Top tips for Science PhD applications

Before you start applying for your Science PhD, note down our advice to maximise your chances of success

Tailor each application

No two PhDs are the same, so it’s important to tailor your application to each specific PhD that you’re applying for. Before you start your application, take some time to consider which of your experiences best evidence your motivation for doing the PhD, your interest in the research topic, and your key skills (both technical and transferable). You’ll often have a word limit for your statement of purpose, so focus on the experiences that best show what you have to offer.

Show, don’t tell

When writing your statement of purpose, it’s easy to describe what you’ve done in the past, but it’s important to emphasise what those experiences say about you. When writing about your experience, highlight how it has:

– Motivated you to undertake a PhD in general, and this particular PhD more specifically
– Informed or contributed to the development of your particular research interests
– Enabled you to gain the skills you need to carry out your PhD research

As you write about your experience, explicitly relate your key points back to the specific PhD you’re applying for, so you can really show why you’re a fantastic candidate.

If you’re interested in working with a particular academic, it’s advisable to try and contact them in advance before mentioning them in your application

Think carefully about your CV structure

Your CV says a lot about you, particularly how organised you are and how logically you approach a task. Structure your CV in a logical way, with clear headings and bullet points to make the information easy to read. Make sure you emphasise your academic background and research experience on the first page, and don’t forget to include any key achievements such as grades, awards or prizes.

Mention specific academics you’re interested in working with

If you’ve been in touch with a potential supervisor or a professor in the research group you’re applying to, or you’re interested in working with a particular individual, make sure you refer to this in your application. If you’ve spoken to an academic, talk about what you got out of that conversation and how it’s informed your motivation for your chosen PhD.

If you’re interested in working with a particular academic, it’s advisable to try and contact them in advance before mentioning them in your application (especially if they’re at Cambridge!) Even if you don’t manage to speak to them before you submit your application, talk about why you’re interested in working with them, referring to papers you’ve read or lectures you’ve attended.

it can be helpful to ask your referee to comment on the specific teaching style you’ve experienced here

Make the most of your references

Your references are a key part of your application, so make them count! Academic supervisors and Directors of Studies are often asked to write a lot of references at this time of the year, so will appreciate some guidance from you on what you’d like them to write about. Remind them of any key achievements or things you’ve done especially well (e.g. within your part II project or in particular modules), some will even appreciate a couple of sentences about these activities to get them going. Avoid just sending your CV or application to your referee, as your references will just repeat the same information.

If you’re applying outside of Cambridge, it can be helpful to ask your referee to comment on the specific teaching style you’ve experienced here – it’s not always familiar to those outside! Talking about your ability to write essays and engage with academic discussions in supervisions, plan and execute a part II project or complete oral examinations as part of a dissertation can really set you apart from the crowd.

Want to find out more about making a successful PhD application? Tune in to our briefing with Dr Tim Weil from the Department of Zoology and admissions tutor at Pembroke College, and careers adviser Lucy Romijn, for in-depth tips and advice

-Is a PhD right for me? https://youtu.be/JTWza7jqj2o

-Making successful applications: https://youtu.be/DC5uXB1gOqs

-Should I PhD or Not? https://youtu.be/FI3OOHVbBwE

Best of luck!

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