Non-traditional paths into PhD programs?

Interested in pursuing PhD programs? Let’s explore the off-beaten paths some individuals have taken to gain entry in their respective PhD program - including myself!

1.     Undergraduate research programs

a.     Many large institutions have undergraduate research opportunities that they offer during the summer (and some during the year). Institutions like (but not limited to) Stanford, UCLA, USC, Harvard, MIT and even the NIH (National Institutes of Health) have summer research opportunities. Apply early and to all the programs! These programs not only have cutting edge research facilities, but the network opportunities you obtain from these experiences are invaluable to your future research career (if you decide to pursue research). I know many individuals who have participated in these programs and have received great letters of recommendation, learned cutting edge lab skills, and have gained entry into their dream PhD program/school. If I would have known about these programs earlier, I would have applied to them all! Don’t miss out on these opportunities. 

2.     Working as a lab manager/lab technician

a.     If you have a bachelor’s degree or laboratory experience, applying for a job as a lab manager or lab technician are great ways to network within the university to help you get into their PhD program. I have known individuals who have taken courses free of charge while working as a lab manager so they could eventually apply to the PhD program at the university where they were working. This really helps with getting to know the environment, research, and obtaining the strong letters of recommendation that you would need to apply to the program. Many universities offer free tuition to their full-time employees, which is a great way to take graduate student level courses (if you have completed your bachelors) and gain a great deal of experience into managing a lab. 

3.     Undergraduate student worker

a.     Larger laboratories typically hire student workers to help in the lab maintenance which include, washing laboratory glass ware, making reagents, buffer solutions, re-stocking supplies etc. This is a great way to get experience in the lab at an early stage and to network with scientists to learn what working in research would really look like day to day. Typically, this job is only for current undergraduate students and many laboratories favor freshman and sophomore applicants because they are likely to work in the lab until they complete their bachelor’s degree. The training period for a new lab worker takes about 6 months and many labs want someone for a long period of time due to a long training period. I know of individuals who have become PhD students for the same boss they worked for as an undergraduate, which can help those who are interested in taking this route. 

4.     Applying to the master’s program and transferring into PhD

a.     This is what I DID! In the beginning, I was not sure I was ready to invest 5 or maybe 6 years of my life in order to obtain a PhD so I felt starting off as a master’s student was a safe bet. I learned early on that this was an option through faculty members and students. I think this is a great way to enter a PhD program since (in my opinion) gaining entry into a PhD program is an extreme gatekeeping process that weeds out so many fantastic candidates based on so many biases. Nevertheless, I did not have any laboratory or research experience and I wanted some experience before I devoted so much time of my life into earning my PhD. I was 6 months into the master’s program (Fall 2018) before I transferred into the PhD program Spring 2019. I would highly encourage this route for anyone who is on the fence between a masters and a PhD program. 

5.     Emailing the Professor directly

a.     This is a bold move; however, I know of a few students who have done this successfully. This would mean that you have researched numerous universities, professors, and are familiar with their research. If there are specific research topics or interests that you are extremely interested in, you can always reach out and see if they are open to new graduate student. Twitter is another platform where professors advertise for open graduate student positions. You would still need to apply to the university itself and gain acceptance, but this way your new boss will help you along with the process and you would go directly into their lab instead of going through rotations. In my opinion this would be the most difficult route to take, but if you really want something that badly I am here to share all the paths possible (that I am aware of). 

All of these options are not a guaranteed entry into any PhD program, however, from my experience I have benefited from these non-traditional paths and know of many others who have taken the road less traveled into graduate school as well. I want everyone that wants to purse a PhD to know it is possible! Never give up if this is truly your dream, science can be a very beautiful thing and I want to share all the resources possible!

Best of luck to all future applicants and as always email me if you have any questions!

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-       Christina 

Running on Science