My academic background is:

Undergrad in my field

Undergrad & masters in my field

Masters in my field (undergrad in other field)

Neither undergrad nor masters in my field

My most recent GPA is:

Below 2.5

2.5 - 3.0

3.0 - 3.5

3.5+

What best describes you and your motivation to start your PhD?

Undergrad. I'm in my undergrad and want to go straight through for my PhD.

Worker Bee. I've been working in my field for a few years and I'm itching to get back to research and academia.

Academic Limbo. I have enough academic experience with my master's or bachelors and research experience, and I'm ready to move on to my PhD.

Seasoned Professional. I've been working for 5+ years in my field, have some leadership roles, and want a more fulfilling life and career.

Do you have some research experience in your field (months is fine)?

No, I've never done anything like research and don't want to get experience now

No, but I'm ready to get some research experience and/or I've done some professional projects that are impactful

Yes

How much professional experience do you have?

None

Around a year or so

2+ years in my field, gaining leadership skills

Have you done anything out of the box? like the Peace Corps, or started a fundraiser, or led a group of people?

Yes, I've done things like Teach for America, Peace Corps, fellowships, or internships at prestigious organizations.

I've volunteered for programs like Big Brother/Big Sister, or other community programs.

Not really, I pretty much went to class or work and came home.

How comfortable are you reaching out to faculty to network?

This makes me nervous, and I would be very hesitant to reach out to faculty right now

Somewhat confident, but I think I could be better with the right support

Very confident

Do you want to do your full-time, fully-funded on campus PhD?

Yes, I'm all in

Maybe, if the offer was good

No, I'd rather do my PhD online or part-time

Can you strategically identify ideal PhD programs likely to admit you?

Not really, I'm going off top 10 lists.

A little bit, I'm picking schools I've heard of.

Yes, I know exactly how to match my interests, experience, and career goals with the program so they take me seriously.

If you were evaluating your resume/CV, it would sound like:

I basically list my skills and key roles.

I showcase some of my accomplishments.

I clearly articulate why each experience prepares me to do my PhD.

When you think about your life 10 or 20+ years down the road, does having your PhD make a difference to your quality of life?

Yes, my life is better with my PhD

No, my life isn't much different

Do you have PhD mentors or PhD family?

No, I don't really have any PhDs in my life who are guiding me

Yes, someone in my family or close circle has their PhD and is willing the mentor me

How effective are your marketing skills (writing, networking, interviewing)?

Not great, and I'm doubtful I can improve

I'm OK, but I'd like to sharpen my writing and pitching skills so they take me seriously

I'm an expert at articulating my value in my writing and verbally with everyone I meet

Can you create a compelling research pitch?

No, I'm not sure where to start.

Maybe, I could probably figure it out.

Yes, I'm very confident creating PhD level research objectives, methods, and expected results.

Can you lead an informal or formal interview to position yourself as the best PhD candidate?

I have no idea.

Maybe?

Yes.

Are you stressed about applying to PhD programs?

No, there are always some challenges but I'm feeling pretty good

Somewhat, it feels overwhelming at times

Yes, I'm spinning out and it feels like I'm in flight or fight

When do you plan on applying for your PhD?

Within the next 6-12 months (submit Dec. 2025 and start Aug. 2026)

Within the next 18 months (submit Dec. 2026 and start Aug. 2027)

2+ years in the future, I'm just thinking about it

What email address should we send your results and the data analysis of how you compare to others?

First name?