TWO WEBSITES THAT WILL MAKE YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT

READ: Not many will teach you how to use these tools.

Oct 26, 2022

TWO RESEARCH TOOLS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT

I know how competitive it is to get into R1 universities. I also know that many scholars want to get into these high ranking institutions, especially in the United States and Canada.

However, not many scholars spend time using these tools that turn an entire application around.

When I am in conversation with survivors of domestic violence, I often hear stories from very passionate people. Yes, a personal story is important, because even as researchers, studying what we care about is not a problem. But, telling that story through the lens of a researcher is another thing.

That is what you have to prove when you submit applications to many academic or research-centered programs.

In the fall of 2021, I submitted an application to the AM/Ph.D. program at Crown Family School, at the University of Chicago, but I was admitted into the AM program only because something was missing.

I did not spend enough time describing the gap in knowledge that I plan to fill through my research agenda. By the time I got this clarity in the Spring of 2022, I turned in the application already in the fall of 2021. The reason I deferred my admission into the AM program, is to pitch again for the AM/Ph.D. program this fall of 2022. I am doing that more strategically.

Similarly, in the Fall of 2018, when I first applied to the University of Alabama’s Ph.D. program, I had a great story, but the research piece of my statement was also not well articulated.

So, I was admitted into the Master’s program in Communications studies, even though I wanted to be admitted into the doctoral program. It makes sense to me now, that I never even wanted a Ph.D. in communications studies, but in social work. The reason I relocated to Chicago, is to fulfill my dream of becoming a social worker, an attorney, and a researcher.

Now, do not tell an emotional story in your application, without including the research component.

The only reason I rise weekly, and write to you, is so that you do not make the mistakes I have made.

To become an outstanding candidate, you should tell a story, and share concrete data. The story is yours to tell, but the data, you must find.

How do you find the data to support the story you are telling in your application?

I will share two, out of the many websites that you can visit to gather such data.

Google Scholar: Google scholar is popular no doubt, but the question is, when was the last time you visited the website to find out about the latest research in your field?

SAGE Publications Inc: I never knew about Sage publications, until I came to the United States to study. Actually, I am a more serious researcher now, and I do a better job at using these tools now. I want you to be better than me!

If your application must stand out, your moving story is not enough. That you survived trauma may be the attention grabber, but schools will put their money on candidates with moving personal stories, and a strong research agenda. Your moving story becomes a greater advantage once it is clear the research in your space.

You can’t learn this without using research tools, such as the ones I recommended.

I want to see you get fully funded, dear survivor.

I have made a list of frequently asked questions, on how to get fully funded.

Watch it here if you missed it the last time: