Application Mentorship: FAQ and Timeline

Financial

Do I have to pay to do a PhD, or will I get paid?

Students in EAPS are paid a stipend every year that is supposed to be able to cover living expenses. All tuition fees, as well as health insurance fees, are also covered. You can learn more about stipend rates for the upcoming year here as well as information on financial support for graduate students with dependent children here. 

Is there a way to waive the application fee?

Yes! Instructions and eligibility requirements for fee waivers can be found here.

Timeline and Logistics

Do I have to reach out to a faculty member in EAPS? What is the best way to contact someone?

You don't have to reach out to a faculty member, and each faculty member handles this differently. Some post on their personal websites about openings, some expect you to individually reach out, and some wait for the applications to be turned in for any discussions to occur. Feel free to talk to email students/postdocs in the lab/group you are interested in if you are nervous about talking to a professor first, and of course, you can follow up with or reach out to professors directly as well.

Is it okay to reach out to students in the group I'm interested in?

Yes! Many of us did the same when we were applying to graduate school. It is helpful to hear more about the group dynamic and to determine if this is a space you can see yourself working in. This can be done before or after you send in an application. You may also request a mentor in a group you'd be interested in (although we may not always be able to accommodate such requests).

When is the application to EAPS due?

Check the EAPS website for the official word on when the application is due. This year the application closes on December 1 at 11:50pm.

Potential Timeline for applying to EAPS

Within 5 years before the application deadline: Prepare for and take the GRE. If you are applying to the Planetary Sciences, you can also optionally submit a Physics Subject Test. Check the website for updates on GRE test requirements.

Within 2 years before the application deadline: Prepare for and take either the IELTS (preferred), TOEFL or Duolingo English Test (DET) if you are a non-native English speaker. Learn more about the requirements for this here.

June-October: Reach out for recommendations from your three recommenders.

August: Apply to the Application Mentorship Program for graduate student support on your application.

August-October: Check out some papers from the advisors you're interested in, consider emailing them and/or their students/postdocs to set up a zoom/phone call.

August-November: Work on your personal statement, meet with your mentor through the Application Mentorship Program, finalize all elements of your application.

December 1: Application to EAPS is due.