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

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

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!

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

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

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?)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions please??