starting a phd at 22

Want to Get your Dissertation Accepted?

Discover how we've helped doctoral students complete their dissertations and advance their academic careers!

Join 200+ Graduated Students

Get Your Dissertation Accepted On Your Next Submission

Get customized coaching for:.

• Crafting your proposal,
• Collecting and analyzing your data, or
• Preparing your defense.

Trapped in dissertation revisions?

Average age of a phd student: when is it too late, published by steve tippins on june 16, 2022 june 16, 2022.

Last Updated on: 2nd February 2024, 02:36 am

In 2020, the average age of a graduate from a PhD program in the United States was 33. However, 6% of the graduates were over 45. 

When people ask what the average age of a PhD student is, many times they’re really asking, “Am I too old to get a PhD?” The answer is almost always no. Let’s explore some different scenarios. 

When Is It Too Late to Get a PhD?

As an academic career coach, I’ve been asked by more than a few people if it’s too late for them to get a PhD. Some of these people were even in their twenties, worried that working for two years after their undergraduate degree had inexorably barred them from the halls of academia. 

Others were past middle age, looking for a career change. In either case, the answer is ultimately no, it’s not too late to get a PhD . However, there are some important things to keep in mind if this is something you’re considering.

Getting a PhD for Your Career

Let’s say you want to get a PhD to pursue a career in academia or elsewhere. You enter a PhD program at 25 or even 30, the average PhD duration takes six to eight years. That means you will finish when you are around 30 to 37. The normal retirement age to get Social Security in the United States is 67, so that’s at least 30 years ahead of you – lots of time for your career. If you look around academia, there’s a lot of people older than 67.

You have a chance for a very long career, even if you’re 42 and finish your PhD at 50. That’s still over 15 years before retirement age. These days, very few people stay at a job for 15 years. Rest assured that you have ample opportunity to have a meaningful career.

Over 50% of doctoral candidates don’t finish their dissertations.

Student Loan Debt Considerations

If you’re 61 and taking loans out, it will be a while before you pay those off. Debt is something to think about before getting a PhD. If you can get into a PhD program that pays your tuition or even provides you a stipend, you may be able to graduate with a much smaller student loan debt. That assistance could allow you to consider a PhD later in life. 

What Is the Minimum Age for Getting a PhD?

To get a PhD, you have to have graduated from undergraduate school. From there, some people can go right into a PhD program. If you graduate at the traditional age of 22, you’d be getting your PhD somewhere around age 25 at a minimum.

There are stories about people who graduate from high school at 12 and college at 16. They could theoretically get their PhD at 19 or 20. However, people like this are quite rare.

Can You Get a PhD by Age 25?

It is possible to get a PhD by age 25, particularly if you graduate from college at 21 or 22. If it takes three or four years to get a PhD, you could graduate by 25.

What Is The Best Age to Get a PhD?

The best age to get a PhD is three years ago. The second best time is now. In reality, the best age to get a PhD is whenever you are able to complete it. The earlier you finish your PhD, the more of a life and career you’ll have with it , but there is no optimal age.

Does Having a Master’s Shorten the Time it Takes to Get a PhD?

Having a Master’s can shorten the time it takes to get a PhD , depending on your discipline. If PhD programs in your discipline are structured such that they assume you have a Master’s before you enter, then yes, you’re going to finish a PhD faster. 

If you enter without a Master’s, you may have to get the Master’s first to be allowed in the PhD program. Otherwise, you may have to take some remedial coursework. If your discipline is not set up in that manner, having a Master’s may not allow you to move faster.

Final Thoughts

As society ages and with employers having problems finding eligible workers, the problem of ageism will become less severe. Getting a PhD at any age is going to be a viable option. If you are interested in a PhD and it’s something you have a burning desire to do, don’t let age stop you. 

Are you considering getting your PhD? We’re here to help. Check out our Dissertation Coaching and Academic Career Coaching services.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

Related Posts

Dissertation

Phd by publication.

PhD by publication, also known as “PhD by portfolio” or “PhD by published works,” is a relatively new route to completing your dissertation requirements for your doctoral degree. In the traditional dissertation route, you have Read more…

What Does Ph.D. Stand For?

“What does Ph.D. stand for?” This is a question that can be answered several different ways. First of all, typically Ph.D. stands for doctor or doctorate in philosophy. I know that can be a little Read more…

A Professor’s Top 3 Pieces of Advice for Ph.D. Students

When it comes to getting a Ph.D., there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ensuring success in graduate school. Every student must find their own path to navigating the most rigorous academic experience that most people Read more…

What is the PhD student average age? Too late for your doctorate?

You may be worried about being too old to start a PhD. However, I would like to remind you that throughout my 15 years in academia, I have seen PhD students fresh from undergraduate and many mature age students who are looking for a new challenge or doing a PhD alongside their current role.

The average age of a PhD student varies depending on the field of study and individual circumstances but generally ranges from late 20s to early 30s. The average age upon graduation across multiple fields, in the US, is 31.5 years old.

This suggests that many students may start a PhD program directly after completing their undergraduate degree. However, there are many that pursue a PhD after working in their field for a few years.

I have seen that some students may take longer to complete their PhD due to personal or professional obligations. And overcoming these issues is as much of a challenge as their actual PhD.

If you like more information about the average age of a PhD student check out my YouTube video below.

In this article, we will look at the average age of PhD students and grab some data from universities.

One thing I want to say upfront, however, is do not worry about your age. There are many other things that are full more important than your age for completing a PhD. I have seen young PhD students struggle far more than mature age students.

Maturity and having things settled in your life can really help provide the stability required for finishing a PhD.

What Is The Average Age Of PhD Students?

 The average age of PhD students is quite varied, depending on the field of study.

Generally speaking however, the average age of a PhD student can range from 27 to 37 years old.

You can see in the table, below, that physical sciences and earth sciences PhD graduates are typically younger than those in other fields . This is because of the culture of going straight from your undergraduate into a PhD.

On the other hand, education PhD graduates are much older . This is because they typically have many more years of first-hand experience teaching in a high school or another educational environment. This delays the onset of their PhD admission significantly compared to other fields.

If you want to know more about age and grad school check out my other articles:

• Typical Graduate Student Age [Data for Average Age]
• Older PhDs student experiences – should you pursue a PhD later in life?
• What is the average masters students age? Should you return to graduate school?
• Balancing PhD and family life – tips for balancing a busy life

What age do most people get their PhD?

The age at which most people receive their PhD varies from person to person, but typically falls between the mid-twenties and early thirties.

The average age for a PhD recipient is approximately thirty-one and a half years old.

Of course, there are some who complete their PhD much earlier or later than this.

Many students complete their studies in their twenties, while others may spend longer due to life or work commitments.

Those who are already established in a career may only begin studying for a PhD once they reach middle age.

Although the age of most recipients is usually between twenty-five and thirty-five, it is important to remember that everyone’s journey will be different, so it’s important not to put pressure on yourself to finish within any particular timeframe.

Here is a list of fields and the average age upon graduation. That means, the age at which they start their PhD is 5 – 7  years earlier.

I graduated my PhD when I was 27 years old. This is due to a couple of reasons:

• I did a four-year undergraduate masters which accelerated my entrance to a PhD.
• I did my PhD in Australia which typically takes 3 to 4 years.
• I was classed as an international student and therefore had to finish under three years otherwise I have had to pay $20,000.

All of these reasons meant that I was very young to complete my doctorate. However, throughout my later post-Doctoral positions I encountered people from every age bracket doing a PhD.

Importantly, it is never too late to get a PhD – here’s why.

When Is It Too Late to Get a Doctorate?

In my opinion, it is never too late to get a PhD, as long as you’re willing to commit the time and effort into pursuing an academic career.

I have seen older PhD students thrive in academia because they are working towards something they really care about.

One of the most important aspects is to make sure that you are prepared for the financial burden, as getting a PhD involves taking on loans or debt in order to fund the program.

Sometimes, older students have greater financial responsibilities such as mortgages and debt. Being mindful of your decreased earning power will help make your time during your PhD much nicer.

Some other aspects of getting a doctorate in later years include:

• greater financial responsibility for family
• ageing parents requiring care
• children or other dependent people
• mortgage stress
• lifestyle expectations – going back to a student lifestyle may not be for every older PhD student.

Entering a PhD program with this in mind will help make sure that you are able to focus on your studies and minimise the distractions.

What Is The Best Age to pursue a doctoral degree?

There is no best age to pursue a doctoral degree as the best age to get a PhD depends on the individual’s circumstances.

For me, it was best for me to enter my PhD straight out of university. That is when I had the most financial security and energy and interest in pursuing a PhD.

For other people – career goals, interests, and motivation to do a PhD may happen at a later stage in their life.

Although, you can do a PhD too early.

Generally, it is recommended that students wait until they are at least 22 or 23 to pursue their PhD, as this gives them time to gain some life experience and an opportunity to develop and refine their academic skills.

Those who are pursuing a PhD later in life may find that having more years of work experience can be beneficial when it comes to finishing their studies.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to determining the best age to get a PhD; each person’s situation will be unique and you should factor that into your decision.

Is 30 plus too old for a PhD?

When it comes to deciding whether or not 30 is too old for a PhD, the answer depends on the individual.

 A PhD requires a great deal of dedication and commitment, so if you are willing to make that kind of commitment, then age should not be an issue.

Many people have entered into doctoral programs later in life and achieved success.

There are also some advantages to being a mature student;

• life experience
• Writing practise
• A better understanding of your field
• Professional experience to draw upon
• Better networks

All of which can be beneficial when completing research or writing your dissertation.

That being said, it is important to consider how much time you will need to dedicate to your studies, as well as other commitments such as work and family. If you feel like you can manage both, then 30 and above is absolutely not too old for a PhD!

Wrapping up

This article has covered everything you need to know about the average age of PhD students. It is field dependent and many PhD students are typically in their 20s to early 30s.

Even though many people get a PhD straight out of their undergraduate, there are many benefits for older people to consider becoming a PhD student.

