摘要：Over the years, I have found that
doctoral students are doing a lot
more leg-work before they enter the
program. And this makes sense. Given
the level of commitment needed, the
opportunity costs, and the particular
personality profile that fits the academic
career, it would be foolhardy to casually
apply to a doctoral program. However,
this preparation is obviously from the
outside-in. Students can prepare checklists,
review faculty qualifications, talk
to faculty, browse through program
and course information, and even try to
navigate some academic papers. While
useful, students are often evaluating
these programs based upon what they
know—which is largely experienced
through undergraduate and graduate
degree programs that they have completed.
So, while the nuanced student
would work hard to get the best “feel”
for what they are ge.ing into—it is necessarily
limited.
