Around this time last month, I was reading my final rejection letter from the University of Stockholm It wasn’t much of a surprise. By the time the email appeared in my inbox, four other universities from different countries—Denmark, UK, USA, and Australia—had already denied me admittance into their biology PhD programs. But Denmark’s letter particularly stung. Their committee claimed that I was “a strong candidate,” and they were certain I had “already received offers from many other strong programs.” I won’t lie: Tears were shed.
Perhaps I’d been overconfident, but the string of rejections caught me off-guard. During the application process, I’d felt as if I had my bases covered: A full scholarship during my undergraduate studies as an honors student, a master’s degree in biochemistry, a year of research under my belt while on a prestigious Fulbright fellowship.
Anyone who sees my resume is surprised by the fact that I could not able to get an acceptance from some university in the past two years.
I need a real guide. Kindly survey my case and help me.
You can check my Resume in the attachment.
With regards,
Don't get disheartened, I'm sure everyone here has received rejection letters. I know I got rejection letters before being accepted for a Ph.D. Technically you C.V. looks sound, but it tells me nothing about you. Rather than listing the techniques you know, tell me how you have used them. Tell me what excites you and interests you. You have to tailor your C.V. and cover letter to the lab you are interested in. Learn about the labs, read their papers, tell the PI why you want to work in their lab and what you hope to gain and contribute. The C.V. is just one part of an application. Finally you should ask yourself why you want to do a PhD. If you answer honestly, that will help you write a stronger application.
Funding. We never accept a PhD "out of the blue" : either we have a project including a PhD subject and we advertise it (then choose from the candidates), or the candidate has found a grant (which usually does already requires some discussions with the labotatory to write a program). A PhD is not the same as applying for a Master, where the only limitation is the teaching and internship space. The PhD has to have a grant / salary to live on.
The goal of applying for a position is not to get the position but to send the application. Don't become (emotionally) attached to any of the applications. With every rejection you are closer to an acceptance. Applicants are many, positions few. Keep applying.
On my opinion, you can try the following: 1) expand the "geography" of your opportunities (do not waste your time); 2) If you really want a particular university, apply for a master degree in one of the targted universities (it is easier to get a scholarship because most of the universities have problems with the number of students in this field) and during the studies do your best to get a PhD position afterwards - this system works if you don't have any other kind of support. You need also a strong reccomendation from a national/international scientist who has international contacts. Good luck!
Talk to professors of interest before hand. Like Catherine said, very seldom do PhD programs accept people why just apply. The university I'm at now, applying to the program even as a Masters student will usually get you rejected, unless a particular prof is taking you on. Often having a prof there who is willing to supervise can grease the wheels (again as Catherine said, they might have a particular project you can work on) and argue for your acceptance.
I'm in same situation. Make 2 pages CV, precisely write only the research experiences. Remove the journal which does not have IF. If you want to show you did lot, professor does not believe it. Good luck.
As Yordan Georgiev mentioned, expand your PhD search. Don't limit it to certain countries only as those few positions are being sought after by lots of applicants the world over. I wonder how many applications you've sent in the past 2 years(?)
Perhaps the scientists/PIs don't think your previous studies gave you the skills/knowledge required for the programs you're applying to(?) Doesn't hurt to ask for the programs you're applying to.
I, like you had a difficult time applying to programs as rejection letters became the norm. I finally spoke to a scientist where I did my MSc and wrote her a proposal of the work I wanted to carry out as a PhD student and she accepted me to work in her lab. Sadly, funding was the only issue, but then I received another offer elsewhere and it was a good fit for what I wanted to do. Touching base with the scientists/PIs and even proposing a project may help your cause.
All the best!
I wish you luck. Your rejections don't mean you're not good enough, they mean there is excruciating competition between applicants in academia. And it is harder for you if you're foreign because they will have to get you a visa and other documents. Also, the older you get the harder to get a position abroad if you hadn't such positions before.
I'll tell you this: it's much more depressing to get no answer at all repeatedly than getting refuses.
You can also ask some older colleagues, especially ones who managed to get a position abroad themselves, to look at your resume and tell you about the impression it gives and what can be improved. It may feel a little humiliating, but it helps.
The resume you attached here looks more like CV. It's not the same thing. Resume is short, tailored to the position you pursue and doesn't have to contain all your experience and skills, only relevant to the job in question. CV is long and should contain details about your education and all previous jobs, also your publications, awards and any additional information you consider important. For academic positions, they almost always want CV rather than resume and the most important part is publications. Usually you also will be asked to provide a cover letter explaining why you want to get this job specifically.
Also, you can't say "Native Western Blotting" and "And etc" in English (please don't be offended).
Oh, I forgot to say about references/referees information that is very important too, and you should have it in the end of your CV or provide it separately when applying. Basically it's names and contacts of your supervisors or colleagues who can recommend you. The more honored they are the better, but you should ask them personally beforehand if they agree to recommend you. They may be contacted by your possible employer and asked about your performance.
I personally consider you a "strong candidate" for real because you have quite a few journal articles in English for an M.Sc. and you gave oral presentations on conferences, that's really good for your job perspectives!
As far as I understand your description of what happened, you applied at five universities in five countries - most probably the most famous ones in those countries, competing with the best applicants worldwide? Five application are almost nothing and for legal reasons you won't be told why you were not chosen but get kind of a standardized answer. Sorry to tell you so.
At least in Germany you typically do not apply at an university but at an institute or maybe the department and mainly to a position offered. Otherwise you might also be welcome if you bring your own funding, although you still "cost" time and space and there are many students looking for a PhD position, many of them already know the institute because they already studied at the university.
What you could try: Look for conferences where you might meet people from universities/institutes you are interested in, listen to their talk and get into a good (scientific) discussion where you can show your knowledge and ask them for a PhD position.
Good luck.
Don't get disheartened, I'm sure everyone here has received rejection letters. I know I got rejection letters before being accepted for a Ph.D. Technically you C.V. looks sound, but it tells me nothing about you. Rather than listing the techniques you know, tell me how you have used them. Tell me what excites you and interests you. You have to tailor your C.V. and cover letter to the lab you are interested in. Learn about the labs, read their papers, tell the PI why you want to work in their lab and what you hope to gain and contribute. The C.V. is just one part of an application. Finally you should ask yourself why you want to do a PhD. If you answer honestly, that will help you write a stronger application.
Wow! Impressive resume. First of all there are only so many positions. Second, all institutions have QUOTAS. They dont advertise them, but they do have algorhytms and policies for admission.
Would it be acceptable to you if you sent out applications to less
" prestigious" Or so called second level institutions ( dont forget canada!)? Once in to an institution --- maybe not the one you really wanted--- you can then see about moving around. Best of luck, brainy guy!
Dear Jamil,
As others have said before, I'd recommend you to get directly in touch with a lab/PI that particularly interests you (their research topics and/or techniques). Try to visit the lab(s) beforehand and talk to the people; see if there's a match in both directions. Usually PIs can decide to take on PhD students without them having to go through a long admission process at the university level (at least it's the case at my uni, in Belgium).
Also, a strong motivation letter is often more important than a long CV. If you got good grades on your Bachelor and Master (like distinction/cum laude), definitely mention it. And it's great that you have already co-authored some papers, but I'm sorry to say that unfortunately some unknown small journals without impact factor won't impress many people. (This is not meant in a bad way as I have also published in such a journal.) So I wouldn't put too much emphasis on them but rather simply state that you have experience with academic writing and presenting.
Finally, keep in mind that a PhD takes several years and requires a big commitment, so even though you might feel like accepting anything after these multiple rejections, please choose wisely. Good luck!
Best,
An
Don't feel bad. I am facing the same problem but part of it has to do with funding eligibility and your status as well. I am ineligible for a lot of the funding because I am not of local status. I had a very positive interview with a professor from Bristol and I could not even get that one. I do have very strong references. The only thing you can do is continue to apply or expand your geographic scope as someone has already mentioned.
Dear Jamil,
I am agreeing with answer of Dr. Neil Bradbury Sir. First determine what is your goal of life and does doing a Ph.D. will help in achieving that goal. You should not be frustrated by rejections, because research itself meaning learning from failures. When I wanted to do Ph.D. , nearly every institute and hospital in Mumbai rejected me, some for twice or thrice. But, since I love medical research, I kept on trying. Even if there was no vacancy for Ph. D. or advertisement in the newspapers, I myself kept meeting Ph.D. guides and telling them my interest in doing Ph.D. and finally I able to secure Ph.D. admission. Even after getting admission, I have to deal with changes in university rules, financial difficulties and of course, failed experiments. But with support of my guide, friends and family, I kept on going and finally succeeding in doing world-class research in cardiology.
Therefore, you should ask yourself why I want to do Ph.D. What I learned is that even if your CV is not strong, when a guide know your desire and commitment, he/she will certainly consider you. As students need good guides/advisors/PIs, they also need good students. Add a section on your CV on why you want to do research. Write it with honesty and commitment. This will help you in future.
Best of Luck.
Dr. Vishwas B. Chavan
Dear Dr Vishwas Chavan and Dr Neil A Bradbury , I strongly agree with your opinion. My dream is to be a scientist, helping humans and discovering great things in Biochemistry, Medical sciences. To be honest, I want to dedicate whole of my life in science. But I think talking about these things might be a bit inappropriate, mainly because it seems to be a showing off instead of introducing.
