When should I start gathering materials for applying to a doctoral program?

I'm down to two remaining semesters with a tentative May 2012 graduation date. At what point should I start getting prepared to apply to a program(s)? Any helpful hints on what materials I should make sure I have ready to go? This thread is shorter and more to the point of any previous thread I've started I believe. :haha:

 

It wouldn't hurt to start looking now. Inquire, and find out the time frame for your chosen program(s). This will help you more than anything.

 

I think that researching schools is the most important thing you can do. I've learned that hard way that a false start in a doctoral program is expensive and frustrating. The only materials I have ever used to get into a doctoral program, I've been accepted into 5, is a good GPA and a good score on the entrance exams like the GRE, GMAT or the MAT.

 

Well that might be a problem. I petitioned to have PSU waive the GRE and had to write a novel explaining why. So I guess I need to start preparing for that first. I'm still undecided as to whether or not I move toward a doctorate or another master's degree. To be honest the "master's degrees are the new bachelor's degrees" threads have me wondering which path to pursue. I still like the Georgetown grad cert, but PSU is costing a fortune so I'm not sure I want to dig myself deeper into debt.

Hopefully I'll figure it out in the next few months.

 

If you plan to start in the PhD program in the fall, you want to pay attention to due dates for materials. Many are as early as December of this year for next fall. (I know the University of Texas English Dept is that date). Since many only accept students for fall enrollment, then you will want to have it all together in time. If you look at the websites of the schools that interest you, most of them will tell you exactly what they want, such as writing sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE, etc.

 

If your primary motivation for pursuing a doctorate is as an investment to increase your earning power, you may want to think of something else. I don't think many doctorates offer a very good ROI these days. Sometimes they open doors into other avenues and sometimes they don't. You have to look at your motivation. Do you love the subject matter enough to invest all of that time and money?

 

I actually do love the subject matter, and I didn't realize how much until I started taking some of the more detailed grad courses. However, in cramming 3 years of school into 2 years, I'm feeling a bit burned out at the moment. I'm not sure I have another 3+ years in me when I can take a specialized grad level cert and complete it within 18 months.

In previous threads I've asked this question, the advice has been great. It makes more sense to pursue a grad cert or another master's degree, but for some reason the DrPh still looks appealing. I don't want the title to cloud my judgement though, and I can at least admit that would be part of the reason for pursuing it.

 

Just a quick question for those willing to give their opinion. I've received good advice in the past and most of it has been centered on not pursuing a doctorate in favor of going after a grad cert that would complement my master's degree. The PSU masters is not a traditional public health masters, although it does lean heavily on PH courses. Would a cert like this Public Health Programs - Public Health Certificate Program add anything since the degree is an MPS in HLS/PHP or would I fair better getting something with a bit more flair like this Online Graduate Certificate in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases - Department of Microbiology and Immunology - Georgetown University Medical Center .

I'm strictly talking about subject matter, not school name recognition. If I decide that a doctorate isn't in the cards, I want to make sure that I take the next step carefully. I know I'll be asked what i want to do with it, but to be honest I'm open to anything in public health. I had even considered looking into getting my paramedic certification, then pursuing an RN to try and break into the PH field.