Pipeline to the PhD Bootcamp Interested in pursuing a Ph.D, but not sure where to start — or which program is the right fit for your interest? UC Berkeley has created a series of virtual sessions to help prospective doctoral students understand how Ph.D. programs differ from other graduate degrees, and how to find the right match for your interests and goals. We’ll walk you step-by-step through the admissions process, provide tips for developing high-caliber application materials, and demystify how graduate funding works. This free online bootcamp series was developed specifically for underrepresented minority students considering graduate school, though it is open to all attendees. Pre-registration is closed, however, recordings will be available after July 7 when the bootcamp is complete. Eligibility This bootcamp is for U.S. residents, U.S. citizens, or graduates of/ students attending an institution of higher education in the U.S. or U.S. territories. If you are interested in future, similar events, for international students, please complete our event interest form. Schedule The Pipeline to the PhD Bootcamp will take place over five sessions listed below, and will take place on a virtual platform. No travel required! View session descriptions below. Session 1 First Things First: Demystifying the Ph.D Wednesday, May 10, 2023 3:00 – 5:00PM PDT Session 2a: (STEM Students) Ph.D. Options for My Discipline, Starting with the End in Mind: Developing a Competitive Application Wednesday, May 24, 2023 3:00 – 5:00PM PDT Session 2b: (Social Sciences and Humanities Students) Ph.D. Options for My Discipline, Starting with the End in Mind: Developing a Competitive Application Thursday, May 25, 2023 3:00 – 5:00PM PDT Session 3 How to Find Your Researcher Identity Wednesday, June 7, 2023 3:00 – 5:00PM PDT Session 4 Productivity 101: Making Use of the Summer and Organizing for the Journey Ahead Wednesday, June 21, 2023 3:00 – 5:00PM PDT Session 5 Closer to Achieving the Dream Thursday, July 6, 2023 3:00 – 5:00PM PDT Bootcamp Session Descriptions, Spring 2023First Things First: Demystifying the Ph.D. Session 1Learn about how doctoral programs differ from other professional and graduate programs, and if a Ph.D. program might be right for you. We’ll demystify the funding process, discuss how admissions committees review applicants, and provide tips on how to identify and contact faculty in your program of interest. Ph.D. Options for My Discipline, Starting with the End in Mind: Developing a Competitive ApplicationSession 2abDiscipline-Specific Workshop: Applying to STEM Programs Learn about what types of graduate programs are possible for students in your discipline and undergraduate major. Meet faculty, experts, current graduate students, and alumni in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and hear their recommendations for successfully navigating the STEM application process and succeeding in graduate school. Discipline-Specific Workshop: Applying to Social Science and Humanities Programs Learn about what types of graduate programs are possible for students in your discipline, and undergraduate major. Meet faculty, experts, current graduate students, and alumni in the humanities and social sciences and hear their recommendations for successfully navigating the application process and succeeding in graduate school. How to Find Your Researcher Identity Session 3Hear from current graduate students about how to develop your identity as a researcher, what tools and support you need to thrive in a research setting, and who to reach out to for support in identifying and pursuing your research focus. Productivity 101: Making Use of the Summer and Organizing for the Journey AheadSession 4The key to a successful graduate school application often involves making effective use of limited time. In this session hear how to organize your time to put together a competitive application, along with some hacks, tips, and tools to prepare your application. Closer to Achieving the DreamSession 5In this final session, learn how to grow and strengthen your recommender relationship, organize and track admissions deadlines, write a strong diversity statement, manage rejection, and choose the right institution. If you require accommodations in order to fully participate, please reach out to us at grad.diversity@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event.