I do not know what I should do, but I have to be patient.
Thanks for your time.
Good luck
Kheirvari JK
Dear Jamil,
Talking about your life's goal is not show off. The scientific world should know about your desire to help people in distress. Write about your ideas and add your research work on Social Media platforms like Facebook, Researchgate and LinkedIn. These media will help to pick attention of leading medical scientists in the world. Write to pharmaceutical companies about your ideas which may help in designing better medicines. This will also aid you in your future work, may be financially also. Also attend conferences of your desired subject, which may be attended by eminent scientists in the field. Once they knew your genuine intentions and strong feelings towards research, they will guide and may even select you.
Best of Luck
Dr. Vishwas B. Chavan
Don't give up dear. Keep applying, you will succeed someday. The rejection doesn't mean you are not good enough. I suggest you try the ones in your country
Dear Jamil
I think one point to improve your CV is to focus your research work in one field. From what i can see, you did work related to Cardio, Urology, Gynecology, Gastroenterology. When a lab head sees that, he questions whether you have one goal and a true plan and if you will dedicate all your time to his project. Also, try to go to higher, more international journals because most of your publications are in Iranian journals, which is good, but not what they are looking for.
I am sure you will get accepted oneday. Just keep trying and improving yourself.
Hope you the best.
Kind Regards
One more advice: Get a professional photo of yourself instead of that webcam-like lab picture. And find out if the country you are applying in prefers CVs with or without picture. A compromise could be an extra sheet with your photo and contact data besides the classical CV. Different countries - different application standards.
Hi Dear Jamil
You are trying hard and now it is time to sort out your field of interest.
I agree with the valuable advices by Dr Chavan and Dr Bradbury. I think you better elaborate on your dream related to betterment of human health/society (a long term vision) and to go for it, you also need a short term interest or problem, a bit concretely and specifically, that you are interested to study in your pH. D course study. for possible solutions etc. Try to find Labs & professors related or close to your field of interest, and approach to them more directly. Good luck.
Dear Jamil Kheirvari Khezerloo, I see you are hardworking. As you apply, keep expanding and adding value to your life. You might be lucky soon. Also you may wish look inward with a plan B.
Dear Jamil, it is very difficult to read such responses but do not relent. You need to look for more related position and apply, modify your CV to suit the aim and objectives of the lab.
Wishing you best of luck.
Dear Jamil, your note made me sad.
However, the Big Pictures is what appears from all the kind responses from people who are in the know and want to help you. Please read them carefully and make a plan accordingly. At every stage don't forget to consult them. Wish you all the best.
Your resume is pretty impressive. I will let you know something. This year I was rejected for a PhD position from a university after they interviewed me. I found it really astounding how just a couple months later I was invited to that university to present my research at a national conference in educational biology. But I guess I just wasn't good enough, national conference and all. They tried to talk nice to me, but it didn't make me feel better.
I will admit that your resume is bigger than mine and it is impressive, but when you are applying for PhD position I think you should talk about your goals, what interests you about the department and a professor that you would like to work for, and not just your track record of success. Collaboration is very important in science and many ground-breaking discoveries like the observance of gravitational waves was possible thanks to the efforts of thousands of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
Also if you want to do biology you don't just have to apply to biology programs. Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Biostatistics programs all do biology.
Furthermore, the more nationally recognized a university is the harder it is to get in. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try. But also there are other universities out there that are good and have sufficient resources for you to succeed. For instance, Harvard University may be one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, but the University of Wisconsin-Madison's ICECUBE project to detect high energy neutrinos from outer space ... blows them out of the water!
Besides all personal skills - looking at politics, Iran is also not an "easy" country to come from if applying in the "Western" world...
It gets even more absurd if one is applying for a post-doc or researcher position. There are basically three types of genuine (true, open competition) offers.
(1) the hiring committees prefer women, disabilities, minorities, and unusual sexual orientations; the ideal candidate is a non-white, double above-knee amputee, pre- or post-op trans-sexual (wo)man.
(2) they will employ you but you will have to find external money to fund your research and your salary.
(3) there are 20 to 30 candidates of which ten are selected for interview; if you are among the ten, repeat such a success about 30-times (or more), and you will be hired at least once. If not, apply for a cashier clerk position.
Adron, i am still too early in the game to give up: 21 applications, 1 interview, 0 victories. Of course, there is a non-negligible possibility that i am simply not good enough, and that there will always be at least one candidate better than me. If this is the case . . . 50/?/0 . . . then i will begin executing my plan B (for which i will have to use all my Brains); the Cashier Clerk position is my plan C (when i run out of Cash). My goal is now to get to the plan B before getting to the plan C, and that means applying and applying and applying like crazy.
