Questions tagged [graduate-school]
On schools that award advanced academic degrees, such as masters and doctoral degrees. This tag is mainly for questions about the structure and organization of a graduate school or the fundamental experience of being a graduate student. Do not use this tag for questions about research in graduate school (use [research] instead), coursework in graduate school (use [coursework] instead), gaining admissions to graduate school (use [graduate-admissions]), etc.
1,999
questions
3
votes
2answers
41 views
Meeting PhD advisor during first year (coursework year)
I'm starting my Ph.D. this year. My first 2 years will only be coursework. So, I won't be able to do any serious independent research. My research will only be in the context of what's required for ...
-2
votes
0answers
36 views
Advice on decision regarding online MS program [closed]
I've applied to 5 online programs for an MS in statistics or biostatistics. The transcripts didn't reach my 1st choice school in time, and they can't consider me for this fall--I would have to wait ...
3
votes
2answers
78 views
Can external examiners be from research institutes?
Firstly, I understand what matter are the regulations from my own college and advice from my supervisor. I would like to ask this question more as a survey of experience and opinions.
It happens that ...
0
votes
1answer
102 views
What criteria are used to rank graduate programs? [duplicate]
I'm only asking this out of curiosity since I've seen posts/discussions about getting into "top" graduate programs etc. This mentally (wanting to get into a "top" ranked program) ...
3
votes
1answer
95 views
Importance of GRE for computer science PhD applicant
I am currently a prospective computer science Ph.D. applicant with a 3.75/4.00 GPA at an R1 CS school ranked in the top 30. I am considering applying to 15 schools roughly in the top 50. I have an ...
-4
votes
0answers
69 views
Graduate level quantum mechanics tutors [closed]
Is there a place to find tutors for graduate level quantum mechanics? I have found many for undergraduate but none that seem to advertise for graduate level students. I just need as advanced as the ...
4
votes
3answers
396 views
How do I move forward after working with a toxic academic supervisor?
How do I move forward after working with a toxic academic supervisor who ruined my all job opportunities by giving negative referrals, when my next job is asking referee report from him?
If anyone has ...
2
votes
4answers
228 views
Enquiry emails for grad school
I will be applying for grad school soon and have drafted a few informal enquiry emails. When would be the best time to send out informal enquiry emails to potential supervisors? Would it be advisable ...
10
votes
4answers
553 views
How to network as a new graduate student in a new country
First of all, let me admit something from the beginning; I don't understand exactly what is meant by networking in an academic setting.
I am a new Master's student in a country where I never studied ...
30
votes
7answers
8k views
Is it common to ask professors for an editable copy of their lecture notes (so I can improve them)?
I'm a grad student in Italy, for context. My professor wrote some lecture notes about a course I just finished. They are not well written, not because the professor isn't good but because he wrote ...
18
votes
3answers
6k views
What to do about past errors or inconsistencies in assignments I graded?
I was a grader for my university couple of years ago. I'm also a PhD student. Out of the five semesters I graded..I got a "not fit for rehire" 3 times.
I was not responsive, didn't cater to ...
1
vote
2answers
304 views
I'm very concerned about the mental health of my co-worker: how can I help them?
So I was working with someone from a different University on a project and I have started to become very concerned about their mental and physical well-being.
The messages which they sent me a day ...
33
votes
12answers
12k views
Is it OK to have a significant drop in grades when moving from the Middle East to the EU?
I did my Bachelor's Degree in physics in the Middle East, graduating with the highest honors and an academic transcript full of A's. I was accepted to pursue my graduate studies in one of the best ...
0
votes
1answer
86 views
In the writing phase of masters thesis, is it advisable to take a course that is unrelated? [closed]
I'm supposed to be writing my master thesis now in numerical optimization and I have a chance to attend an online course in Analysis. It is unrelated to my thesis topic and the course will require me ...
0
votes
1answer
141 views
Is it possible to ask about RA positions after being rejected by the same lab for a PhD?
I am currently looking at PhD programmes (mainly in the US) and have been advised to email potential PIs before I put in an application. I am afraid my profile isn't very competitive and my back up ...
0
votes
0answers
55 views
Engineering in Graduate School [duplicate]
I'm currently studying Physics as an undergrad at a solid research-oriented college. I want to work in the space industry, but it seems you need an engineering degree to do just about anything in ...
