Applying for US graduate schools in STEM fields��how to create competitive application�

Dr. Iwnetim iwnetu abate

Incoming assistant professor (Jan 2023)

Material science and engineering

Massachusetts institute of technology (mit)

https://iabate.mit.edu/

• Introducing platforms for post webinar
• LinkedIn
• Website: www.howtoapplytouniversity.com

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• Statement of Purpose

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• GRE and TOEFL/IELTS

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• After the PhD

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• MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering

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• Related opportunities

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Agenda

LinkedIn

Website

www.howtoapplytouniversity.com/

• Statement of purpose

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• A separate “Diversity Statement” may be required

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• Strong transcript
• High GPA with challenging courses; top of the class, particularly if from an unknown school
• Competitive GPA: 3.7/4.0

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• Test scores (GRE and TOEFL)
• Many graduate programs no longer accept GRE scores
• Difficult for students from unknown programs to show their innate intellect
• But this does lower the cost of applying
• If you take the test, then provide your scores to faculty members of interest
• Competitive scores (more later)

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• CV/Resume
• Shows that you have had research experience, participated in more than just coursework
• Examples: www.howtoapplytouniversity.com/

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Competitive Application

• Main Goal: To clearly articulate why you want to PhD at X university and why you are a good fit.

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• Introduction of applicant/interests and motivation
• Be practically ambitious, changing the world through research, relating your background with what you want to do in the future

• Summary of undergraduate and previous career.
• Talk about your research/work experience and relate that to what you want to do in PhD.

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• Relevance of recent and current activities; how they influenced you and what you want to study during PhD

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• Talk about how the institutions have the resources and the focus you need to achieve your goal. (How it is the best fit for you)

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• Your contribution for diversity

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Statement of Purpose: Structure

Do’s

• Straight to the point in concise way
• Proofread
• Get comments from several people for review and go through iterations
• Limit the word to 1000 unless otherwise is mentioned on the department’s website
• Tailor the statement to specific university
• Be genuine and focus on the relevant points

Dont’s

• Plagiarism
• Merely rephrasing the professors interests from the website as your interest.

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Statement of Purpose: General do’s and dont’s�

• GRE ($205):
• Math section(out of 170)
• Verbal section(out of 170)
• Writing section (out of 6)

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• The key is to practice to get use to the questions and learn to be efficient.
• Resources are provided and recommended on our website
• www.howtoapplytouniversity.com/
• Double check the requirement on the department’s website
• Could be waived

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• TOEFL ($205):
• Verbal section
• Writing section
• Speaking section
• Listening section

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• iBT Test (out of 120)
• Computer based
• Home
• Paper based
• >100 out of 120
• IELTS: www.ielts.org

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Exams: GRE and TOEFL

www.ets.org

www.magoosh.com

EPSNA Graduate School Application Mentorship Program 2021

https://www.epsna.org/mentorship-21.html

After the PhD

After the PhD

After the PhD

- 2021

- 2019

- 2014

Cambridge, MA

(3 mins from Boston)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Ranked #1 in U.S.
• According to US News and World Report

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• 43 faculty members

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• Material Types:
• Polymeric
• Bio/medical
• Electronic and Photonic Materials
• Functional
• Structural

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• Our applications include solving Grand Challenges in:
• energy, climate change, nanotech, biotech, medicine, sustainability, water, and more

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• Our faculty has the most patents, licenses, and startups per faculty member of all MIT departments.

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What do I do with a degree in MSE?

Our alumni are:

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• Engineers, scientists, and researchers in industry�
• Professors at prominent academic institutions �
• Entrepreneurs at innovative startups�
• Policy advisors for governmental organizations �
• Working in finance, economics, law, health & other fields�

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Check out our alumni profiles!

https://dmse.mit.edu/about/alumni-profiles

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Just a few recent DMSE Startups!

Resources for DMSE graduate admissions

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• Deadline: December 1
• DMSE Graduate Admissions https://dmse.mit.edu/graduate/prospective.
• DMSE Faculty - https://dmse.mit.edu/people/faculty
• DMSE Application Assistance Program (DAAP)
• For students from underrepresented groups.
• Feedback on materials to create a stronger application
• Guidance through the DMSE application process
• Deadline: November 10
• https://dmse.mit.edu/graduate/prospective/daap

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https://dmse.mit.edu/sites/default/files/imce/graduate/TipsTricks.pdf

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dmse-admissions@mit.edu

Questions?

www.scifro.org

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SCIFRO

Knight Hennessey

@ Stanford

MS Fellowships for International Students

Master Card

Foundation

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Opportunities (both MS/PhD) in Europe and Asia

www.scholars4dev.com/