The personal challenges may be slightly different but the underlying challenge of creating new novel research and communicating that to the world via peer-reviewed papers and theses are the same.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

• Our Culture
• Open and FAIR Data
• Research projects
• Publications
• Cellular Genomics
• Decoding Biodiversity
• Delivering Sustainable Wheat
• Earlham Biofoundry
• Transformative Genomics
• Scientific Groups Our groups work at the forefront of life science, technology development, and innovation.
• High-Performance Sequencing Dedicated and efficient high-throughput genomics led by experts in sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Single-cell and Spatial Analysis Platforms to support single- or multi-cell analysis, from cell isolation, to library preparation, sequencing and analysis.
• Earlham Biofoundry Providing expertise in synthetic biology approaches and access to laboratory automation
• Tools and resources Explore our software and datasets which enable the bioscience community to do better science.
• Cloud Computing Infrastructure for Data-intensive Bioscience
• Web Hosting for Sites, Tools and Web Services
• Earlham Enterprises Ltd
• Events Calendar Browse through our upcoming and past events.
• About our training High-quality, specialist training and development for the research community.
• Year in industry Supporting undergraduate students to develop skills and experience for future career development.
• Internships and opportunities Opportunities for the next generation of scientists to develop their skills and knowledge in the life sciences.
• Immersive visitors A bespoke, structured training programme, engaging with the faculty, expertise and facilities at the Earlham Institute.
• News Catch up on our latest news and browse the press archive.
• Articles Explore our science and impact around the world through engaging stories.
• Impact Stories Find out how we are contributing to the major challenges of our time.
• Impact Through Policy Advocacy Engaging across the political spectrum to exchange knowledge and inform public policy.
• Public engagement and outreach Communicating our research to inspire and engage learning.
• Communications at EI We work across digital, multimedia, creative design and public relations to communicate our research.
• Our Vision and Mission
• Inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility
• Scientific Advisory Board
• Our Management Team
• Operations Division
• Careers overview
• Postgraduate Studies
• Group leaders
• Fellowships
• Life at Earlham Institute
• Living in Norfolk

10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Here we've got everything you need to know about getting started.

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Are you sure about that? It’s not going to be an easy decision, so I’ve put together a list of 10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree. Oh, and don’t panic!

I have recently graduated from the University of Manchester with a PhD in Plant Sciences after four difficult, but enjoyable, years. During those four years, I often felt slightly lost – and there was more than one occasion on which I didn’t even want to imagine writing up my thesis in fear of delving into fits of panic.

On reflection, I realise that – to quote a colleague – commencing my PhD was like “jumping in the deep end with your eyes closed.” If only I’d known to take a deep breath.

1. Are you sure you want to do a PhD degree?

Let’s be under no false impressions, completing a PhD isn’t easy. There will be times when you feel like Wile E Coyote chasing after the Roadrunner – a little bit out of your depth a lot of the time. It’s four years of your life, so make sure it is what you really want to do.

If you want to pursue a career in science, a PhD isn’t always necessary.

It is possible to make great inroads into industry without a doctoral degree. That said, a PhD can also be a very useful qualification with many transferable skills to add to your CV.

By the time you’ll have finished, you can include essentials such as time management, organisational skills, prioritising workloads, attention to detail, writing skills, presenting to an audience – and most importantly – resilience, to name but a few.

2. Choose your project, and supervisor, wisely.

This is  very  important.

Time after time, our experienced scientists at EI, including Erik Van-Den-Bergh (and I agree) say, “ make sure you’re extremely passionate about exactly that subject. ” When I saw the PhD opening that I eventually was offered, I remember being demonstrably ecstatic about the project before I’d even started it.

I was always interested in calcium signalling and organised a meeting with my potential supervisor immediately, which (to quote Billy Connolly) I leapt into in a mood of gay abandon.

Not only does this help you to keep engaged with your project even through the painstakingly slow times, it also greatly enhances your ability to sell yourself in an interview. If you can show passion and enthusiasm about the project and the science then you’ll be that one step ahead of other candidates – which is all the more important now that many studentships are competitive.

You have to  be the best  out of many, often exceptional candidates.

However, as important as it is to be passionate about your project, make sure that the person who will be supervising you is worthy.

Does your potential supervisor have a prolific track record of publishing work? What is the community of scientists like in the lab you may be working in? Are there experienced post-doctoral scientists working in the lab? Who will your advisor be? Is your supervisor an expert in the field you are interested in? Is the work you will be doing ground-breaking and novel, or is it quite niche?

There is nothing more frustrating – and I know many PhD degree students with this problem – than having a supervisor who is rarely there to talk to, shows little interest in your work, and cannot help when you are struggling in the third year of your project and some guidance would be much appreciated.

Personally, and I was very lucky to have this, I think it’s incredibly useful to have two supervisors. My PhD degree was split between the University of Manchester and the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth. Between my supervisors, I had two people with expertise in different fields, who could give me some fantastic advice from different perspectives. This also meant that I had two people to check through my thesis chapters and provide useful comments on my drafts.

Make sure you are passionate about your subject before taking it to PhD level. And by passionate I mean  really  passionate.

For a start, you will most likely have to write a literature review in your first three months, which if done well will form the main bulk of your thesis introduction and will save you a lot of stress and strain when it comes to writing up.

At the end of your first year, you will have to write a continuation report, which is your proof that you deserve to carry on to the end of your three or four years. This doesn’t leave much time for lab work, which means time management is incredibly important. If you think you’ll be able to swan in at 11 and leave at 3, think again.

Fundamentally, never, ever rest on your laurels! As tempting as it may be to slack-off slightly in the second year of your four year PhD, don’t.

4. Be organised.

This is a no-brainer but still, it’s worth a mention. Take an hour on a Monday morning to come up with a list of short-term and long-term goals. You’ll probably have to present your work at regular lab meetings, so it’s always worth knowing what has to be done (lest you look a pillock in front of the lab when there’s nothing to show for your last two weeks.)

It’s always good to have a timeline of what will be done when. If you have a PCR, maybe you can squeeze in another experiment, read a few papers, start writing the introduction to your thesis, or even start collecting the data you already have into figures.

The more good use you make of your time, the easier it’ll be to finish your PhD in the long run. Plus, it’s lovely to sit back and look at actual graphs, rather than worry about having enough to put into a paper. Once you’ve typed up your data, you’ll realise you’ve done far more than you had anticipated and the next step forward will be entirely more apparent.

5. Embrace change – don’t get bogged down in the details.

Felix Shaw – one of our bioinformatics researchers at EI – put it best when he said, “ it felt like I was running into brick walls all the way through [my PhD]… you’d run into a brick wall, surmount it, only to run straight into another. ”

You’ll find that, often, experiments don’t work. What might seem like a great idea could turn out to be as bad as choosing to bat first on a fresh wicket on the first day of the third Ashes test at Edgbaston. (Yeah, we don't know what that means either - Ed).

Resilience is key while completing your PhD. Be open to change and embrace the chance to experiment in different ways. You might even end up with a thesis chapter including all of your failures, which at the very least is something interesting to discuss during your  viva voce .

6. Learn how to build, and use, your network.

As a PhD student, you are a complete novice in the world of science and most things in the lab will be – if not new to you – not exquisitely familiar. This matters not, if you take advantage of the people around you.

Firstly, there are lab technicians and research assistants, who have probably been using the technique you are learning for years and years. They are incredibly experienced at a number of techniques and are often very happy to help show you how things are done.

There are postdocs and other PhD students, too. Not only can they help you with day-to-day experiments, they can offer a unique perspective on how something is done and will probably have a handy back-catalogue of fancy new techniques to try.

There are also a bunch of PIs, not limited to your own, who are great to talk to. These people run labs of their own, have different ideas, and might even give you a job once you’ve completed your PhD.

Don’t limit yourself to the labs directly around you, however. There are a massive number of science conferences going on all around the world. Some of them, such as the Society of Biology Conference, take place every year at a similar time in different locations, attracting many of the leaders in their respective fields.

If you are terrified by the prospect of speaking at a full-blown science conference and having your work questioned by genuine skeptics, there are also many student-led conferences which will help you dangle your fresh toes in the murky waters of presenting your work.

One such conference, the Second Student Bioinformatics Symposium, which took place at Earlham Institute in October 2016, was a great place for candidates to share their projects with peers, who are often much more friendly than veteran researchers with 30 year careers to their name when it comes to the questions at the end of your talk.

Another great reason to attend conferences, of course, is the social-side too – make the most of this. You never know who you might meet and connect with over a few drinks once the talks are over and the party commences.

7. Keep your options open.

You should be aware that for every 200 PhD students,  only 7  will get a permanent academic post , so it’s  incredibly unlikely that you’ll become a Professor  – and even if you make PI, it probably won’t be until your mid-forties.

You may also, despite having commenced along the academic path, decide that actually, working in a lab environment isn’t for you. Most PhD graduates, eventually, will not pursue an academic career, but move on to a wide range of other vocations.

It might be that Science Communication is more up your street. This was certainly the case for me – and I made sure that I took part in as many public engagement events as possible while completing my PhD. Most Universities have an active public engagement profile, while organisations such as STEM can provide you with ample opportunities to interact with schools and the general public.

You might also consider entrepreneurship as a route away from academia, which might still allow you to use your expert scientific knowledge. There are a variety of competitions and workshops available to those with a business mind, a strong example being Biotechnology YES.

I, for example, took part in the Thought for Food Challenge, through which I have been able to attend events around the world and meet a vast array of like-minded individuals. Many of the participants from the challenge have gone on to set up successful businesses and have even found jobs as a result of the competition.

8. Balance.

Remember that you still have a life outside of your PhD degree – and that this can be one of the greatest opportunities to make amazing friends from around the world.

A science institute is usually home to the brightest students from a variety of countries and can provide a chance to experience a delightful range of different people and cultures. Don’t just stick to the people in your lab, go to events for postgraduate students and meet people from all over campus.

There are usually academic happy hours happening on Fridays after work where you can buy cheap beer, or some lucky institutions even have their own bar. At Norwich Research Park, we not only have the Rec Centre, along with bar, swimming pool, calcetto, samba classes, archery, and a range of other activities, but there are also biweekly “Postdoc pub clubs” which are very fun to join on a Tuesday evening.

Maintain your hobbies and keep up with friends outside of your PhD and you’ll probably find it’s not that gruelling a process after all.

Plus, the people you meet and become friends with might be able to help you out – or at least be able to offer a sympathetic shoulder.

9. Practical advice.

If, after reading all of this, you’re still going to march forth and claim your doctorhood, then this section should be rather useful.

Firstly, make sure your data is backed up. It’s amazing how many people don’t do this and you’d be bonkers not to. Keep your work saved on a shared drive, so that if your computer decides to spontaneously combust upon pressing the return key, you won’t have lost all of your precious work – or have to go through every one of your lab books and type it all up again.

Secondly, don’t leave your bag in the pub with your half-written thesis in it. I did this, the bag was fine, I was in a state of terror for at least half an hour before the kind person at Weatherspoons located said bag.

Thirdly, read. Read broadly, read anything and everything that’s closely related to your project – or completely unrelated. It’s sometimes amazing where you might find a stroke of inspiration, a new technique you hadn’t thought of … or even in idea of where you might like to go next.

Finally, ask questions – all of the time. No matter how stupid it might sound in your head, everyone’s probably been asked it before, and if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

You’ll probably look far less stupid if you just ask the person standing next to you how the gradient PCR function works on your thermal cycler rather than standing there randomly prodding buttons and looking flustered, anyway.

10. Savour the positives.

At the end of all of this, it has to be said that doing a PhD is absolutely brilliant. There’s no other time in your life that you’ll be this free to pursue your very own project and work almost completely independently. By the time you come to the end of your PhD, you will be the leading expert in the world on something. A real expert! Until the next PhD student comes along …

Related reading.

