- #1
keenPenguin
- 21
- 3
Hi,
I'm interested in what a couple of researchers do at MIT and Caltech and I would love the idea of doing a PhD there (theoretical physics). But I don't really know anything about the application process for a US PhD program, so here's a list of questions:
I'm interested in what a couple of researchers do at MIT and Caltech and I would love the idea of doing a PhD there (theoretical physics). But I don't really know anything about the application process for a US PhD program, so here's a list of questions:
- How long would a PhD take (typically)? Would it be research + teaching assistant?
- Would I typically begin by contacting the professors I am interested in? And afterwards (if they like me) go through an application process involving IELTS/TOEFL and GRE? Would I have to hand in a kind of exposé of my planned PhD project (exposé on the basis of which my application will be partly judged)?
- How selective are PhD programs at MIT or Caltech? Can you give a comparison with e.g. Oxbridge?
- What about finance? Suppose I get a PhD position: Could I, then, automatically afford actually doing that PhD? Or could I possibly get the position but then have to go home because I can't afford it (I don't have much money saved)?
- When are deadlines for the PhD programs? Are application processes somewhat transparent/straightforward (again, compared, say, with Oxbridge)?