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Do’s and don’ts for applying to grad programs in philosophy?

A reader writes in with the following anonymous query:

I've a student who is applying to grad programs in philosophy and I wonder if you'd post a question about general dos and don'ts for that. I write a lot of recommendations for scholarships, internships, and our own competitive admissions programs like those in health services. But by the very nature of our institution this is a new one for me.

I'm not sure whether we've ever run a thread on this before, so I'd be keen to hear people's responses too!

Do any readers with experience in philosophy grad admissions have any do's or don'ts to share, or other tips?

Posted in ,

3 responses to “Do’s and don’ts for applying to grad programs in philosophy?”

  1. Klaas Kraay

    I highly recommend this seven-part series by Erik Schwitzgebel:
    https://schwitzsplinters.blogspot.com/2019/06/applying-to-phd-programs-in-philosophy.html
    And also this terrific video featuring Liz Jackson and Justin Mooney:


    Reply
  2. J

    Pasting a list of links I often share with undergrads who are interested:
    Resources for Choosing Where to Apply:
    Philosophical Gourmet Report: https://www.philosophicalgourmet.com/overall-rankings/
    SPEP Continental List: https://www.spep.org/resources/graduate-programs/
    Pluralist’s Guide: https://sites.google.com/view/pluralist-guide-to-philosophy/program-recommendations?authuser=0
    A list of funded MA programs: https://fundedphilma.weebly.com/
    APA’s Grad Guide: https://gradguide.apaonline.org/
    Advice on Applications:
    Eric Schwitzgebel’s advice: https://schwitzsplinters.blogspot.com/2019/06/applying-to-phd-programs-in-philosophy.html
    Alex Guerrero’s advice: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1011404/28477892/1635443782310/Tips+for+applying+to+PhD+Programs+in+Philosophy2.pdf?token=DbN71X3m2lBFlti4y2w3rbeCk6o%3D&fbclid=IwAR28c2WGxxGkFiyLGD9do7cBb9VNkkBCbFrpP7_lfi0knuNjxynVFV-cxvo
    Bernhard Nickel’s advice on writing samples: https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/bernhardnickel/files/grad-apps-ws.pdf
    David O’Brink’s advice: https://davidobrink.com/sites/default/files/GraduateStudyWorkshop.pdf
    A discussion on Leiter Reports about personal statements: https://leiterreports.typepad.com/blog/2007/09/advice-on-perso.html

    Reply
  3. Bri

    There’s a free panel happening on November 1st on applying to grad programs in philosophy! If you’re free, consider attending 🙂
    https://www.apaonline.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1895840&group=

    Reply

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