A PhD, is it worth it? Just ask our students

The realities of doing a PhD

My advice for PhD students? See what bites

COVID and my PhD: to lockdown and back

How does a PhD work and how to find the right one

Building the confidence to take on a PhD

PhD life, 10 things we learned in our first six months

What’s the third year of a PhD like? Tips for navigating your PhD

PhD by experience

• Scientific Groups
• High-Performance Sequencing
• Single-cell and Spatial Analysis
• Tools and resources
• Events Calendar
• About our training
• Year in industry
• Internships and opportunities
• Immersive visitors
• Impact Stories
• Impact Through Policy Advocacy
• Public engagement and outreach
• Communications at EI

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• CAREER FEATURE
• 25 June 2024

How researchers navigate a PhD later in life

• Elizabeth Landau 0

Elizabeth Landau is a science writer based in Washington DC.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

On a roll: Krista Bresock celebrates in her local skate park after graduating with a PhD in mathematics from West Virginia University, Morgantown, aged 41. Credit: Michael Germana

Krista Bresock sat crying in her professor’s office. She had to discuss one of five questions with her professor, in person. It was the concluding step of her final exam in functional analysis, the last course that she needed to complete for her PhD in mathematics. He’d shuffled a set of five cards, and she’d picked Card Number Two — corresponding to the one problem that she had not fully studied.

Unlike her fellow students studying intractable maths problems, Bresock was in her late thirties redoing coursework that she had failed years earlier. As a full-time maths teacher at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, she could find time to study only during nights and weekends.

“Problem Number Two was just collateral damage to being able to maintain this life of work full-time and be in grad school full-time,” Bresock remembers. She “fell to her knees” in relief when, a week later, she learnt she’d still got an A- in the course.

Many think of doctoral degrees as the domain of people in their twenties. Yet according to the US National Science Foundation, 17% of people who gained a PhD in science or engineering in the United States in 2022, the most recent year for which figures are available, were aged 36 or older . In some countries, including Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, South Korea, Iceland, Greece and Israel, the median age for entering a doctoral programme is 32 or higher, according to 2017 data from the OECD in Paris 1 .

Resources for mid-career scientists

A PhD requires a vast commitment of time and energy, often lasting five or more years. Stipends, when available, are often lower than salaries for other full-time jobs or professions. What’s more, students might have to move to another city, or even a different country, to attend their chosen course. Although difficult for any age group, those constraints can create different challenges for prospective students in their thirties, forties and beyond than for their younger colleagues.

At the same time, age often brings wisdom and self-confidence, qualities that can help older students to cope with a strenuous academic life. “The extra ten years that I was out doing other things gave me a lot of perspective and maturity to the way in which I think and live, and I think that was a big reason why I’ve succeeded,” says Peter Swanton, a 36-year-old graduate student working towards a doctoral degree in astrophysics at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Motivation is key

For Bresock, a doctoral degree represented “unfinished business”. She had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction from the age of 16, but hit a dangerous low point in early 2013, when she was a graduate student at WVU the first time round. She dropped out and checked herself into an in-patient programme, but still drank heavily afterwards. With the support of friends, family and Alcoholics Anonymous, she became sober in July 2013.

Bresock then taught maths at WVU, first as an adjunct and then as a full-time instructor, but she didn’t forget her incomplete doctorate. Finally, at the age of 37, she re-enrolled. “This little voice was like, ‘You have more to say. You have more to do. You have this thing sitting on the back burner that is kind of eating away at you,’” she says.

Despite her drive to finish the degree, motivating herself was “really hard sometimes”, she says, “because if I didn’t finish, no one would care: I would just not finish and still have this job and be fine.” One of her top tips for others looking to pursue a doctorate in mid-life is to fully understand and reflect on their motivations. If the goal is “more money”, that might not be enough, she says.

Before returning to his studies, Swanton held a variety of jobs, including hauling sugar cane, working in nightclub security and tutoring in secondary schools. He has this advice for anyone who’s considering a doctorate: make sure you’re “doing it because you love it”. For him, that has meant finding ways to combine telescopic investigations of cosmic objects, such as active galactic nuclei, with preserving folklore about the cosmos from the Gamilaraay, the people of his Aboriginal culture.

Peter Swanton, a 36-year-old graduate student in cultural astronomy at the Australian National University in Canberra, says that his previous work experience has given him the maturity to cope with the strains of academic life. Credit: Lannon Harley/ANU

Swanton’s heritage influences both his academic interests and the way in which he wants to communicate them. For example, the Gamilaraay language was originally a purely oral one. So, rather than just writing “a big block of text” for his dissertation, Swanton says that he would like to include elders and community members telling their own stories, and to bridge their knowledge with the Western understanding of the universe.

“My success has come down to finding something I am passionate about, and not concerning myself with future employability, which was the focus of my earlier attempts at academia and ultimately the reason why I didn’t succeed” at the time, he says.

Finding mentors

María Teresa Martínez Trujillo arrived at the Paris Institute of Political Studies to embark on a graduate programme in political science at the age of 32. Having spent her whole life up to that point in Mexico, she felt isolated from her classmates because of linguistic and cultural barriers, in addition to being the oldest student in her cohort. Martínez Trujillo had already had a career in the Mexican government, including working as an adviser to the secretary of the interior, yet she felt “less brave” than younger students, and had many more questions about reading materials.

She also felt ashamed about her lack of fluency in French. Over time, with the help of a therapist, she learnt to be less judgemental of herself and to overcome her impostor syndrome. Classmates helped her to proofread some of her assignments and she focused on improving her language skills.

Cultural and linguistic barriers left María Teresa Martínez Trujillo feeling isolated from her peers when she arrived from Mexico, aged 32, to embark on a graduate programme at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. Credit: Hiram Romero

Martínez Trujillo’s advisers — Hélène Combes and Gilles Favarel-Garrigues — were key for her as she dived into reading and fieldwork on the relationship between drug trafficking and the business world in Morelia, Mexico, for her master’s project. “They let me go to the ‘forest’ and spend time and lose myself,” she says, adding that when she felt lost or stuck, her advisers helped her to find her way.

Time and money

Finances often pose a problem for graduate students who don’t already have savings and support, including those who have worked previously. Even with tuition covered, and a stipend to help towards living expenses, making ends meet can be challenging, especially for students who have other financial responsibilities, such as providing for family members or maintaining a home.

Martínez Trujillo received a stipend, but she spent almost all of it on rent and didn’t want to ask her family for money. She worked as a nanny, consulted for a Mexican think tank and spent summers working in Mexico on friends’ projects. “I’d never have free days,” she says.

Bresock wishes she could have spent more time away from both work and studies. “I did a terrible job of that. Make sure you make time for yourself. That dissertation will still be there, if you go take a walk, or if you go swim or whatever, for an hour out of your life.”

Training: Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing

Like Bresock, Marc Gentile kept a full-time job while doing his PhD in astrophysics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne in his mid-to-late-fortiess. He needed to earn enough to support both himself and his wife, and to address other financial responsibilities.

“The top advice would be establishing effective work and study habits right from the start,” he says. “In my case, time was the most precious resource, and I had to be very well organized to make the most of it.”

Gentile would work on his doctoral assignments from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. each weekday, before leaving for his day job. He would then read articles while commuting by train, and tackle more PhD tasks or further reading in the evenings. “I was told that I was, on average, more productive and better organized than most other, younger students, because you develop such skills when you work professionally,” he said.

Family matters

When Wendy Bohon walked across the stage to receive her doctorate in geology, she was nearly 38 years old and pregnant with twins. She wound up at Arizona State University in Tempe after beginning her career as an actor, and then becoming fascinated with earthquakes after one shook her apartment in 1999.

For her dissertation, Bohon conducted fieldwork in India on two large fault systems, focusing on how fast they had been moving, their intersections and their frequency of earthquakes — as well as the growth of mountains around them — over the past 34 million years. Today, she heads the Seismic Hazards and Earthquake Engineering branch of the California Geological Survey in Sacramento.

Wendy Bohon was nearly 38, and pregnant with twins, when she graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe with a PhD in geology. Credit: Linda Bohon

As a student, her desire to expand her family had put her in a different life stage from younger peers. She had met her husband, who already had a young daughter, while in her graduate programme. And whereas her classmates had wanted to avoid pregnancy, she had struggled to conceive. “That emotional disconnect and the difference in their reality and my reality — it was really tough,” she says. Ultimately, she and her husband chose to try the intensive process of in vitro fertilization, which Bohon mostly kept secret. At the same time, she was helping to co-parent her husband’s daughter, and the couple were given full custody of the girl when she was seven.

Bohon coped with parenting and finishing graduate school with the help of “a built-in village of people around who could step in to help us”. Other graduate students would play the card game UNO with the girl, or colour pictures with her. And Bohon’s mentor, along with the mentor’s husband, became the child’s godparents.

“In a lot of ways, it was easier to parent during my PhD, because my schedule was relatively flexible, so I could stay home with her when she was sick, or attend school functions,” Bohon says. What’s more, she adds, “having a kiddo that needed me helped me to set and keep healthier boundaries than I think I would have otherwise”.

Charlotte Olsen, a postdoctoral researcher in astrophysics at the New York City College of Technology, earned a PhD at the age of 42 and now investigates the factors that influence star formation and galaxy evolution. Olsen says that working on her doctorate presented challenges for her marriage. “I’m not gonna lie: grad school is really rough on a relationship,” she says — adding that, especially at the beginning, “it’s an incredibly stressful time”.

Among the responsibilities that older students might have is taking care of ageing parents. Olsen recalls that during her qualifying exams, she hadn’t heard from her mother, who was 76 years old at the time, for a while. She assumed that her mother wanted to give her space during that stressful time. Later, she found out that her mother’s appendix had ruptured, necessitating surgery and a stay in a hospital’s intensive-care unit.

Through it all, Olsen’s spouse was an invaluable source of emotional support. “Having somebody who is there with you along the way” helps a lot, she says.

What happens next?

Not everyone who gets a PhD stays in their field. Gentile, now 60, works as a data scientist for a Swiss television station. He had a postdoctoral research position for five years after graduation — but for several reasons, including financial ones, he could not find an academic job afterwards. “If I had really wanted to continue in astrophysics, then I would have had to move abroad; it’s difficult now,” he says.

Still, Gentile found the PhD experience rewarding and worthwhile. As well as acquiring problem-solving techniques, he learnt coding and data-science skills, such as machine learning and statistical methods. And he has used all of these in subsequent jobs, including his current one.

His graduate work also remains relevant. Some of the algorithms and software that he worked on during his PhD helped to inform the tools that scientists will use to analyse data from the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory, which aims to explore dark energy and dark matter.

Bresock received a promotion at West Virginia University after earning her PhD in maths in December 2022, aged 41. Her dissertation examined how students understand the definite integral, a fundamental concept in calculus, when solving different kinds of problem.

