My learnings from PhD application processes

The restless, tensed period continues. Therefore, to ease up my tension, I indulged myself in writing. So, the question is, what could there be that I can write? In this situation, this is a valid question for me at least. Thus, I thought to share the essentials that every PhD-applying student may need before filling up applications for any institutes, and by doing that, maybe I can organize my thoughts about everything going on. As a result, I will try to share everything through several blog posts about the experiences and the nitty-gritty details of the application process. 

Let's dive straight into the essentials that you will need in the time of the application process. First of all, you will have to prepare a topic from which you can answer questions in the interview and make that topic your stronghold that will drive the interview into your secured zone. Apart from interviews, it will help you write your SOP (statement of purpose) and research proposal (at least two types; I will explain later). So let's make the list of essentials: 

1. SOP
2. Research proposal 
3. CV (curriculum vitae)
4. Referee who will recommend you, generally your professors of bachelors or masters (at least two of them)

Now, I will explain every point with my experience in different blogs with details and will try to give a format that you can build on that will ease the pain of doing it from scratch. In this blog post I am going to describe the 1st point, i.e., SOP 

1. SOP (statement of purpose): Statement of purpose is one of the most important factors for applying to IITs and IISERs. Majority of the IITs and IISERs will ask you to submit an SOP in pdf format (max size 1 MB). The SOP should be strictly constrained to 1 page. Some of the institutes will also mention that in their application portal. The problem is some of them will not mention that and create confusion. So, definitely restrict the SOP to 1 page. The SOP can be separated into several paragraphs, and I noticed that the professors prefer it to be paragraphed and in a letter-style but don't give headings to every paragraph, which will defeat the purpose of the letter format. Each paragraph must contain a purpose and a link to the previous paragraph. I don't know what is wrong and what the right way of doing it is. I am just sharing the way I have done it according to the advice of PhD scholars (whom I know) and the little experience I have. I have separated my SOP into 5 parts with 1 addressal at the top (like a letter) and added 1 addressal of mine at the bottom (like a letter). The first paragraph in the body of the text represents my identity and the topic I am interested in doing the PhD in at your institute. Example: 'I am [your name]; I am writing in order to convey my strong interest in pursuing my Ph.D. in [your chosen topic] at [the institute name]. I am hoping that my academic background, research interest, and enthusiasm for [your subject with the topic] complements with the aims and objectives of your prestigious institution.' Now in the 2nd paragraph, I have demonstrated my academic background; basically, where I have done my bachelors and masters and if I have got any awards or scholarships. Example:  'I started my undergraduate journey in [your subject] from [your college] under [your university] in the year [the year of starting] after my higher secondary, securing [scholarship if applicable] and after I finished my graduation in the year [finishing year of bachelors], I joined my master’s in the [your department or college] in [your university], where I engaged in advanced coursework and developed a strong affection with the subject, especially,[your topic] part and to understand [a little bit of your topic: why and what you want to do], I took my specialization in [masters specialisation] in the final [semester or year], and had done my [dissertation or term paper or anything you have done on your masters specialization] on the topic ‘[your topic of work in the dissertation or term paper]’ under [the professor under whom you have done the previosly mentioned work] and learned a lot about [what you have learned very briefly] which is further developed [add this if applicable; through attending workshops.]'. Now in the 3rd paragraph, I have described the extra academic activities like attending a workshop, writing a journal or a book chapter or review article under your professor, or already having done writing and having it published. Example: 'To further expand my boundaries in [your topic], I attended workshops in my [which academic time you have done it] year of [bachelor's or master’s]. One such workshop is on [the topic of the workshop], conducted by [the conducting organization]. And [at the time of doing that particular activity], I aligned myself with [the guide professor's name] in writing a book chapter (if applicable) on [the topic] to further deepen my knowledge on [subject topic], which is submitted to [the publishing organization name] this summer or winter or any time where it got done. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of [the subject topic of interest] , but also honed my thinking ability as well as my approach towards a problem, including [the skills you acquired].' Now in the 4th paragraph, I have described why I wanted to join that particular institution. Example: 'I am specifically interested in joining [the institute name] not only because of its renowned faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and the vibrant academic community, but also because I think that this institute, with its access and heritage, will help me in contributing in the discourse that I am interested in.' You can add anything to this and can make this precise according to your preference, but keep in mind to fit all of these on 1 page. Now in the 5th and last paragraph, I just described the aspirations I have and the aim of your research thinking. Example: 'I aspire to be someone in the vast field of [subject] upon completion of my PhD. I strongly desire to be someone who is remembered through his works in the ocean of [subject name]. And I am confident that, if I get the chance, [the institute name] will massively help in transforming my dream into a reality.' Again, you can imagine this section as you like. I just wrote this according to my preferences and experiences. Actually, I got carried away in the first 3 paragraphs and then had to be precise in the last two paragraphs. Now, for the top addressal, I used 'Respected Members of the Admissions Committee of [institute name],' and for the bottom addressal part I used 'Thanks for considering my application. With regards, [your name]'. To fit everything, I used a narrow margin layout but used a 1.5 gap between lines for easy readability. I used the 'Times New Roman' style with an 11 font size.

Now, I have something to say: please use your own way and your own imagination for writing. You can definitely use this format as a base, and if you need a docx copy, please contact me on LinkedIn; I will send you that as well. But if you see this format lacking in any matter or not proper and it can be improved, then please also text me on LinkedIn; that will massively help me. But please don't  mock me, because I know well that I am a big failure who is trying to crawl back to the walls of slippery trails left by the geniuses. So, please do contact me in a civil way that will be preferable for my mental health. We can be great friends if you choose to be.