Adapted from Ezell, H. (2002). Guide to Success in Doctoral Study and Faculty Work MD: ASHA
For most of us, the journey towards attaining a Ph. D. is a quest for greater intellectual fulfillment and professional advancement. It takes courage, perseverance, and humility. How can we fully prepare for the triumphs and tribulations that we will face along the way? This month's article lays out some important issues to consider when pursuing and completing graduate school.
Selecting a Program
Doctoral candidates are often selected based on test scores, writing samples, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. You may want to seek out assistance with this from University Career Counselors or Faculty in your undergraduate program. When choosing a program, consider the following issues:
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Research productivity of a program and university.
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Available support for your research, in terms of suitable advisors.
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Position of a program and university in terms of promoting scholarly grants, research, and publications by faculty and students.
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Financial assistance (amount and duration) provided for incoming students.
Selecting a Mentor
Your advisor will significantly impact your success in graduate school, so it is extremely important to choose this person wisely. Consider the following:
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Learn about the person's ongoing research projects and the number of students he/she has successfully guided through the program.
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Inquire about available workspaces or research facilities.
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Solicit the opinions and experiences of other students.
