar and spelling again before submitting your final draft. Ask a friend, professor, or advisor to proofread your final draft one more time before sending it in. 

Your personal statement should answer the following questions:

1. Why do you want to complete further research in this field? Write down a list of reasons as to why you are interested in pursuing further study in the field. When did you become interested in the field and what knowledge have you gained so far? Describe how your previous work provided the foundation and for further study. 2. Why  have you chosen to apply to this particular university ? Does the institution have a particular curriculum, special research facilities/equipment, or interesting research that appeal to you?

3. What are your strengths ? Demonstrate how you stand out from other candidates. Highlight relevant projects, dissertations thesis or essays that demonstrate your academic skills and creativity. Include IT skills, research techniques, awards, or relevant traveling/ study abroad experience.

4. What are your transferable skills? Be sure to emphasize transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management skills. Give examples of how you have demonstrated each of these with specific examples. 5. How does this program align with your career goals? It’s okay if you don’t know the exact career path you plan to take after completing your PhD. Provide an idea of the direction you would like to take. This demonstrates commitment and dedication to the program.

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How to Become a Sports Journalist: Skills, Education, and Career Path

A sports journalist investigates, reports on, evaluates, and composes pieces regarding regional, governmental, and global athletic events. They write or report on interesting, educational sports-related stories and have the same career path as a typical journalist. Finding out what a sports journalist does will help you determine if this is a career you want to pursue if you’re interested in the field. This page defines the field of sports journalism, offers a detailed guide on how to get started, outlines the requirements and workplace culture of the position, and addresses three often-asked questions (FAQs).

Table of Contents

What is a Sports Journalist?

A sports journalist is a writer who produces media content for different local or global sporting events and activities. While some cover news about many sports, such as football, hockey, or tennis, others specialize in cricket. A career in sports journalism can be interesting and rewarding, involving everything from writing game recaps to doing in-depth research and analysis on big sporting events. The following are some of the duties of a sports journalist:

• Observing live national and international sporting events
• producing sports-related material for radio, television, and other media platforms
• observing deadlines to make sure stories are prepared for distribution or publication
• eliminating prejudice in reporting and providing a thorough rundown of sporting events
• interviewing several players and team executives to produce a believable narrative
• generating ideas for stories with other reporters and following news and happenings in the sports sector
• attending sporting events and getting information about past games from participants
• reporting in real-time from conferences and athletic activities
• utilizing a variety of media, including newspapers, internet, and video
• working together with a group of authors, editors, and subeditors and providing them with reliable news articles
• interviewing subject-matter specialists to learn more about ailments, fitness concerns, and injuries
• covering breaking news, such as injuries and player suspensions
• gathering information, creating background reports, and compiling data on various teams and players

Read Also : How to Become a News Anchor: Your Ultimate Guide

How To Become A Sports Journalist?

Here is a step-by-step roadmap to becoming a sports journalist.

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree

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Most employers prefer higher education, even though it is not required. Your prospects of becoming a sports journalist may be enhanced by earning a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC), communications, or English. A bachelor’s degree in journalism can demonstrate your ability to work in the profession. To set themselves apart from other applicants, many sports journalists also pursue a postgraduate (PG) diploma in radio and TV journalism, English or Hindi journalism, or mass communication. These specialized courses teach you interviewing techniques, news item writing, ethics, and a variety of journalism-related topics.

2. Decide on your specialization

After earning your bachelor’s degree, think about the kind of journalism and your area of interest. You might write feature stories or make live broadcasts as a sports journalist. Here are a few niches you could pursue:

Magazines: Writing both lengthy and brief pieces about sports for magazines is the focus of this kind of sports journalism. Magazine articles are reliable sources of information on fascinating subjects and stories about goings-on in the sports world.

Newspapers: Sports journalists who write articles for newspapers provide summaries of current sporting events or matches. They conduct interviews with sports figures and industry professionals for regional, national, and worldwide media.

Broadcast: This kind of journalism primarily entails covering live athletic events and working in television broadcasting. Usually, broadcast journalists cover athletic events and tell viewers about their experiences.

Read Also: Certificate News Anchoring and Reporting Course: Why You Should Consider

Digital media: A large number of sports journalists provide a variety of sports-related content for blogs and social media platforms. Reaching a broad audience requires crafting captivating narratives about contemporary sporting events.

3. Start a sports blog

Sportswriters with a portfolio of work to present are preferred by most employers. Blogs enhance your portfolio and show that you can write interesting content and cover sports-related themes. It demonstrates your enthusiasm for the work when you share educational articles on the sports you are interested in. Gaining a sizable following on your blogs will even help you monetize them.

4. Apply for internships

An excellent method to get experience, build a solid media network, and become a journalist is through internships. You can improve your journalistic abilities, learn how to fulfill deadlines, and communicate with other members of the media. Outstanding work during an internship could potentially result in full-time positions. By including this experience in your CV, you can improve your chances of landing a job as a sports journalist full-time.

5. Get experience

Once your portfolio is complete, apply for entry-level positions like junior reporter. Gaining experience from seasoned sports editors and journalists might help you develop your skill set. Before publishing information to its intended audience, you can even learn how to edit and subedit it. A lot of freelance sports journalists start out covering sports news in their leisure time. By looking through various websites, you might locate chances for compensated freelance work. You can learn how to produce sports content that connects with the target audience and builds your portfolio in addition to getting paid for your job.