Today, she has greater empathy for her own students because of her own struggles as a graduate student. Finishing her doctorate remains one of her most satisfying accomplishments, she says. “When people ask me what’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life, it’s: get sober, and then, finish my PhD. That’s a close second.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-02109-x

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Education at a Glance 2019: OECD Indicators (OECD, 2019).

Download references

Related Articles

• Research management

How to network with the brightest minds in science

Career Feature 26 JUN 24

What it means to be a successful male academic

Career Column 26 JUN 24

Is science’s dominant funding model broken?

Editorial 26 JUN 24

The strategy behind one of the most successful labs in the world

Comment 26 JUN 24

How I’m using AI tools to help universities maximize research impacts

World View 26 JUN 24

Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine Seeking High-level Talents

Full Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor

Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine (ISM)

Faculty Positions in Westlake University

Founded in 2018, Westlake University is a new type of non-profit research-oriented university in Hangzhou, China, supported by public a...

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Westlake University

2024-2025 Westlake Fellowship Applications Open

A Quick Career Path from Fresh PhD to Faculty

Hangzhou, Zhejiang (CN)

Technician - Senior Research Technician in Patient-Derived Tumour Organoids for Drug Resistance ERC

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: July 26th, 2024 Join the Forefront of Cancer Research: Become a Research Technician / Senior Research Technician in Pati...

Human Technopole

Director, Office of Cancer Centers

Director, Office of Cancer Centers Office of the Director National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Se...

Bethesda, Maryland (US)

National Cancer Institute - OD

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

• How to Prepare for and Start a PhD

How to Prepare for a PhD

Written by Chris Banyard

What to expect in this guide

Embarking on a PhD journey can be both exciting and daunting. To make your research journey smoother, consider the following tips that not only encourage professional growth but also ensure a valuable learning experience:

• Build a strong bond with your supervisor and colleagues in your research department or lab group to help in getting guidance, support and encouraging a healthy exchange of ideas.
• Plan your research so you stay organised and focused throughout your PhD journey.
• Start writing early as then you’ll have time for revisions and improvements, ensuring a polished final output.
• Embrace mistakes and be ready to learn from them and improve yourself.

A doctoral degree is very different from any other form of education. So, it can be unclear what the best practices are for preparing for and starting a PhD. This guide to PhD preperation explains how you can get your project off the ground!

#1 Build relationships

Developing effective working relationships with several key people is an important part of your PhD preperation.

The most significant professional relationship that you will develop through a PhD is with your supervisor . They will:

• Assist you in your doctoral research
• Help coordinate your PhD study
• Provide advice
• Give constructive feedback on your work (most significantly on the final thesis)

However, the exact role and responsibilities your supervisor will actually perform depends on the nature of the research discipline, the university and both you and your supervisor’s working style and personalities.

Therefore, it is very important to develop an effective working relationship with your supervisor. Communication , especially early on as part of your PhD preparation, is critical in achieving this.

There are also some other key relationships that should be developed. These may be with the secondary supervisors, fellow PhD students, other research staff, and support staff.

Getting involved with your department / lab group

Most research departments and lab groups will hold regular meetings , and it's helpful to get involved in these at the start of a PhD. Your department will probably hold research seminars - these are another chance to show an interest and get involved with other members of the university. There are likely to be plenty of other organised events, too.

In addition to being useful sources of information and guidance, the other members of your department or lab group may become your friends. Establishing professional and social relationships with them will be helpful over the course of your PhD.

What if I don’t get on with my supervisor?

If, for any reason, you feel that your relationship with your supervisor is counter-productive, there are several things that can be done.

Firstly, the problem with many student-supervisor relationships is a lack of communication . An honest and open discussion about your problems can help build effective relationships.

If the problem is with the supervisor’s working style, such as being absent or overbearing , communication could help fix this, too. There will also be additional support staff to help you.

If you still have problems, you should get in touch with your secondary supervisor and / or other staff members to fix the problem. If the relationship is irreparable, it can be possible to change supervisors with direction from your university.

Supervisor relationships

To develop an effective relationship with your supervisor, it’s important to understand what to expect from each other. You can find more about this in our guide to PhD supervisor expectations .

#2 Plan your research

When starting a PhD, or as preparation beforehand, it will be helpful to plan your research.

This means expanding upon the research proposal , if you have written one, or researching more of the proposed project. It is valuable to become more knowledgeable about the research field, even before you start the PhD research.

Because a PhD is an independent research project, you will be responsible for the planning and management throughout. This planning includes setting SMART (specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, time-bound) aims and objectives.

What if my research focus has changed?

It is unlikely that the plans you make for your research will remain the same throughout your PhD. Encountering problems or new developments will change the focus or direction of the research. However, effective planning is still an important stage of the early PhD.

#3 Find a suitable working environment

In order to be successful in your PhD, it is helpful to find and prepare a suitable working environment. Everything should be set up to make it easier to focus on the PhD.

This includes:

• Living within reasonable distance of the research institution you are studying at
• Finding suitable working spaces such as a clean and organised office area free of distractions, or something similar
• Having the tools to complete the research, such as a computer, access to library etc.

This may be more relevant if you are settling into a new city or country for your PhD. The earlier that you can settle in, the better.

Studying your PhD abroad

There can be additional challenges to starting a PhD in a different country . Our guide provides lots of useful information.

This is also important for maintaining your wellbeing and mental health . Establishing a suitable working environment, with access to any support you need, will be a significant advantage.

#4 Complete your induction

Upon starting your PhD, you will usually go through some form of induction. This will be carried out by your university, a specific department, and / or your supervisor.

The induction should provide you with some information regarding:

• health and safety
• rules and regulations (of both the university and PhD programme)
• organisation of meetings / seminars

During the PhD induction, you could be asked to complete a skills audit such as the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) . This is a way of identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and finding ways to improve your skills throughout your doctorate. This will be started at the beginning of your studies, and will require regular updates throughout your PhD journey.

You may also be introduced to university or departmental student societies and invited to social events.

However, an induction will not provide you with all the training and skills you need to complete your PhD. Because doctoral research is self-taught study, you will be responsible for staying up-to-date with all your training and development needs.

#5 Start to write

To prepare for your PhD, you should consider writing early on in your research. It may even be possible to start before you commence your PhD.

Some of the first work you will be required to complete is a literature review and the MPhil upgrade . For each, you will need to submit some form of written work. The earlier that this is started and completed, the greater the benefit will be to the rest of your PhD. Some of this written work may even form part of your final thesis.

#6 Conduct research and collect results early

Although most of your research and results will typically be generated in your second and third years of PhD study, it can be extremely beneficial to start your research early on in your PhD.

Effective planning and management can allow you to achieve many of your results and work in the early stages of research.

This will also develop constructive working practice and habits for later on in your PhD.

What if my early research is poor / doesn’t work?

Any research performed early that ends up being of lower quality or importance will not be in vain. This work will provide valuable experience of research techniques and inform you of avenues that do not work. These negative results may still form part of your final thesis.

Doing a PhD

For more advice and guidance on the journey of doctoral research, check out our Doing a PhD guides . You can also search through over 5,000 PhD projects and programmes on FindAPhD .

Want More Updates & Advice?

What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

Is your supervisor moving universities? Or have you discovered another doctoral programme that better suits your goals? In this guide we take a look at how you can transfer a PhD to another university.

Ever wondered how hard is a PhD? Our guide can help you learn the level of a PhD compared to Masters study, what hurdles make a PhD hard, and why they occur.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Should I do a PhD? 4 things I wish I knew before starting my PhD

Editor’s Note: This post is by Alon Loeffler, co-founder of Find My Pathway, who is completing a PhD in Physics at The University of Sydney after an undergraduate degree and honours in Psychology .

So you’ve finally finished 3-5 years of an undergraduate degree . Maybe an honours year too. Perhaps you’ve even taken a year off to travel and find yourself.

What now? Should you take on another 3-5 years of study, and take on the daunting task of doing a PhD?

Here are 4 things I wish I knew before ultimately making the decision to pursue my PhD.

“A night out with PhD colleagues at a bar, you might meet the next Nobel prize winner”

1. A PhD will give you so much more than just a career pathway

During my first year as a PhD student, I learned a lot about my new field. Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology were not areas I had much experience in from a Psychology background. Pursuing a PhD in the school of Physics opened me up to a huge range of new topics, technologies and people, which I never would have been exposed to previously. Choosing to move cities from Melbourne to Sydney to undertake my studies also impacted my life drastically: a new house, new friends, and new experiences.

I learned more about myself in the past year than I did in the entirety of my undergraduate degree. Before my PhD, I never thought I could gain complex skills and adapt to a new discipline so quickly. I had to throw myself into uncomfortable, sometimes awkward social and professional situations. From all of this, I came out a better person – and much closer to the  real  me than I was before.

So many people I know opt to travel to find themselves, which is great. But for me, one year of a PhD did more than a lifetime of travel ever could (although travel is also a huge part of a PhD).

Pursuing a PhD will help you understand your limitations, both good and bad. You will learn how much better at learning new things you are than you believe, and you will face and overcome challenges that you didn’t even think possible. You will hone cutting-edge skills while meeting incredible people who have powerful, and deep-reaching connections.

At a night out with friends at a bar before your PhD, you might meet some fun, interesting people. But at a night out with PhD colleagues at a bar, you might meet the next Nobel prize winner .

How will a PhD help you in your career?

Visualise your career pathway and get personalised career guidance, opportunities and insights.

2. There are many different paths into a PhD

I’ve been asked many times about the requirements for pursuing a Doctorate degree. Are there qualifying exams for a PhD? Do you need to complete a masters degree to start a PhD? Can I do a PhD while working full time?

The answers to all of these questions will depend on which institution you apply to, and your personal circumstances. In Australia, there are no qualifying exams for PhD degrees. Having a masters degree might help you receive a scholarship for your PhD, but is not necessarily a requirement. Many Doctoral programs in Australia only require a year of honours as part of your undergraduate studies.

However, there are many exceptions to this as well. Most universities should allow you to start a Masters degree, and then switch to a PhD after one year. If you’re working full-time or part-time you can also pursue a PhD on a part-time basis, where the workload is much more manageable, but the duration of the program is increased. You might also be able to undertake an industry PhD program, where your company partners with a university to sponsor your doctoral candidature.

Interested in finding your pathway into a PhD? Take a look at the  Pathways  page and select your field.

3. What you plan to do is not always as great as what you accidentally do

Before you even start your PhD, you will be required to write plans about what your research will cover. Planning is a crucial component of completing a PhD within the time you are allocated. Without to-do lists, or general ideas about what you will be working, or search for during your doctorate, you will certainly be lost.

I use a really great note-taking and to-do list app called Typora  which offers a markdown editor with support for LaTeX styling.

Plans and to-do lists will help you keep track of your goals and research. But things don’t always go according to plan. There will be times where you get sidetracked and go off on a reading tangent about topics that seem unrelated; or situations where an unexpected result might push your research in a completely unexpected way.