Martin Klvana , to solve your first problem you could legally identify as a hispanic woman. It worked for a man in Canada who legally identified as a woman to get cheaper insurance as a way to circumvent legal discrimination against male drivers by insurance companies. Of course this is easier to do in Canada, but from your work experience it looks like you have already been to several countries so maybe this will work for you. Good luck!
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/07/30/man-changes-gender-car-insurance/
The reasons can be many, after you have your academic preparedness and your personal profile in excellent condition, in addition to proving to be a researcher, would have to review the policies of the university, you could find something.
Adron, you made me laugh (for which i am very grateful). To solve my first problem, i could legally identify as a hispanic woman. (Ha ha ha.) Brilliant.
I think most of us have sailed some of time in the same boat. So, please dont give up.
Thanks Martin Klvana and @Adron for suggested other options (Ha ha ha) .
You are correct in that you are already overqualified to start a PhD. The purpose of a PhD is to learn the scientific method, learn how to make experiments, write and publish a paper etc. You have already done all that. Besides your CV, be sure to submit a personal letter where you write about yourself, your interests and your abilities in creative problem solving and your ability to work together with others. Explain why you like science and why you want to do a PhD. Also, be sure to have at least two referees, and make sure that those referees know that you are using them as referees, and that they actually say good things about you!
Finally, Scandinavian universities get several hundred applications per available PhD position, most of which are from Iranian and Indian applicants. These all have very good grades and fulfill all formal requirements. However, they often lack in originality, creativity, in showing a genuine interest and passion for science, and in clearly explaining the purpose of the application.
Do not give up! As Dr. Bradbury suggested, work on your CV and the Statement of Purpose. Good luck !!!
Is it too necessary to pursue your PhD abroad, brother? The knowledge you are finding may be available around you but you are seeking it America or Canada. If you get an admission in these countries, congratulation, if you not you are far more congratulation to do your PhD in your own country, in advance. Feeh Amanillah.
Regards!
Dear Md. Asadur Rahman you are totally right.
But in my case, not at all.
I am never going to continue my education in under-developing countries.
I was accepted as 69th person in national entrance exam for PhD two years ago. I just like to study stronger than before. The quality is my first priority.
Dear Jamil Kheirvari Khezerloo ,
All the best brother. I hope , after your graduation you will serve your under-developing country to make it developed country. Furthermore, I stood first in Mathematical Olympiad in our country, till I choose my country to pursue my PhD. Whatever you will earn, please earn for your country and countrymen.
Again, best wishes to you, brother.
Feeh Amanillah!
I would not advise remaining where you are to do your PhD. Most professors told me to go somewhere else to get my PhD. Find some nice beaches or places to go snowboarding, etc. Do your best to go somewhere with more resources. A PhD is a time of self discovery. And when you finally do find yourself in a PhD program work for a reasonable and motivating supervisor. That is such a big deal! Makes you want to actually wake up in the morning!
Well...unfortunately....with all the visa/immigration hysteria in the US , im surprised that any university is accepting talent from outside the 50. It would help if you were /listed that you are married ( ive been working with a psych with immigration waivers and visas; young , single guys get noticed-- i didnt say excluded, but a second glance is thrown their way )
I would also perhaps consult with someone on your resume. Yes yes , English is fine, its ... well it left me a bit flat. 8 months ago a Mr. Bradbury suggested that it needed some personalization. NO i don't mean like social media selfies and holiday blogs and that crap....but it is a bit anemic .... which is how all scientists write their resumes by the way : )
Dont get me wrong ; your credentials are SUPERB.
From experience I can say that when you get into an interview for a PhD, a big part of questions will be about your aims and your personality such as: Why are you interested in science? Why are you doing a PhD and what will you do after your degree? What are your strengths and weaknesses? or What will make you a good PhD candidate compare to others?
You need to figure out answers for all these questions and consider them when writing a motivation letter.
I also suggest taking a look at the following web pages. Although they talk about job motivation letter (not PhD motivation letter), they could be quite helpful.
1. https://blog.ergodotisi.com/en/5-cover-letter-mistakes/
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2016/11/10/ive-read-over-300-cover-letters-and-this-is-how-i-decide-if-its-good-or-bad-within-3-minutes/#77b038fd7876
Yeah, graduate students are conditioned to never give up, but sometimes a good skill to have is to know when to choose your battles. My professor says that there are a lot of unanswered questions in the world and we unravel new questions often, but we usually discuss if it really matters if we answer those questions. Anyway, pretty excited for my trip to Argonne National Lab!
Also, maybe don't plagiarize. I came across your post here from a quick google search on academic rejection letters and the original article was the next one in the results: https://qz.com/950763/how-to-get-into-graduate-school-according-to-current-phd-students/
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