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Guidance Session on Applying to Doctoral Programs in the US and UK

Ahsan Ali

23 May 2022

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IELTS

IELTS Structure

The test is divided into 4 parts as follows:

Listening Module (Duration: 1 hour): It has 4 sections and in each section a recording will be played. There will be 40 questions (mostly fill in the blanks) that need to be answered by listening to the recordings. Difficulty rises after each section.
Reading Module (Duration: 1 hour): It has 3 passages (7-8 paragraphs each) and 40 questions that need to be answered using the passages.
Writing Module (Duration: 1 hour): It has 2 sections. It is preferable to spend 20 mins on the first and 40 mins on the second. In the first section, describe/ analyze a graph or map or flowchart in 150 words. In the second section, argumentative writing in 250 words.
Speaking Module (Duration: 10-15 mins): It has 3 sections. In the first section, you will be asked questions about yourself. In the second section, you will be given 1 minute to prepare a 1-2 mins speech on a topic they give. In the third section, you will be asked questions relating to the topic in sections 2.

Structure of Doctoral Programs in US

Eligibility: Bachelors (in most cases)
5 years Masters leading to PhD programs
2 years of coursework + comprehensive exams + 3 years of thesis work
Contacting potential supervisors is not required but mentioning a preference in statements is always good
No tuition
Monthly stipend for services as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (mostly teaching or tutoring)

Structure of Doctoral Program in UK

They are called Centers for Doctoral Training (CDTs).
Eligibility: Masters is preferred
4 years programs
1 year specialized coursework + 3 years thesis work
In most cases, contacting potential supervisors is preferred.
No tuition
No mandatory teaching/work requirement however, teaching is recommended and financially awarded.
Some well known CDTs can be found at: https://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/postgrad/cca/other-cdt

Finding Programs in USA

Use the following link and apply filters accordingly: https://www.ams.org/find-graduate-programs

Free online counseling and information sessions are available at: https://www.educationusa.pk/index.cfm

General Guidelines for Personal Statements

Structure varies from institution to institution. The best initial step is to read the website carefully and learn what information the university wants precisely.
Avoid general sentences and be as specific about yourself as possible.
Write in paragraphs and in sequence. For example, intro, education, research skills + interests, motivation for application, future plan. Intro paragraph is very important and should tell what the rest of the paragraphs will say.
Focus on relevant skills. For example, if you are interested in a data science program, be sure to mention any programming skills you have.
Proofread again and again. Try to have a friend sit with you to read your statement and confirm if everything is clear.

Generic Deadlines and Important Dates

US Visa Process

After accepting the offer online or via email, you will receive an I-20 form with admission details.
Pay SEVIS fee ($350) by following this link: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
Complete DS-160 form online by following this link: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
Create profile to pay visa fees ($160) and schedule interview at embassy as this link: https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Pakistan
Give interview and hope for the best