When these serendipitous events occur, don’t be afraid to chuck out your plans and follow the unexpected. Some of the most important inventions to date happened completely by accident, many times during research on a completely separate topic (Penicillin, microwave ovens and Cornflakes are a few examples of this).

However, abandoning all your plans and pursuing an entirely accidental discovery could also be very costly. Plans can and should be broken when it is important to do so, but new plans should take their place, and help shape the altered course of your research as soon as possible. Make sure you meet regularly with your supervisor to track and update your plans, so that when something accidental and lucky does happen, you will feel comfortable enough to test it without losing all your hard work.

4. Everyone feels like they are inadequate sometimes

Imposter syndrome – my old friend. Imposter syndrome is the niggling feeling in your mind that you just can’t seem to get rid of, like an itch at the back of your throat. It’s a sensation of dissatisfaction and inadequacy in everything you do.

Imposter syndrome can be the hardest part of a PhD.

Sometimes you try and read a research paper, or a book, and the words all seem to blur together, none of it sinking in. Other times you might accidentally delete important data, or have a conversation with another student or professor who seems to know  so much more . You might feel like you will never be as good as that person, or that you are so far out of your depth and you’ve forgotten how to swim.

On the brighter side, imposter syndrome is incredibly common, and not just in PhD students, but even CEOs of major companies.

It took me over a year to realise this and come to terms with this feeling. I wish I had known to expect it before starting my PhD, and how to deal with it.

How do you deal with this feeling?

A lot of practice. Determination. Hard-word and self-kindness.

It doesn’t matter if your experiment didn’t work the first time, or if a guest speaker seems so much more knowledgeable than you. I guarantee two things: 1) They too have felt this way once, or still feel this way, and 2) You will one day be looked at by other people in the same light – an expert in your field.

Be kind to yourself. Believe in your process. Open up to your friends and supervisors regularly, and work to fix what you don’t like. If you do these things, imposter syndrome will become the easiest part of your PhD, and that means you’re in a really good place!

Did you find this blog post interesting?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

© 2020 Find My Pathway. All Rights Reserved

Copy Link to Clipboard

What you need to know before starting a PhD: A checklist

You've decided you want to do a PhD – Fantastic! However, before you begin there are several things you should consider to improve your experience. In this short blog, Dr. Aaron Elbourne outlines things you should consider and/or check before you begin (in no particular order).

Are you planning to do your PhD full time? If you don't have funding: stop now, do not proceed! You shouldn’t be working full time for free for what will be many years of your life. You should ultimately be seeking a PhD scholarship, stipend, or living allowance (unless you have other means of financial support). Make sure that the monetary value allows you to live, including paying rent, food, other essentials and some leftover for leisure activities.

2. Supervisor vetting!

More than anything else, your supervisor will make or break your PhD. You should be looking for a supportive supervisor, who has time for you and your project, and is interested in your development as a young researcher.

How to check this:

1. Speak with them and gauge their demeanour.

2. Speak with previous students that are no longer in the group - check publications for names of people to contact, and do so. Basically, ask for references.

3. Visit with the group (if you can) and observe the group culture. Is it supportive or toxic?

4. Speak with current students and find out what sort of supervision style the supervisor has and if this will work for you.  

In a follow-up blog I will outline this process in more (excruciating) detail. I cannot stress enough how detrimental a bad supervisor-student relationship will be for your career, PhD, and general well-being. Watch this space.

3. Your research topic

Are you excited about the project? Is it in an area that interests you? Can’t wait to get started? If yes, then that’s a great start. If you aren't, then you might find yourself struggling to finish. Motivations will always fluctuate during a PhD (and most people are thoroughly fed up with their thesis topic by the end), but disinterest will last and make life difficult.

4. Institution

Is the university ranked well? It doesn't have to be a huge or top-ranked university (not everyone needs to attend Harvard), but the university/institute needs to be appropriately well-funded and resourced for your research, this may include instruments, infrastructure, amenities among other things. If the research group is functioning well and the resources are available, then you will be fine. However, it's best to know this before staring.

5. Peer network

What is the larger group or faculty like?  Does your supervisor have a group, or will you be the only student? If you are, are there other students in the faculty or department? Like your supervisor, your peers can have a huge effect on how you get through your PhD. Having a supportive network of PhD students and early career researchers to work with will be a huge help with your studies.

6. Do you have an exit plan?

What are you going to do once you finish? You may see yourself pursuing an academic career and becoming a professor. But as we covered in the last blog, that’s unlikely. You might even decide not to finish your PhD; plenty of people who started their PhD with every intention of completing it make this decision for a range of reasons, so don’t assume that this won’t be you. In any case, you should have at least an idea of what you want to do once you either finish or leave your PhD.

7. Location

If you are moving cities or countries make sure that you can 1) Easily travel to the country of study (check visas / travel restrictions) and 2) can you afford to live in the city of study i.e. major cities can be far more expensive to live in than more regional university locations.

8. Main take-away

Conducting a PhD is a large investment of time, effort, and brain power. Think about these things before starting, and don't jump in prematurely.

Note: This is advice from someone who started a PhD without any thought because it was on offer! I had no plan, and in retrospect should have thought about several of these point for longer (or at all).

If there’s anything that you’d like to see covered in the blog - let us know! Fill in our enquiry form , send us an email or hit us up on Twitter or LinkedIn!

A letter to struggling PhD students

The academic job market - how bad is it really.

• PhD Stories

14 Things you need to know when starting a PhD

• Posted by by Kristin The PhD
• 30. September 2019
• 7 minute read

You will never get it all right. Still, there are some things you should know when starting your PhD. This list will help you getting as much right as you possibly can. Welcome to the circus!

1. Doing a PhD is tough.

In many fields, doing a PhD will take you a long, long time – most likely anywhere between 3 and 7 years. In this time, you will accumulate a good few bathtubs of blood, sweat, and tears. Doing a PhD is a serious commitment. Check-in with yourself is you are ready for a rough adventure.

If you are, there are many great things ahead: Amazing people to meet, your own scientific discoveries, and a title at the end. Still, be prepared to spend a large portion of your time being frustrated, because nothing ever works as planned.

To get through your PhD, you will need to face a lot of bullshit and frustration. The good news: Once you are done, you will have nerves of steel and nothing in this world will be able to stop you any longer.

2. It’s normal to feel stupid.

All PhD candidates hear a voice inside of their heads telling them they are stupid, incompetent, and not worthy of their position. Some feel like they got their position out of sheer luck, and that they are only days away from everyone figuring out. Ironically, as a PhD student, it is normal to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing.

Once this self-doubt starts raising its voice, it might never go silent again. That’s okay. So many academics are struggling with the feeling of not being smart, competent, and productive enough, that we even have a word for this: Impostor Syndrome. Welcome the voice in and choose to ignore it. Let your unwanted houseguest have a cup of coffee while you work at getting better.

3. Nobody expects you to be an expert on your first day.

As a rule of thumb, you are granted at least the first half year of your PhD to catch up. When starting a PhD, read up on with literature about your topic, understand your experimental/analytical methods, and fill in any other gaps you might find while starting out. Read papers, go to a conference, ask your colleagues and supervisors about everything that is unclear to you. If they see that you are making an effort, they will be patient and understanding. However, really DO use that time to get up to speed. After the first half year, you will be expected to know what you are doing.

4. You might be expected to work on weekends.

Some (though not all!) supervisors expect PhD students to work overtime, in some cases even during weekends. The best you can do to figure out if that would apply to you, is to talk to your colleagues before starting . What is their typical workday? Is weekend work required/expected/a personal choice? Make sure you know what to you are getting yourself into.

In most cases, you will not have to work crazy hours and weekends if your supervisors are content with your output. If long hours and/or weekend work is the norm in your lab, set clear boundaries for yourself. How long is it really okay for you to stay on a long day? How often can you really afford to come to work on a weekend? To be a good researcher, you will need time off the job to recharge, get inspired, and to keep connected to your friends and family. Taking time for yourself outside of work is not a sign of laziness – it’s a must to stay sane in this business.

5. You will go from prodigy to disgrace and back countless times.

When you start, you never screwed up an experiment, you never asked a weird question, and your professor will congratulate themselves for the great new hire. You’re the new Golden Student!

Enjoy it while it lasts. At some point – no matter how hard you try to please – your professor will be annoyed with you. Maybe you forgot to cite a paper, came late to a seminar, or were simply the first person they saw after receiving bad news. You are suddenly cut off your professor’s affection.

It’s going to hurt – but also, it’s going to pass. Things will go back to normal almost always on their own – with the next batch of results or the next department mood swing.

6. You are responsible for your own growth.

While your supervisor should be your mentor and guiding light, this may not always be the case, for many possible reasons. Do not expect your supervisor to seek out new opportunities for you. If they do – great! If they don’t, make sure that you always have your own back .

Look for university courses or graduate school workshops that teach skills you want to get better at. For specific problems, don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues. Find conferences that interest you. Convince your collaborators that it is time to write a paper.

Be prepared to be your own mentor for a large part of the way. This can be hard – learn more on how to own your growth in this article .

7. Write EVERYTHING down.

When starting a PhD, also start a personal notebook in which you collect everything project-related, even if you don’t know what it means yet. From organisational to-dos, manuals of the new analytics software, to your personal ideas about the project and anything your professor mentions. This notebook will save your ass over and over again in the future.

8. Make your meetings count.

Meetings will be the backbone of your research. Whether it’s your supervisor stopping by the lab or strategy brainstorming with your professor, meetings will pave the way.

Especially in the beginning of your PhD, talking with your supervisors may be intimidating. You will not understand everything that is being said, and that’s okay. When it comes to meetings, make sure to:

• Make notes.
• Ask all of your questions.
• Find out exactly what is expected of you.
• Find out who can help you with these tasks.
• Thank everyone for their time when the meeting is over.
• Summarize all agreed points in an email to everyone involved.

The last point is crucial, because supervisors tend to have horrible memory. Write a recap email for every important meeting. Get the discussed milestones and strategies written down and shared. This will avoid misunderstandings and save you a lot of future headache.

9. Make the important people your friends.

Yes, your professor and supervisors are important. However, the really important people are the members of the non-scientific staff.

Secretaries, technicians, and librarians make the world go round in every university or institution. Still, their work is rarely appreciated. BE NICE TO THEM! Introduce yourself. Say hello when you see them. Smile. Say please and thank you.

From quick help with any technical problems to a secretary check-in about your professor’s mood – building a good relationship with the staff will make your PhD life much easier.

10. A community will help you through the toughest times.

We are human beings, and as such we have an obsession with feeling horrible about ourselves. For your PhD, the best remedy for this is to be an active part of a community. A good PhD community is a group of PhDs and/or Post-Docs that you feel safe with and that you admire. By talking with them, you will see that everyone has their pitfalls and learn how you can deal with your own. 