Skills of a Sports Journalist

The following abilities are required to work as a sports journalist:

Originality

Being creative enables you to produce unique material. Writing articles that draw readers in and promote discussion on sports-related issues is crucial to this position. Your audience wants articles that capture the enthusiasm of the sporting event or match since they might not have been there.

Read Also: BJMC Courses After 12th: Course Details, Fee and Career Opportunity

Communication skills

To effectively communicate with their readers and viewers, sports writers possess exceptional communication abilities both in writing and speaking. This line of work requires you to be able to communicate ideas and facts clearly and concisely. Businesses and publishing firms typically hire sports journalists who are adept at creating compelling content.

Ability to engage people

One of the most crucial skill sets for sports writers is the ability to acquire fans. Building engagement requires knowing your audience and offering material that will resonate with them. For example, a lot of football fans follow the writers they like. Investigate these prosperous people to find out how they draw in and hold their audience’s attention.

Research skills

When not covering live events, sports journalists conduct research for their pieces on a variety of subjects. To write captivating articles, you may locate pertinent statistics, historical information, and details about teams and athletes. Excellent research skills can also help you find the right person to interview.

Read Also: Understanding Photojournalism – Courses, Career Path and Key Skills

Knowledge of sports

A successful profession requires a deep understanding of the regulations governing one or two of the sports you cover. It can assist you in producing in-depth and educational content for your readers. For example, thoroughly understanding cricket’s rules, tactics, and history enables you to write or broadcast engaging content while reporting on a match and educating your audience about the sport.

A Sports Journalist’s Work Environment

Sports journalists may work in print or online media, television, photojournalism , or radio, depending on their area of interest. To cover a particular sporting event, they can work nights or weekends. They have to travel far and wide as part of their profession to conduct interviews with athletes, coaches, and other prominent figures in the sports world. These people frequently put in a lot of overtime and stand in press boxes at arenas and stadiums to cover live events.

Some people might think that being a sports journalist is just about watching games and reporting on them. However, to succeed as a sports journalist, one needs to possess a unique combination of several qualities, like passion for sports, writing skills, listening abilities, and greater commitment. The beauty of this career lies in that it can be achieved through formal education and work experience paired with an alertness to unfolding events. This guideline will help any ambitious individual secure his/her rightful place in the much-coveted field of sports journalism.

Read Also: Radio Jockey Course After 12th : Course Details, Fee and Career Opportunity

The AAFT Journalism and Mass Communication course offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares you for the fast-paced world of sports journalism. Our experienced faculty, industry connections, and hands-on training will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. From writing and reporting to broadcasting and digital media, our degree courses in journalism and mass communication cover all aspects of sports journalism. Join us and embark on a journey to become a leading voice in the sports media industry.

Sports Journalist FAQs

What educational qualifications does a sports journalist have.

Businesses typically prefer to hire sports writers who have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a closely related field. You can’t do your job well without the research, writing, and analytical abilities that come with a professional degree. Reporting, entertainment, and sports journalism are some of the topics covered in class. Find out what degrees are offered at various schools and compare their curricula.

What experience does a sports journalist need?

Gaining practical experience in a newspaper through an internship is a great way to learn on the job and increase your employability. Sports journalists who can captivate an audience with their writing skills are in high demand by many employers. As a sports reporter, you may hone your craft, gain experience covering a wide range of events, and contribute engaging content to a variety of publications. If you want to work as a sports journalist for an established publication, all you need is a year of experience.

How can sports journalists hone their craft?

Once you’ve gotten your foot in the door as an entry-level sports journalist, it’s time to zero in on your specialty. You have the option to focus on a certain branch of journalism, like: 1. Sub-editing 2. Press office work 3. Photography 4. Radio presenting 5. Website editing 6. Regional journalism Choosing a niche helps you advance in your career because you work as a specialist sports writer.

AAFT has been providing the world with limitless creativity and expression since 1993! Through a dynamic and industry-driven curriculum, AAFT provides engaging and captivating articles to persuasive blogs and empowers its readers to explore diverse avenues of creative media education-related content.

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Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter – Sample Letter for Schengen Tourist Visa

The cover letter you must submit for your Schengen Visa application is an important document that states the reason you are traveling to a certain Schengen country. In your Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter, you must address the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country you plan to visit, as your main goal is to persuade the Consular staff that you are a suitable candidate for receiving the Schengen visa.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa?

Your Schengen tourist visa application cover letter should include the information listed below:

• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• Your nationality.
• Your passport details (passport number, issue date, and expiry date).
• Your current address.
• Your email address.
• Your phone number.
• The date when you are writing the letter.
• The name of the embassy or consulate where you are applying for the Schengen visa.
• The embassy or consulate’s address.
• The intention of traveling with a Schengen Tourist Visa (e.g., tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, attending an event, etc.).
• The entry and exit dates of your trip.
• A detailed itinerary of your trip, including the Schengen countries you plan to visit during your trip, information about your planned accommodations, flights, and any tours or activities you have booked.
• Your financial capacity to cover your trip expenses.

Tourist Visa Application Cover Letter Sample