<p>When applying to PhD Aero/Astro rograms, schools want to know what specific line of research you want to study there, of course based on an area with lab they already have in the department. I know what I am interested in doing when I go there, and have found programs that are doing it, but I have not specifically worked on it previously, with undergrad degree in Mech Eng, and job >1 yr working as MechEng. I have short term prior intern and reserach experience in Aero, but don't have previous significant research to make a great case of experience for why I want to study what I want to in grad school. Will this be a problem for admissions? Must one be coming in to the applicaiton process already with significant experience in a chosen line of research for grad school? </p>
<p>Any advice or opinion on this would help. Thanks.</p>
<p>While its true that it helps if you has research experience and/or publications in the area that you are applying to, it is by no means a requirement. </p>
<p>In your case, your undergrad degree was definitely relevant (in many schools Aero is in the MechE dept). Did you take any Aero classes? Did you do well in them? If so, you should be ok. </p>
<p>In your apps, and when speaking with potential PIs, its important for you to highlight skills that are transferable to the Aero PhD program. For example, say if knowledge and expertise in programming, or sensors/actuators or whatever is relevant can be very valuable in admissions. You dont always need direct experience to get into a good program. You just need to demonstrate that you 1) have the appropriate readiness (ie courses, etc). 2) have skills that are generally applicable to the research area, and probably most importantly 3) have a passion for the field. </p>
<p>Darth,
Thank you so much for your helpful reply.
I have heard it is important to personally contact a PI or faculty doing research that I want to pursue at each individual school I apply to, in order to put together a coherent Statement of Purpose for each individual school and to get a better idea if this a good place for me. (All the programs are in the same specific field of my interest but the specific research done at each is a little different). Apart from the obvious discussion around our shared interest, are there specific questions I should ask them? These discussions will be prior to my application submission. Thanks.</p>
<p>Yes, I know what you mean. When I applied to grad school even though it was the same area, the specifics were a little different. </p>
<p>Of course when you contact them (PIs), you should show interest in their specific area, and what you can bring to the table. Also it’s always nice to ask if they will be taking grad students in the semester you plan to join. </p>
<p>I actually had a lot of success with asking them if we could chat via the phone. This was like an “informal interview” and my way to impress them from the start. Also, this helped them remember me and even pull some strings if I impressed them enough. On the phone they asked me directly if I had certain skills (like programming, etc) and it helped point out my strengths a lot better. Not all PIs will agree to a phone call, but give it a shot!</p>