Your community may simply be your colleagues at work. Other communities may be local PhD associations, Meetup groups, or research schools. Nothing in sight? Talk to PhD students that are working close-by and join their lunch breaks. Becoming a member of a supportive circle will help you get through the tougher times.

11. Outside friends are gold.

Make an effort to find and maintain friends outside of work. In frustrating times, these people will be your little islands of happiness – because they will be able to get your mind off your anxiety-inducing PhD project for a little while.

If you are new in town, join a sports class, a book club, or a brunch Meetup. Do whatever you enjoy that will get you to hang out with people outside of your work bubble.

12. There is mental help if you need it.

There will come a time in your PhD when things won’t go well. If this affects you psychologically, find support before you are too far down the hole to reach out.

Sit down today, as you have a clear head and are optimistic, and make a list of where you can get help if needed. Think of it as an emergency list. Who could you turn to if you are treated disrespectfully? If you are discriminated against? Where do you ask for help if you feel depressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed? Who is there if you are on the verge of burn-out?

For any of the above, there is somebody in charge at your institution that will hear you out in a private session. Possible allies could be the student union, PhD representatives, equal opportunities officers, and scientific counsellors. Many universities offer free psychological counselling. Make a list of names and email addresses now. Your future self will thank you.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think about reaching out for help, stop thinking and simply go. Don’t wait to reach out until it’s too late.

13. You can always quit.

When bad comes to worse, quitting is an option.

This is not to say that you should leave your PhD at the slightest problem coming up. Keep struggling through your challenges, but always know that you are not trapped in this job. You have the option of leaving if you don’t want to go on. There is no shame in doing that. You are in control. Keep this in mind and it will be easier for you to deal with difficult situations.

14. Starting a PhD: A few practical musts.

Backup your data. Be honest to your supervisor. Express any scientific concerns. Always ask questions. Don’t be shy to ask for help. Have an organisation system. Take any chance to present and discuss your science.

And, most importantly: Allow yourself to make mistakes.

If you find this list helpful, share it with someone that is just starting out with their PhD.

What are things that you wish you would have known when you started your PhD? Which things surprised you most? What did you learn along the way? Let us know in the comments below!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Articles

• Mental Health

How I took time out of my PhD to recover

• Posted by by Leafgrabbing

• Opportunities

Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship: How to apply and what to expect

• Posted by by Mónica Fernández Barcia

“We need to talk!”

• Posted by by TalesOfPhDs

Privacy Overview

Nine things to know before doing a PhD

Having ‘dr’ in front of your name is not a reason for doing a phd. instead consider these nine tips before embarking on a phd .

Subhas Yadav

Doing a PhD is the peak of one’s formal academic training. However, there are a number of career paths that you can follow before getting a PhD and it is not vital to have one to have a successful career.

Undertaking a PhD is a time-consuming and tiring process, and there are many different opinions on the need for doing a PhD – not all of them positive. However, a PhD remains a benchmark in the arena of higher education, it decides the quality, ranking, and evolution of the academic disciplines. There are still a high number of bright aspirants for the very few competitive PhD positions available at university departments. 

Join the THE Student community and unlock free benefits

Here are nine things to consider before doing a PhD.

Do you really need it?

In disciplines like technology you do not need to have a PhD to become the best. Since this is a practice-based industry, you can gain the relevant skills while working in the field. 

But in the case of non-science subjects, it can often help to continue in academia because that is where the ideas are generated, through debate, discussions, reading, writing, conferences, seminars etc. For example, a PhD in humanities hones the skills of reading, writing and teaching, something which is not always possible in the workplace. 

Research your area of interest

Once you have decided to jump aboard the PhD boat, research your area of interest, go through the websites of different departments at different universities, read the faculty profiles, past and current PhD students’ profiles and their publications.

Also, try to talk to those who are doing their PhD in a related department, email them or use the networking sites like ResearchGate or Academia to get in touch. That may help you in making the right decision.

PhD diary: Where do I begin? Looking for PhD tips? Why not check Twitter How to do a PhD on a budget 8 habits to help you get through your PhD

Project-based PhD v open PhD

Many research groups, mostly at European universities, call for PhD applications in their working topics and generally fund all the accepted candidates. 

However, generally you can choose any topic of your interest after getting into a PhD or even during the application itself.

Choosing a supervisor

A good supervisor during your PhD is crucial. You will need them to guide you in the right direction academically, as well as be there to help with any other issues you may have.

Look up a prospective supervisor’s academic profile, publications and past supervisor experiences. If possible, get in touch with their old students and talk to them about your decision to work with that teacher.

You don’t necessarily need a famed scholar – who may not give you enough time and attention – so choose wisely.

Should you choose an interdisciplinary topic?

There is a lot of freedom in choosing your PhD topic and it can end up becoming very specialised, but try to think about the employability factor as well.

This is especially true for the humanities, where a highly selective or niche PhD topic may not fit into mainstream academia or may have less scope for gaining an academic position after you have finished. Some courses might have a tough time financing their departments, getting funding and placing the students.

However, sometimes the skills learned in the undergraduate courses come in handy. Many people working in media studies and digital humanities have a background in engineering, technology, or other science subjects.

Be a reader

A PhD aims to create an independent and keen scholar, and for that it requires someone who can sustain wider reading. So read whatever you can get your hands on, and get yourself updated with every change in your area or particular topic.

Remember that a PhD is a leap forward in terms of reading and writing skills. Be ready for it and push the bar as much as possible, as you will be doing much of the work on your own. 

Finding the work-life balance of a PhD What to do if you find yourself on Planet PhD Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student? PhD diary: Preparing for a PhD

Academic life and networking

The negativity around such rigorous academic pursuit can often lead to negative opinions.

However, when you see it from the inside, you will see there are many positive aspects. Attending conferences, seminars and workshops in different cities or countries can be a rewarding experience.

So network with colleagues, researchers and academics, and develop your networking to balance the inherent solitude of research life. It will further help in finding funding and possible jobs in the future.

Passion and commitment

It is important to be passionate about your subject. It does not mean that you need to enjoy the pain, but you should be able to see the silver lining that lies ahead.

Don’t just do a PhD to add “Dr” before your name or for any kind of recognition. The main reason to do a PhD is to study a topic in-depth.

Start by honing in on a thesis based on your passion and the rest will follow.

Take a gap year but don’t let it run on

Many take teaching jobs or work experience before doing a PhD, so they may take study leave to finish their thesis and go back to work again. Sometimes, work experience helps you to figure out your next steps.

Many don’t feel satisfied with the academic training they have, so they embark on a PhD to fill that void and enhance their career prospects.

However, do not wait too long before starting your PhD if you want to be in academia. It will really hinder your career enhancement. Better to target finishing your PhD first and then venture into teaching.

Read more:  What is a PhD? Advice for PhD students

Register free and enjoy extra benefits

Ecologist and environmental social scientist

• Funders and Collaborators

Five tips for starting (and continuing) a PhD

On 4th September 2020

In Advice for other students

Lots of the specific stuff you learn as a PhD student, as well as general approaches to your work, begins with informal advice rather than formal training. I’ve received lots of advice from others during my PhD, since the very early stages of my project. This has helped me both build a PhD project that I’m happy with, and actually enjoy my life while I do my PhD (the two, of course, being closely but not entirely linked!). As it’s the start of the academic year I want to share a few of my own tips along those lines, to help get your PhD off to a good start, and keep it on a trajectory you’re happy with:

1. Keep notes on everything you read

My PhD, like many, kicked off with lots of reading of textbooks and academic papers. My reading has ebbed and flowed, but not really stopped, since then. Reading is a big thing during your PhD. It’s useful to keep track of what you’ve been reading because you won’t remember all of it, but you will want to come back to a lot of it.

My system for keeping notes on my reading is highly unsophisticated, but it works: I have (currently) three Word Documents, called Reading_[insert year here] stored on Dropbox so I can access them anywhere. I’ve got a separate one for each year of my PhD because 1) each document is a bit more manageable than one scary enormous one, and 2) I find it surprisingly easy to remember when-ish I was reading different stuff because my reading has gone through some quite distinct phases (e.g. more stuff relevant to study design early on, more stuff about analysis later) so it seemed like a reasonable and simple way to organise my notes.

The  notes I make on what I read vary a lot: at my laziest, I just copy and paste the paper title, first author and abstract into the doc, and I’m done. If I’m feeling enthusiastic, I make more extensive notes on the paper and my thoughts on it, or copy specific sections that are especially interesting or relevant to my work. I make sure that each paper title or reference is formatted as a heading so that I can scan through the document easily, and create a contents page for each document.  Now, if I want to find a specific paper or read publications on a particular theme, I can Ctrl+F to find key words in my Reading documents.

2. Read a couple of theses

I’m going to disagree with tip #2 in Five Tips for Starting Your PhD Out Right and say you don’t need to read them cover to cover – I don’t think this is necessary in the early stages in your project, unless you really want to do so, or if you feel that every chapter is highly relevant to your own PhD. But I do think it’s helpful to flick through and see different thesis structures (trends in how to structure a thesis evolve over time, and also vary by subject area, so look at recent graduates in your field for ideas of what’s likely to be appropriate for you).

Theses might also contain some specific content that you didn’t realise you’ll need to add to your own thesis (such as more detailed methodology than you usually see in a published paper) or useful references if the PhD is closely related to your own work. I think it works well to look through the theses of recent graduates in your research group, your supervisor, or others working on similar stuff to you. But you can also search for theses online, for example by using EThOS .

3. Start a Word document called “Thesis”

You can use other people’s theses (see previous tip) as a guide to add appropriate headings and subheadings to this document which will act as your own thesis structure / outline. Okay, I did this in third year, not first year, but I reckon it would have been helpful to start this earlier. Since I started this document, I’ve made good progress on actually organising my thoughts and even writing a few things down. And if you’ve got this document ready from early on in your project, you can populate it with notes and ideas whenever they occur to you at any point during your PhD.

Recently, I’ve been going through my Reading documents (remember tip #1) page by page and copying across notes from papers that I have read (and often forgotten about) into the appropriate sections of my Thesis document. It’s surprising how quickly my rough structure has been populated with ideas and material for literature review and synthesis, and how this has helped me link different ideas together i.e. stuff I read in first year and forgot about, with stuff I’ve been reading recently, with stuff that’s coming out of my own analysis. Actually, now that it’s getting quite full, I’ve split my Thesis doc up so that I’m just working with one document per empirical chapter. In first year, a simple thesis structure in a single document is a good place to start.

4. Think about how to make the flexibility of your PhD (and your control over it) work best for you

This one’s quite big-picture, and I’m kind of cheating the list-of-five by squeezing several tips into one. But I think that the general principle of this tip is important, and can be interpreted in different ways to suit different people: PhDs are often inherently flexible, in how you set your daily, weekly and monthly schedule, and I think that you should make the most of that.

