How do I get into a research intensive PhD program?

• Study for the GMAT and get a good score.

• Take your PhD Prep-track courses seriously and learn as much as possible.

• Get research going with faculty. Take your ideas to them and take initiative so you have the opportunity to have co-authored work in progress.

• Seek the advice of current professors and doctoral students so you know which schools you should apply to.

• Apply to programs that fit your needs and interests. This is critical as those Ph.D. prep students who have not finished their Ph.D. did not fit well at the schools where they began studying.

• Your statement of purpose is very important. Make sure you spend a lot of time crafting this document and have several individuals read it and comment on it.

• Get good letters of recommendation. Although you cannot control what is written about you, you should be professional in your interactions with faculty. A good letter of recommendation can go a long way, and a mediocre letter can shut doors very quickly.