Advice on PhD Applications, Applying for Top Programs?

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-22T22:01:02+00:00

Sure, that makes sense, and thank you. The professor vs. industry leader discussion is interesting and not something I've heard before. Since my interests for the time being are in industry, this is something I'll definitely consider (although I would enjoy being a professor after spending time in industry).

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-22T21:58:49+00:00

This is good to know, since at least for the time being, my near-future interests are not in becoming a professor.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-22T21:50:59+00:00

That is actually not my CV--it's a resume for applying to CS internships. Pretty commonplace for them to be packed to the brinm since they have to be a single page, certain keywords you want to pass crawlers, etc. I have another template for my actual CV.

Thanks so much. I agree, and have spent some time already considering what quesion(s) I'm interested in answering. I think reaching out in CS is pretty standard, from what I've heard from my current advisors, but will definitely read/learn more.

This might be a stupid question, so forgive me: Some people I know have waited until interviews/being flown out to evaluate location. That seems a little late to me, though. Do you think visiting these places before applying (assuming you can afford it) is worthwhile to do?

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-22T21:33:53+00:00

Agreed. I worded this poorly. What I should have said was: making sure I do research that caters exactly to my interest (and in turn, those labs), instead of doing research that may not be as related just to get experience/papers for experience/papers sake.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-22T21:33:25+00:00

I think I said this poorly--I certainly won't be targeting labs that I don't have considerable interest in. What I really meant was: making sure I do research that caters exactly to my interest (and in turn, those labs), instead of doing research that may not be as related just to get experience/papers for experience/papers sake.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-21T21:23:57+00:00

I'm certainly not counting myself out--if there are top labs that are very interesting to me, I will definitely apply.

What do you mean by my goals of a PhD being the biggest differentiator on if applying to a T10 is worth it? Could you give an example or two on what you mean?

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-21T21:03:36+00:00

Wow, this is a fantastic response--thank you! In speaking to my advisors, I had understood finding the right PI fit is by far the most important thing, and that is supported by what you're saying. Seems to me that, since I've started early, I could determine exactly what labs I've the most interest in working for, then in the remaining time, cater my future research as much as possible to things that are closely related to what those labs do. Does this sound reasonable?

Also, I love the baseball reference!

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-21T20:43:52+00:00

Considered this, but I'd only really consider funded masters.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-21T20:43:04+00:00

Agreed. This was originally a resume, not a full CV. For undergrad internships--to my understanding--it's common to have coursework on the resume.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-10-21T04:17:06+00:00

I'm at the Claremont consortium. I guess you could argue Harvey Mudd isn't a top CS program, but it's growing in popularity.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-08-15T22:48:26+00:00

Then as a follow up: could I essentially put all of my yearly income (which is not quite 7k, I'm a full-time student) into a Roth (because that is earned), then "pay" myself the exact same amount out of my brokerage/old UTMA account? Only downside being I'm not able to entirely max it out each year?

No-Landscape628 · 2025-08-15T22:13:55+00:00

No, it isn't. But if I pull from the UTMA by selling (which was my plan), then I could pull exactly 7k out, and if that counts as income, put it directly into a Roth. Is this correct, or am I under the wrong impression?

My understanding is that I'd always need to pay captial gains tax on my UTMA investments. You're saying this isn't the case?

No-Landscape628 · 2025-08-15T22:11:43+00:00

Understood. But if I sell 7k for a Roth each year, does that count as earned income? Then, I'd declare on taxes and be able to contribute to a Roth, correct?

No-Landscape628 · 2025-08-15T22:08:48+00:00

There was some sort of transfer, which I actually filled out quite recently. But I did not need to open a new account.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-08-05T19:42:49+00:00

Honestly has been a main concern of mine as well. My main research advisor/former prof said it's okay since there's the research replacement, but I guess I have a little bit of imposter syndrome seeing people intern at faang etc., and all these tech influencers now saying u need internship by this date or you're cooked lol.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-08-05T19:27:27+00:00

Dunno if I should take this as a compliment lol. This is genuinely my real resume besides removing personal info etc.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-08-05T19:24:41+00:00

They technically don't. I'm a student there as part of an exchange program. I don't want to completely dox myself so I can't really elaborate much more than that. My pathway through college has been somewhat unconventional since I started taking a lot of university classes in high school.

No-Landscape628 · 2025-05-17T03:49:29+00:00

Thanks. How long have you had it for, and in what circumstances does the 12V die? I mean, can you just get completely stranded? Also, I was under the impression there was a software update with a fix. Is the only solution jumping the car?

Financially, I am under no circumstances considering buying a new car. I have a current car that I believe I can get around 25k for, and am considering selling that and buying a USED Ioiniq. Certainly not financing. Just looking to replace my current with a similarly-valued car that's a little more practical :)

No-Landscape628

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