The nature of your PhD flexibility and your control over it depend on the details of your project, how you’re going to be working with your supervisors and institution. But there are usually opportunities for flexibility, even if you have to be in the lab most days. PhD-life-flexibility can be exploited for your professional or personal development, to maximise your productivity, to create opportunities that are fun or useful now, or allow you to flex creative muscles you haven’t had the opportunity to flex before.

Below I list the kinds of things you can think about to best use the flexibility of your PhD. These are all things that can work alongside the core research / write / defend thesis requirements of your PhD, and while you definitely don’t have to make any firm plans on day one, I think that it’s really valuable to think about ideas like this (and any more you have) early in your project. It’s all about what you want to get out of your time whilst doing your PhD , including but not limited to the PhD itself, and how you want to structure that time:

• How do you want to set your daily schedule, where do you want to work? What’s going to be most pleasant and productive for you, and fit in with your home life?
• What things do you want to do outside of your PhD (sports, reading non-PhD-related books, joining local clubs and groups, always protecting weekends off) to actively maintain a healthy work-life balance (which is better for both your wellbeing, and the state of your thesis)?
• Are there times when you’re going to be working extra hard (like fieldwork)? How do you want to balance that with rest and recuperation afterwards (an extended post-fieldwork holiday…?)?
• Do you want to take an interruption from your PhD for an internship or job?
• Do you want to practise writing by starting a blog or try a bit of science journalism ?
• Do you want to get involved with science outreach?
• Do you want to build a professional profile and network by making a website or getting on social media?
• Do you want to teach undergraduates or Masters students?
• What training courses would you like to do (and where do you find out about them)?
• Do you want to try turning one or more of your chapters into academic papers?

5. Talk to people, lots, in both general and specific ways

Starting a PhD can be overwhelming, and knowing where to start, or where to go next, can be really tough. Having conversations with other PhD students about what they are working on, how they are finding their PhD, what kind of training they have received, might point you to interesting new research topics, training opportunities, or just give you a bit of a general feel for what it’s going to be like doing a PhD in your new department. These general conversations are important because they can provide you with nuggets of wisdom you didn’t know you needed and, crucially, help you feel connected to and supported by your colleagues and peers.

Asking your supervisor or others specific questions like are there any academics whose work you recommend I look into? / do you recommend any textbooks on [planning a research project], [planning fieldwork], [fundamentals of landscape ecology], [fundamentals of development research] [insert another topic you’re not sure about yet but want to learn about]? / are there any conferences I should look out for? can give you some useful starting points for directing your own learning in the early stages of your project. So, think specifically about what you need at the start of your PhD, and ask for help with it.

…And one bonus tip: read advice from other (ex-) PhD students

There are similar posts to this one with advice on starting your PhD here , and I particularly like the twenty top tips from Lucy Taylor here . There are actual full guides to PhD life like The A-Z of the PhD Trajectory and The Unwritten Rules of Ph.D. Research which can be very helpful to read through at any stage of your PhD (though I guess you maximise your use of them if you read them early!) and to use as reference books as and when you need them. There are lots of people blogging about their past and present PhD experiences, which can offer great advice and comfort at every stage in your PhD. Personally, I love the Thesis Whisperer and like to check in with it semi-regularly. Reading TW feels a bit like my tip #5: it’s about seeking out help and advice, sometimes when you didn’t even know you needed it.

Practical tips on how to be an interdisciplinary individual

It all depends.

Add Comment →

• Doing an internship during your PhD – Ellie Wood

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

HTML Text Five tips for starting (and continuing) a PhD / Ellie Wood by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0

Plain text Five tips for starting (and continuing) a PhD by blogadmin @ is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén

Report this page

To report inappropriate content on this page, please use the form below. Upon receiving your report, we will be in touch as per the Take Down Policy of the service.

Please note that personal data collected through this form is used and stored for the purposes of processing this report and communication with you.

If you are unable to report a concern about content via this form please contact the Service Owner .

• Campus Safety
• (866) 825-5426

How to Get a PhD in Psychology (10 Steps)

A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1

While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to you, how to go about earning this doctorate degree might feel confusing—until now.

Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one.

Start Your Journey

Step 1: Understand the PhD Path

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. (The other is a PsyD , or Doctor of Psychology, a doctorate degree created in the 1970s to prepare students specifically for the rigors of working in clinical settings.) 2 A clinical psychology PhD may enable you to work in a variety of environments and a range of roles.

As such, earning this degree is an involved, immersive, and often exciting process that’s composed of: 3

• Statistics and methods
• Assessments 
• Clinical treatments

Coursework in a PhD program now frequently integrates discussions on psychology and technology , examining how digital advancements are transforming therapeutic methods and research techniques.

• Research – Research makes up the majority of the work you’ll do as a PhD student. Typically under the guidance of your mentor/dissertation advisor, you’ll delve into a topic of your choosing within the field. Examples of clinical psychology research topics include examining the effects of social media on teen suicide rates or the influence of childhood trauma on adult substance use disorder. Along the way, you’ll refine specific research skills: collecting and analyzing data, working with subjects/participating, and demonstrating your results.
• Clinical practicum and internships – Earning a PhD in Psychology also entails hands-on training in clinical practicums and/or internships. Generally speaking, you’ll perform an unpaid practicum for two years, followed by a one-year paid, clinical internship. 5 Precisely how you will fulfill this will depend on the program you choose, the opportunities within your community, and your concentration. A few examples include observing a clinical psychologist at a private practice, working with students at a university center, or conducting intakes at a substance abuse facility.
• Dissertation – Your dissertation is among the most important elements of your PhD program and the key to completing your degree. It serves several purposes: it illustrates your fluency in conducting research, demonstrates the knowledge you’ve gained in your PhD program, and adds an original contribution to existing psychology literature. 6

Step 2: Research Potential Programs

Finding the right PhD in Psychology program is paramount to your success. Researching potential programs is also one of the more thrilling aspects of pursuing a doctorate, but it needs to be approached strategically and mindfully. To that end, search for programs that, like the doctoral programs in psychology at Alliant International University, have received accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 7

Accreditation essentially serves as a seal of approval and demonstrates to future employers, the general public, and licensing boards that you have the scientific knowledge required to work in the world of psychology.

Additionally, you may want to zero in on programs that:

• Feature faculty members who are at the top of their field and whose research interests reflect your own 8
• Offer the area of specialization you want to focus on, whether it’s clinical health psychology, multicultural community-clinical psychology, or family/child and couple psychology
• Promote work-life balance through online instruction, or a hybrid of online and in-person instruction and training
• Have a high attrition rate

Further, if you do opt for a program that demands in-person attendance and training, be sure that it’s geographically feasible for you. The cost of living in the area should also be factored into your decision. Lastly, if you’re an undergrad or just finishing up your master’s, consider asking the professors you trust and admire for program recommendations. 9

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Application and admission requirements vary by institution. That said, most programs ask for: 10

• A completed application (along with the application fee)
• Official transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or master’s program with required credits
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the program you’ve selected, you may also need to submit GRE scores. Importantly, nearly all programs require a personal statement—a topic we’ll look at in more depth below. While a PhD equips you for high-level research and academic positions, you might wonder if you can be a clinical psychologist with a master's . Although possible, a PhD significantly broadens your professional scope.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Experience

Not only will obtaining relevant experience help strengthen your application package but it will also help you gain invaluable insights into the industry. It might also assist you in choosing a specialization, such as working one-on-one with trauma survivors or dedicating your professional life to neuropsychology research.

Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to get the type of experience that will help your application stand out from the competition: 11

• Research assistantships
• Volunteering at a mental health clinic
• Shadowing a clinical psychologist or substance abuse counselor
• Working for a crisis hotline

Keep in mind that some PhD in Psychology programs require a minimum amount of relevant experience before you can apply. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) asserts that doctoral applicants usually accrue two to three years of research experience before applying to graduate school. 12 All of this emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research on your schools of interest.

Step 5: Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your doctoral application. In fact, some state that your letters of recommendation are more important to the decision process than grades. 13

Usually, they’re written by former professors and/or former employers or psychology professionals you’ve interned for or shadowed.

Be sure to request letters of recommendation from those with whom you have a visible track record. In addition, request letters well ahead of your application deadline, even as much as a year in advance of when you think you’ll start applying for your doctoral program.

Talk to Our Advisors

Step 6: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Almost every doctorate in psychology program requires a personal statement. As one of the most critical elements of your application (some indicate that it’s more important than your GRE scores and GPA), it should describe, in detail, your: 14

• Interest in the particular program you’re applying to and why
• Academic and research objectives
• Research and field experience and how they align with the particular program
• Intended area of specialization

Experts consulted by the APA also advise against using three things in your personal statement: humor, hyperbole, and “hard luck,” such as describing the obstacles you’ve overcome.

Step 7: Ace the Interview

Happen to receive an interview offer? Congratulations—your application clearly stood out!

The interview process may start with what’s known as a pre-interview, or a brief conversation to evaluate your fit with the program and department. 15 This may be followed by an on-campus interview that asks basic questions, such as the impact you hope your PhD project has and why you believe you’re the right candidate, as well as more precise questions prompted by your specific experience. 16

One of the best ways to make a solid, lasting impression is to create a bulleted list of your research interests. Practicing answers to the questions you anticipate ahead of time can also help ensure a smoother dialogue. And remember: you’ll be interviewing for the program, too.

Step 8: Consider Funding Options

The financial assistance you may receive will likely be an enormous determining factor in the program you choose. As discussed, funding may arrive in the form of:

• Grants 
• Scholarships
• Tuition remission
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Alliant International University, for example, has several forms of funding options available to doctoral candidates—those listed above, as well as fellowship assistantships .

Step 9: Plan Your Coursework and Dissertation

Once you’re accepted into a program, you should select your area of specialization, plot out your coursework, and choose your dissertation topic.

The APA notes that doctoral candidates should ideally land on a dissertation topic within the first year or two of their program. 17 Why? Because it will give your program enhanced focus and a guiding theme.

To jumpstart your thinking:

• Consult with instructors who are active in cutting-edge psychology research 
• Assess your topic’s viability and manageability (and if it will serve as an original contribution to existing research)
• Pinpoint the problems and questions you foresee and how you will approach them

Above all, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and excitement throughout the duration of your program. Earning a PhD in Psychology is a time-intensive commitment. Four to six years is about how long it takes to get a psychology PhD, but it varies by person based on how they balance their personal schedules with coursework, research, and clinical training.

Step 10: Engage in Professional Development Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a PhD in Psychology? The connections you may be able to make, such as through your internship and clinical practicum, as well as psychology conferences and seminars.

Yet, some of the strongest relationships you build might be right inside your program. And this brings us to our final piece of advice: consider choosing a program that features a warm and supportive faculty and a diverse collection of students who will motivate you throughout your academic journey—and beyond.

Your Path Begins Here

At Alliant International University, our PhD in Clinical Psychology program features a faculty that will challenge you in the best possible way alongside a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

Enrich your knowledge and prepare to make a lasting difference in the field of psychology. Apply today and start your journey.

