#phdprep

Howdy!

Today, we will be starting a new series of post. These post will be all about the process of applying for a Ph.D. or doctorate degree. While I have not been accepted (yet) and my application is in the process, I want to start documenting my adventure and some points and mistakes I have made that you can avoid.

Applying for a Ph.D. is actually more stressful than I thought, especially when you want to specialize on a topic not that popular in terms of how many professors are out there in the UK for my field. I specialize in the memory and history of the Spanish Civil War and how it was and is commemorated throughout Spain. On top of not finding many supervisors on my field, I also have other criteria: there has to be an International Christian Church in the town that I go. For my masters, I went to Newcastle University, and the closest church was 6 hours away by bus (which was the cheapest mean of transportation). And while I got a merit in both my dissertation and on my degree, I believe I could have done much better if I had a church in my university town. So, this time I will make sure to be as close to a church as I can. Meaning finding a supervisor in a very small pool of supervisors.

I send emails to about 7 supervisors who specialize in Spanish history of some sort. It has taken me months between researching schools and looking for supervisors that are first in my field, and secondly, that is willing to supervise me. After months of searches, I found a supervisor at a university where there is one of my churches. I praise God that he made this possible, for without Him it would not be possible. God also made possible for me to be able to write a good research proposal in a good amount of time.

Writing a research proposal deserves its own post so I will make a video blog and a post about it. It will be it's own post because it is so critical for you to have a plan on a thesis statement that you will develop into a proposal, and later project.

So, in conclusion, what you can take from this post is to PLAN AHEAD OF TIME! Always plan everything, make timelines, keep a journal with notes, keep a calendar, and always flag emails from professors and universities you are interested in.

So I hope you look forward to this blog series!

I have a lot of tumblr role models for different reasons!

1. laureninlilly and red-white-andjew are both my role models because they stick up for what they believe in and they try not to let other’s opinions influence them in a negative way. They are both two very smart girls that have so much going for them. I also love how Lauren takes the time to reply genuinely to EVERYONE that asks her questions. She really puts thought into her answers and it shows. 

2. thesassyrebel because she’s also not afraid to have an opinion. She’s sarcastic and smart and I love her for it. She’s always there when I need her to be and she’s the kind of friend you have for life. 

3. pearlkindagirl is the best role model because she has dealt with so much in terms of medical issues, but she still remains a total sweetheart and so strong! She handles everything flawlessly!

4. lace-and-cotton and thesassybelle because they are both amazing people. They both are beautiful and give me hope that long distance relationships are possible. I give you both so much credit.

5. phdprep She’s probably one of the smartest girls on tumblr and so humble about it. I love her for her sweet demeanor and her willingness to help others no matter what the situation. 

6. nostalgiaandserendipity Lauren is also super sweet and I adore her for it. She takes the time to reblog everyone’s pictures and compliment them. That kindness is going to get her so far in life. She’s beautiful inside and out!