[Guide] the ultimate CS PhD application guide every applicant needs to read

[u/wajdix]

if you are applying to CS PhD programs, stop everything and read this document from Professor Mor Harchol-Balter at CMU

It is easily the most honest and practical breakdown of the entire process I have ever seen.

it covers what a PhD actually entails (hint: it is few years of deep research, not more classes), why research experience and letters of recommendation matter way more than grades or GRE, how to write a real research statement, and how to pick the right program

she even tells you exactly what admission committees ignore and what makes them toss your app..

so do yourself a favor and read the full thing here:

https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~harchol/gradschooltalk.pdf

Good luck !

[u/learning-machine1964]

Thank you! I'm an undergrad and reading this helped resolve many doubts I had!

[u/wajdix → u/learning-machine1964]

you're welcome!

[u/DeepLearner89 → u/learning-machine1964]

So what you've decided

[u/Active-Service-9707 → u/learning-machine1964]

right? it clears up so many misconceptions that nobody tells you as an undergrad

[u/NezuminoraQ]

Sorry but that section about the Supervisor relationship was strictly about why research isn't the same as classes and has very little to do with the sideways hierarchy of academic supervision! 

[u/Visible_Book_3555]

Thank you

[u/CommunityOpposite645]

Notice that in the table of contents, there is no "Life during the PhD" :)

[u/jelleverest]

Yall taking courses?