2
votes
0answers
70 views
How can a working professional getting into a new field [closed]
I have EE major and CS minor in my bachelor degree (overseas, GPA ~3.7) and a CS master degree (US, rank about 30 in CS, GPA ~3.5). I've worked in tech industry for 9 years as a technical staff, but I ...
0
votes
1answer
49 views
Recommendation for creating a graphical timeline representation [closed]
Can anyone recommend a site / program / software for sketching and creating a graphical timeline representation. In need of it for a paper.
0
votes
0answers
33 views
What are the practically relevant advantages/disadvantages of doing your Ph.D./Master in a crowded research group? [duplicate]
Please point me to the relevant question is this has been asked before.
I have seen many research groups in Germany universities, German research institutions where a single PI has as many as ~15 ...
0
votes
2answers
101 views
Choosing among graduate schools [closed]
I am an undergraduate student who has been admitted to three universities with full funding it is almost two weeks that I am stressing over my choices, therefore I decided to post my situation here to ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
Dreading starting PhD and wanting to opt for other option [closed]
Many apologies if this is not in line with the questions for this site, but I am seeking some advice for the following problem.
I have finished an integrated masters degree and applied to PhD ...
1
vote
1answer
102 views
How should I reference the institution in my grad school applications if I went to a satellite campus?
I go to a well respected University of X. However, I actually attend a campus that is smaller and separate from the main large campus. As I look at graduate schools and begin drafting my statement of ...
3
votes
2answers
195 views
How do I convince professors about my research interests?
I'm applying to a coursework + thesis masters programme and am wondering how specific do I have to be when mentioning my research interests in my email to a potential advisor. I have applied to ...
83
votes
12answers
16k views
How should I proceed when a (famous) professor says I'm not good enough for research?
I am a PhD student in a Computer Science department, doing research of a mathematical nature. Some of my research problems drifted from my advisor's area of expertise, so I reached out to a researcher ...
1
vote
2answers
100 views
If you had a bad mentor for an REU program, should put that on my resume to get into grad school?
I did an REU research program in my undergraduate college career. However, I had a bad experience because my mentor was not helpful and was very condescending person. I was told too that you worked ...
5
votes
2answers
307 views
Am I capable of doing PhD based on my advisor's words?
I am average student completed my under-grad and grad studies successfully. I am doing PhD since 4.5 years.
I was a hard-working student. I was a self-motivated student always wanted to do PhD and ...
3
votes
2answers
225 views
Pass/Fail decisions on 1st year PhD report
At my university in the UK, candidates doing a full time PhD (3 years) have to submit a 1st year report which includes literature review, the "gaps" that will be tackled by the doctoral work,...
6
votes
1answer
117 views
Are journal papers really viewed as strictly inferior to conference papers in Theoretical Computer Science?
To give a bit of context, I graduated 1 year ago from an undergraduate where I double majored in Math and Computer Science and I am planning to apply for a CS PHD this coming year with a focus on ...
2
votes
2answers
254 views
Is it worth writing and publishing a survey paper while a PhD student [closed]
There are opportunity costs associated with spending time on writing a critical analysis of the literature and submitting that review article to a journal as opposed to conducting research (although ...
4
votes
0answers
149 views
Advancing my academic career in mathematics without university support
I am about eight months away from completing a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. I am what you would call a "nontraditional" student - I am an adult who decided to change careers and I'm ...
3
votes
3answers
156 views
Would taking the GRE (when it is not required) be likely to help my application?
I want to go to grad school for Applied mathematics, and I have a high GPA in my undergraduate of 3.56 in Applied Mathematics. I wanted to take the GRE. However, they are very costly around $200, ...
2
votes
2answers
245 views
What is the meaning of 'six-week course'?
Edit: I found the answer. In the preface to the english edition it says
This book is a translation from the orginal Chinese text of notes based
on a six-week course on algebraic curves and Riemann ...
2
votes
1answer
133 views
Should I send a follow-up email or call again (to potential PhD supervisor)?
Sunday: I sent an email to a potential PhD supervisor.
Sunday 4pm: he responded asking me to call him tomorrow .
Monday 11am: I responded yes and asked if there's a preferred time.
Tuesday 1am: he ...
