Below are some of the common myths, misconceptions, and frequently asked questions about PhD programs. If you cant find the answer you’re looking for here or still want to learn more then don’t hesitate to reach out!

What type of degree is right for me?

Consider the following table comparing the different types graduate degree programs at Cornell.

How much does a PhD cost, what does “fully funded” mean?

Many STEM PhD programs are fully funded which means a students receive a stipend, health insurance, and their tuition is covered. The stipend amount can vary between programs, fields, and even funding sources. It is reasonable to expect a stipend in the range of $30,000-$40,000 per year in a competitive program. It is also important to note that this is for a research based PhD program and may not apply to professional degree programs like clinical psychology.

Do I need to receive a grant, scholarship, or fellowship before applying to PhD programs? What about after?

No! While some programs may provide small incentives to students who are awarded a fellowship prior to entering graduate school many PhD programs do not require students to obtain their own funding at any point during graduate school.

Who pays for the stipend, tuition, and benefits?

The answer to this question will vary greatly depending on the field of study but a fully funded PhD program should provide a written guarantee that students will be funded for at least a specified amount of time (typically 6 years in life sciences). Much of the funding for STEM PhD students comes from grants that were obtained by professors who are facilitating research and graduate student training. This question is important to consider when comparing similar programs at different universities since the answer may influence how much, if any, TA’ing is expected or required.

Do I need a masters before applying to PhD programs?

No! Most, if not all, fully funded STEM PhD programs are direct from a bachelors degree to a PhD.

Myth: I need to know exactly what I want to do when I apply to graduate school.

While you should have some idea of the type of research that interests you, many programs (especially in the life sciences) are structured to allow students to rotate or tryout different labs their first year before choosing an advisor/project. This practice is not common in every field of STEM but at the very least you should expect and plan for a time to discuss research projects with potential advisors through the interview process or after admissions. When choosing programs to apply to it’s important to look for schools with multiple faculty members whose research interests you.

Myth: I need to know exactly what I want to do when I start graduate school.

Grad school can be the perfect time to explore careers in academia, industry, or one of the many alternative paths. Nothing is ever set it stone. It is okay (and extremely common) to change your mind along the way.

Misconception: I don’t want to apply there, I will never get in.

This is one of the most common mistakes students make when applying to PhD programs. Imposter syndrome is real. Take some chances and apply to a couple additional programs you don’t think you will have a chance at. You might just surprise yourself! A perfect GPA does not guarantee anything and neither does one that’s below average. Graduate school admissions committees strive to take a holistic approach to evaluating candidates. If you are concerned about the cost of applying, most programs offer application fee waivers. Don’t hesitate to request a fee waiver if it means the difference between applying or not. Fee waivers are likely handled by an administrator and the admissions committee will not have any way of knowing if a student requested assistance.

Misconception: Traveling to interviews will be expensive.

Most programs that offer in-person interview/recruitment weekends will provide travel reimbursement on top of providing hotel accommodations and meals during your visit! Sometimes this isn’t explicitly stated until an applicant is invited to interview.