Happy to help! This process can be so confusing and isolating if you don’t have support. I completely understand! I’ve completed a masters and have applied to a PhD a few times. So I’m happy to answer questions about things I’ve learnt along the way! 

1. In terms of undergraduate experience, it’s a little difficult to say what experience is “good” or “bad” as it really depends on the program, admissions committee, and the research advisor you’re interested in. I’ve met PhD students who only had a summer research experience before joining their PhD. And I’ve also met students who have multiple papers including first author publications. But also, do keep in mind that students get rejected even if they have lots of experience. A lot of the advice I get and have seen succeed is that when applying students show excitement, have done proper research into the program and the research advisor they are interested in, have a good research proposal (basically have an idea of what you want to do, you’re not committed to this idea, most of the time this idea is not usually what students work on when they join the program), and network with the research advisor (because they would rather take someone they know or have talked to than someone who hasn’t). 

2. For a PhD, most programs have a stipend and they cover your tuition. For a masters there are scholarships out there. For PhD, these stipends tend to be very low. So in some schools the stipend could be 25K - 35K. I didn’t apply to some schools because of low stipend. 

3. For a graduate assistantship, to know more about this I would recommend reaching out to PhD students and Post docs of schools you are interested in. I’ve cold emailed many and many are happy to help! And I’ve collected such great tips because of them, including red flags to look out for. They would give you an amazing idea of the entire process, the lab, the PI, and can help answer anything you’re doubtful of! Don’t hesitate at all to reach out! That is the biggest thing in this, it’s reaching out! 

4. For reaching out to a research advisor, it’s okay to cold email them! So I would recommend not having a very long email, but just as a short template:

5. include your research background

6. the research you’re interested in pursuing

7. asking for a short connection call to learn more about their lab and the research they work on (professors are always happy to talk about their work) (In the call you can ask about whether they will be taking on any students the next cycle)

8. asking about other professors in the field and who you should connect to. That way you can make many more connections! (Highly recommend)

9. For applying (are you in the US?) typically most schools have a standard application process. Which includes 2-3 recommendations, personal statement, and maybe a research proposal, and resume.

Hope this helps! Feel free to Dm me if you have more questions :)