Applying to Grad School: Advice for Undergrads

Advice for Undergrads Applying to Graduate School in knit form

Whether you are a student or a professor of undergraduate students, we have compiled a list of resources from the Kosmos archives, as well as other sources to offer advice for students considering graduate school and a career in academia.

General Advice
IHS Programs

Subject-Specific:
Economics
Philosophy
History
Political Science, International Relations, Law

General

Choosing a Graduate School – how to pick the right program for you.
Scaling the Ivory Tower – The IHS academic career guide (PDF)
Succeeding in the World of Ideas: A Career Development Guide for Students
Job Placements and Rankings – crucial stats to consider when choosing a program.
Choosing a Research Topic - advice from Dr. Steve Davies.
Publishing as an Undergraduate
The realities of grad school  from a professor’s perspective (Chronicle of Higher Ed)
Reasons to Skip Grad School
Timeline for applying to grad school, as well as general advice, from the Princeton Review.
Graduate School is a Means to a Job - Practical advice on whether grad school is right for you (Chronicle of Higher Ed)
Everything You Need to Know about Academia from Admissions to Tenure (Grad Skool Rulz)
Advice for New PhD Students – A good thing to read before even applying, there is some advice that is applicable for undergrads. (Chronicle of Higher Ed)
Reference Letter Tips
Dr. Randall Holcombe: A Successful Academic Career From A Classical Liberal Launching Pad
Dr. Nigel Ashford – 3 Things Not to Worry About When Considering a Career in Academia
Steve Davies: Advice on Applying to Grad School
Reasons to Skip Grad School
Higher Education:  Supply and Demand Matter Here Too
Higher Education:  Supply and Demand Matter Here Too
How to Write a Resume for Grad School

IHS

Overview of IHS programs for students – including fellowships, seminars, mentoring resources and more.
How can IHS Program Officers help you? – see how our program officers can help you in your specific discipline.

Economics

Thinking about Econ Grad School? Start with your college courses
Economics grad school application timeline and AEA resources “What’s needed for graduate study?” (American Economics Association)
PhD in Economics? Plan Your Undergraduate Studies Carefully
Should you pursue a PhD in Economics?
Forum for Applying to Economics PhD programs
Economics Graduate Program Rankings and Job Placement Records

Philosophy

Applying to Philosophy Grad School
Resources for Philosophy Graduate Students: Program Rankings and Placement News
Philosophy Grad Program Rankings
Timeline for Philosophy Graduate Students
ProPhilosophy has been keeping track of job placements and rankings for grad programs.
Advice on Choosing Philosophy Grad Programs from Professor Richard Heck of Brown

History

How to Pick a History Graduate Program (American Historical Association)
History Graduate Program Rankings and Job Placement Records
The Historian’s Academic Calendar
Directory of History Graduate Programs in US and Canada (AHA)

Political Science, International Relations, Law

Advice on Applying to a Political Science Graduate Programs
Political Science Graduate Program Rankings and Job Placement Records
The Best International Relations Masters Program
Fellowships for Aspiring Law Professors
Law Scholar Programs
JD vs. Phd
Law School Application Advice

Image: Flickr/starathena

Back
Kosmos