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Why, When and How to apply for an MS/PhD

Why, When and How to apply for an MS/PhD. Sagnik Nandy (fd97051). Overview of the talk. Why an MS/PhD? MS or PhD? The process of applying The BITSian angle Some myths Q n A. Overview of the talk. Why an MS/PhD? MS or PhD? The process of applying The BITSian angle Some myths Q n A.

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Why, When and How to apply for an MS/PhD

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  1. Why, When and How to apply for an MS/PhD Sagnik Nandy (fd97051)

  2. Overview of the talk • Why an MS/PhD? • MS or PhD? • The process of applying • The BITSian angle • Some myths • Q n A

  3. Overview of the talk • Why an MS/PhD? • MS or PhD? • The process of applying • The BITSian angle • Some myths • Q n A

  4. Why an MS or PhD? • Specialization helps you get your desired job • It also gives you more time to explore what you really want to do • Elevates you to a more qualified peer group • Do the math – if there are 15 people in your group and 10 of them have a Masters then ??? • Statistically education correlates to achievement

  5. Why an MS or PhD? • Teaches you design and big-picture concepts • The difference between doing something vs. conceiving it • As BITSians you have an edge over several others – SO USE IT!! • Many people can implement … very few can innovate!

  6. Overview of the talk • Why an MS/PhD? • MS or PhD? • The process of applying • The BITSian angle • Some myths • Q n A

  7. MS or PhD? • MS • Faster (1.5-2 years) • A good mix of both Worlds (course work and some research) • You can always go back and do a PhD later • Might have to redo coursework • You can leverage your MS work to get into a better school • PhD • Helps you master a field and be an expert in it (if done right, makes you more valuable) • More chances of getting financial aid • Admission criteria might be more strict though • Allows you additional jobs • Academia, some financial institutions

  8. Some common mistakes • Don’t base your decision on money alone • Don’t join a PhD thinking you will quit after MS • Many schools don’t allow that – so do your groundwork • Don’t base your decision on others • It is also a lifestyle decision – choose wisely • MS is a lot more implementation oriented. • PhD requires you to innovate and research more (do you want to do that?)

  9. Overview of the talk • Why an MS/PhD? • MS or PhD? • The process of applying • The BITSian angle • Some myths • Q n A

  10. The Process of Applying (what) • Take the GRE, TOEFL • AGRE, TSE • Decide your field(s) of specialization • Make sure you choose courses and projects to support your application • Shortlist your universities • Mail professors and students • Prepare your SOP, resume • Mail your information • Follow up

  11. The Process of Applying (when) • Take the GRE, TOEFL (September-October) • AGRE, TSE (whenever you can) • Decide your field(s) of specialization (by mid September) • Shortlist your universities (by early October) • Mail professors and students • Prepare your SOP, resume (by end October) • Mail your information (November-December) • Follow up (thereafter)

  12. Common mistakes to avoid • Choosing schools only based on overall ranks • Some schools are very good in CS but not very good in other areas • Some schools have great research in specific areas • Choosing schools based only on financial aid • As BITSians you will get great jobs – so taking an academic loan to go to your dream school is a not a bad choice • Not doing enough homework • Following others blindly

  13. Overview of the talk • Why an MS/PhD? • MS or PhD? • The process of applying • The BITSian angle • Some myths • Q n A

  14. The BITSian Angle • Pros • Very well recognized name • Have alumni in most big universities • Great industry ties within India • Use your PS –I and II knowledge • Cons • Don’t apply high enough • Many capable people don’t apply • Do not plan it out properly

  15. The BITSian Angle (continued) • What can you do to increase your chances • Try getting a paper published • Use PS II to your advantage • Approach professors with directed queries • Avoid conflicts with fellow students • Start early • Use job experience if need be

  16. Overview of the talk • Why an MS/PhD? • MS or PhD? • The process of applying • The BITSian angle • Some myths • Q n A

  17. Some myths • GPA is the ultimate cut off • If someone with a higher GPA applies with you, you have no chance • There are no jobs right now!!!! • There is no aid for MS • One cannot survive without aid • US News rankings are the only way to choose a university

  18. Questions please??

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