-1
votes
2answers
148 views
Is getting into grad school hard for applied mathematics? [duplicate]
I am looking at program for grad school in applied mathematics. If I currently A 3.56 GPA, will it be a challenge to get into grad school?
6
votes
6answers
2k views
How do I determine if a PhD is financially feasible for me?
I originally posted this in the personal finance stack exchange, but since it hasn't received any responses, I thought I'd try here.
I just turned 38 and am contemplating pursuing an academic career, ...
2
votes
1answer
149 views
Updating a Professor on Denying School Offer
While considering my options, I reached out to a couple professors to inquire on their work. Ultimately, I've opted not to go to the school in question, though I would love to work with that professor ...
0
votes
0answers
56 views
is it ethical for a supervisor to exert pressure on a student because he is doing a project with a company?
I am currently a first year master student. My supervisor is having a project with a car company and this work was mainly assigned to a Phd student in my lab who volunteered for it. During the work, ...
10
votes
3answers
1k views
Can a grad student take undergrad classes?
Maybe a dumb question, but for example: say I'm doing a PhD in Theoretical Physics (I'm not) but I need to have taken certain undergrad math courses to understand the material, which I never took in ...
1
vote
2answers
182 views
What are the benefits of an MBA to someone with a Computer Science degree?
I know this is relative to a person's unique situation or career objectives, but generally speaking, what can a Master's in Business administration do for a computer scientist?
The reason I ask is ...
2
votes
1answer
88 views
Is it rude to leave and switch to a lab that's collaborating with your own lab (and how to go about doing so)?
I've signaled to my advisor and collaborators my intent to quit pursuing my PhD at the school I'm currently at. I essentially gave a 3-month notice while I get as much done as I can on one of our ...
2
votes
2answers
130 views
Asking a professor to be my advisor (math)
I'm applying to graduate school and there is a professor at my home university I am interested in working with. As a bit of background, I have been doing undergraduate research with this professor ...
4
votes
2answers
364 views
My supervisors want to make me finish my Ph.D. in 2 years. What can I do?
After finishing my M.A.Sc. in Canada, I had been interviewed with my current supervision team in my current Swiss university to start a Ph.D. In that time, it was fairly obvious that the project I was ...
1
vote
1answer
103 views
MS thesis defense equivalent to publishing as a MS student?
When applying to Ph.D. at the top 10 programs in the US, does MS thesis defended to committee members have the same weight as publishing paper as a MS student? Or am I at the disadvantage of not ...
0
votes
2answers
129 views
Trying to volunteer as a research assistant post-Master's and not having any success so far [duplicate]
I'm an MS in CompSci grad who wants to do a PhD someday. The one thing I don't have from my time in undergrad and MS is significant research experience. Of course, I did undergrad research but was ...
0
votes
1answer
82 views
Testing out of Undergraduate Major Requirements [closed]
Background
I am a pending transfer student (incoming undergraduate sophomore) at various universities. I plan on pursuing a double major in math and physics.
Now, I believe that I am proficient in ...
6
votes
1answer
267 views
PhD supervisor is extremely “hands-off”: How can I get better feedback for my research projects and cope with this situation?
I'm currently a PhD student at a US University. The relationship between my advisor and me is extremely hands off, and she only contacts me to help write grants and to review papers. While she does ...
6
votes
3answers
468 views
Is it common in academia to not have any written “contract” when you get a scholarship?
If you are been accepted into a Master's program which grants a scholarship to its participants, they just send you a letter outlining the scholarship in a brief manner. Is this common in academia?
...
2
votes
2answers
115 views
Should I reach out to a potential PhD supervisor about applying when they have a relationship with my current PhD supervisor?
I've had a really bad relationship with my supervisor since I started. I've even had to take time off to get a mental reprieve from everything that was happening. At this point, I really want to go ...
-3
votes
1answer
81 views
Chances of admission/how to overcome limited research experience
applying to PhD programs this coming cycle (MIT, Stanford + a few others) and wanted some advice on how to make up for lack of publications. Some details have been intentionally left vague:
Raw ...
35
votes
8answers
6k views
Is Relocating Necessary in Academia?
Despite experiencing a lot of drama and negativity at my university, I love my city and hate the idea of relocating. Sometimes I even think of reapplying there just so I could stay in this city (this ...
