How to Apply to a Doctoral Program in the United States

The application process to a doctoral program in the United States can be long and involved. You'll need to provide necessary materials and follow all deadlines. While every doctoral program in the United States will have different application requirements, there are some general application rules that will apply to most programs. Read on to learn how to apply to a doctoral program in the United States.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Know the basic requirements for getting into doctoral programs in the U.S. Most universities will require that you hold a Master's degree prior to gaining admission to a doctoral program. Some universities will admit you to a doctoral program with only a Bachelor's degree, however. Evidence of challenging coursework, a high grade point average (GPA), research experience, teaching experience and high test scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may all be required for gaining admission to a doctoral program.
2. Choose a school and a program that interests you. You will want to pick a well-respected program in your field, which has good opportunities for research.
3. Contact a professor in your academic field who has research interests that match well with yours. Get to know his research and have him get to know you and your interests. This professor will be an invaluable source to you as you apply to a doctoral program.
4. Request an application from the graduate school admissions office and any additional application materials from your intended academic department. You may be able to request application materials on the Internet or you can call the school directly.
5. Fill out your doctoral program application and attach any supplementary materials as needed. You may need to write an admissions essay, attach letters of recommendation or attach your curriculum vitae. If you have any questions about the application requirements, don't be afraid to ask.
6. Have necessary materials sent directly to the admissions office or the doctoral program's office. You will likely have to request that your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and your previous academic transcripts be sent directly to the graduate school. Always provide whatever materials required by the doctoral program application.
7. Visit the graduate school. This will allow you to tour the campus, see the research facilities in your department of interest and have an interview. Check with the graduate school admissions office or the academic department about when they recommend you coming out for a visit.
8. Inquire about financial assistance including teaching assistantships, research assistantships or fellowships if assistance interests you. Ask the admissions office for information on financial assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider getting a doctorate because your career choices require one or because you have a strong interest in doing research in your field.
• Be sure to respect and follow all application deadlines.
• Follow up with your doctoral program application by contacting the admissions office.

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