Sources: 

• “What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Psychology?” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, March 18, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/jobs-with-a-doctorate-in-psycholog… ;
• Cherry, Kendra. “PsyD vs. Phd in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?” Verywell Mind, October 27, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psyd-2795135.  
• “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.  
• “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.  
• “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.  
• Herbert, Robyn S, Spencer C Evans, Jessy Guler, and Michael C Roberts. “Predictors of Dissertation Publication in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.” Training and education in professional psychology, November 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9635593 .
•  “APA-Accredited Programs.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs#.  
• “Choosing a Graduate Program.” Association for Psychological Science - APS. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/apssc/undergraduate_update/summer-2011/choosing-a-graduate-program.  
• “Clinch Your Graduate School Acceptance.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2007/11/cover-acceptance.  
• “Best Doctorate in Psychology Degree Programs of 2024.” Intelligent, April 3, 2024. https://www.intelligent.com/best-doctorate-in-psychology-programs/.  
• 14 ways to get clinical psychology work experience | indeed.com UK. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/clinical-psychology-work-experience.  
• “Rockin’ Recommendations.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/features/2009/recommendation.  
• “Preparing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/graduate-school-applications.  
• To ace your interview for doctoral psychology admission. Accessed April 22, 2024. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2021/12/PsiChiI… ;
• Top 10 common Phd interview questions and answers. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/common-phd-interview-questions.  
• “Starting the Dissertation.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/01/starting.&nbsp ;

David Stewart

Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

David G. Stewart, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Dean of the California School of...

Other Categories

University announcements, featured news, nursing and health sciences, start on your path to succeed on purpose, request information.

• 1 Current Select Interests
• 2 Provide Information

You might also like

7 psychology specializations: which is right for you.

By examining the link between brain function and human behavior, psychology can positively influence collective outcomes and...

Social Worker vs. Psychologist: 6 Key Differences

If you’re contemplating a career in psychology or human services, you might be both thrilled and overwhelmed by the number of...

How Long Does it Take to Get a Psychology PhD?

Obtaining a PhD in psychology comes with a number of benefits, from the freedom to start your private practice to the chance to...

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Will I be too old to apply for Ph.D. at the age of 30 [duplicate]

I have completed my master's degree year ago and took a gap of 2-3 years before committing to the Ph.D. Right now my financial condition is worse and I don't want to make any decision in any urgency. My peers are getting enrolled for Ph.D. and I am getting worried by watching them. I am 27 right now and planning to collect enough money and build my resume strong to get into a decent Ph.D. program in Europe or Asia. Is my decision wrong? I need some advice from experienced peoples.

• graduate-admissions

• 2 No. I've seen doctoral students twenty years my senior. Do it if you're ready. –  Sean Roberson Commented Jun 25, 2018 at 17:06
• @SeanRoberson My intention is to get enough experience and knowledge so that I won't have hard time deciding on what field I want to work on. –  arush1836 Commented Jun 25, 2018 at 17:11
• @SeanRoberson nothing wrong with this as an answer, but it's not a comment :) –  arboviral Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 9:02
• Absolutely not. –  xuq01 Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 15:22

3 Answers 3

You are never too old, in years, to start a Doctoral program or to otherwise extend your education. However, you need to do a couple of things while you "wait".

Most important is that you don't lose your edge. If you are working in the field of study you should probably be fine and your experience may help. In fact, it may give you some ideas about unsolved issues in the field that might lead to research and a dissertation. But you will also need to try to keep current through readings. You don't say which field you plan to enter, but some move faster than others. New possibilities for research open up as well.

The second thing is that you will need to be prepared to answer questions about the gap in an intelligent and positive way. Getting experience in field is a pretty good answer. Recovering from burn out is not so fine.

However, as you age, you may take on additional responsibilities that you don't now have: family, kids, mortgage, ... Seek life balance of course, but as your responsibilities change, so may your goals. You will also need to deal, increasingly, with the needs of others. But nothing is an absolute block.

Remember that you will age no matter what you do. It is better to spend your life doing something you love than otherwise, even if it takes a while to realize the dream.

• My current job at a start-up is aligned with my intended research during PhD. –  arush1836 Commented Jun 25, 2018 at 17:20
• That should help, but note the new penultimate paragraph in my answer. –  Buffy Commented Jun 25, 2018 at 17:37
• I totally agree with you. I work in AI (artificial intelligence) company and my future research would also be in AI. I love my job, though pay is less but learning is awesome. –  arush1836 Commented Jun 25, 2018 at 17:40

Definitely not!

In fact, one of the best researchers in my group started her PhD at the age of 33. She managed to publish papers in high impact journals, got a patent and last year she was hired as a post-doc.

As @Buffy said, it is indeed important for you to have an idea of your project. However, from my experience, don't hold onto it too much. Be adventurous! Good science might come from a previously established good idea, but it can also happen out of chance. You'll never know if you don't try.

And also agreeing with @Buffy, do take into consideration your personal side. Living out of PhD salary can be quite tricky if you have others financially relying on you. Another thing is: make sure that, if you have a partner, he/she will be supportive. PhD involves working late hours, sometimes following tight deadlines, dealing with frustration and so on.

Don't compare your age with others'. Everyone has a different time to do things. As long as you know what you are getting into and you are ready to commit, you will be more than fine.

Best of luck in your PhD!

• I am not married as for now. Planning in between PhD or may be after that. –  arush1836 Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 7:46
• @User relationships are not the problem, selfish partners are. You will be following your dream, so make sure that your significant other will not compete with your work. –  J.Doe Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 7:50
• Hello, I can't comment on that as I have never been in any relationship yet. –  arush1836 Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 7:52
• @User Additionally, do try to find a good balance in your professional and personal life. Have fun in the meantime. Getting too dragged into work will only make you too stressed out. I had really bad moments during my first year of PhD because I was neglecting my social life. Find a good balance for you, and your PhD years will be nice. –  J.Doe Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 7:58
• Thank you for your kind advice, I'll keep that in my mind. –  arush1836 Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 7:59

I started my Phd at the age of 35 and I never feel too old to do research. I acyually found that my years experience acquired from work helps me quite a lot in my Phd study.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged phd graduate-admissions .

• Featured on Meta
• Upcoming sign-up experiments related to tags

Hot Network Questions

• Why am I unable to distribute rotated text evenly in Adobe Illustrator 2024?
• How to turn a desert into a fertile farmland with engineering?
• Derivative of the Score Function in Fisher Information
• Do wererats take falling damage?
• Binary Slashes Display
• How do I pour *just* the right amount of plaster into these molds?
• How do Blok and the other astronaut do a spacewalk to repair the ship? Didn’t they already land?
• Convolution of sinusoid and running sum filter of order 5
• Styling histograms
• When was the last time a chess rule was modified?
• Co-authors with little contribution
• What rights does an employee retain, if any, who does not consent to being monitored on a work IT system?
• What's the meaning of "nai gar"?
• What is the translation of lawfare in French?
• What is the mode of operation of a Hobb's meter?
• Sarkhan, Soul Aflame Becoming a dragon that entered
• Historically are there any documented attempts at finding algorithms that are asymptotically faster than the FFT for the Discrete Fourier Transform?
• Collaborators write their departments for my (undergraduate) affiliation
• What is the safest way to camp in a zombie apocalypse?
• 4-pin 12 V PC fan - manual speed control
• Can a unique position be deduced if pieces are replaced by checkers (can see piece color but not type)
• Will I run into issues if I connect a shunt 50 ohm resistor over a high impedance input pin on an IC?
• Is this professor being unnecessarily harsh or did I actually make a mistake?
• Why did Geordi have his visor replaced with ocular implants between Generations and First Contact?

Student News

News, information, and events for your student life.

What you really need to know as you prepare to start your PhD

Beginning your journey as a postgraduate researcher can be daunting. Whether or not you’re joining us from another University, city or even country, or you’ve been here a while, starting a research degree can feel like you’re starting again; a whole new way of studying and being at university. So, as you prepare embark on yours, we asked some of our PhD students for their top tips to help you prepare and settle, and this is what they told us:

1. Be super organised

Establish a routine and dedicated workspace. You are responsible for the planning and management of your research- and with this comes a LOT of freedom and responsibility. A PhD is like a full-time job, but unlike most other jobs it offers you a tremendous amount of flexibility regarding your approach and schedules as long as you get your work done diligently.

Remember everyone has different working styles – some prefer a ‘set-in-stone’ timetable daily, or at least weekly, while others prefer broad goals instead of a fixed routine. Try and work out which you are and don’t worry how others are working.

Similarly, supervisory approach can also differ- ranging from a very hands-off approach with complete research freedom to more of a ‘guided’ approach- make sure you and your supervisor understand and respect each other’s working style.

2. Ask all the questions, all the time.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn about procedures and administrative aspects; who you’ll need to contact about things like training, holiday, expenses and other forms and support for you and your studies.

3. Network, Network, Network

Build a research network for yourself. Attend and participate research events, conferences, seminars, talks. These events are a great way to build and maintain professional and social relationships. Getting involved in the broader PGR community also gives you the chance to see and hear about other PGR’s perspectives and experiences.

4. Support services are for PGRs too

Your PGR experience should be exciting and rewarding but sometimes things may feel difficult and overwhelming, and you may find yourself facing challenges you have not encountered before. But the University is here to help. Try these PGR focussed resources to support you through the highs and lows of postgraduate research .

These all sit alongside the range of more general student support available to you at the University.

As a PhD researcher the University of Manchester PGR Association (UMPA) and the Students’ Union represent you to the university, and both can be a great source of support and a way to meet fellow researchers.  

The UMPA is a newly set up body within the Students’ Union whose membership consists of all the PGRs enrolled in the University of Manchester. It works with the students’ Union and the University to promote the interests and welfare of all PGR Students, to provide a democratic mechanism for PGR Students to organise and represent themselves collectively. It also provides inclusive social, networking, and recreational activities as well as forums for discussions and debate for PGR Students. To find out more and get involved with the UMPA contact [email protected]

5. Get involved with life outside your research community

Make sure you have a good work-life balance. Make sure that you get out into Manchester and the adjoining areas, there’s something for everyone ranging from an exciting nightlife (COVID-permitting) to art galleries and museums, libraries, and outstanding natural beauty in the peaks and further away.

The university also offers a diverse range of clubs and societies – it does feel like there’s something for everyone, From the Enterprise club to mountaineering and climbing society, from drama to photography – not to mention the wide range of national and cultural societies.

6. Focus on your own research

This is a big one! Don’t compare your PhD project or progress to other peoples. It’s a huge distraction as no one else’s research can be same as yours. Finding your feet as a researcher can be difficult, and it’s only natural to look around at what everyone else is up to, but really, really try not to.

Imposter syndrome is a common feeling for new PhD researchers, especially as you start your programme and wonder if you can really do it. The answer is yes you can, but give yourself time! Take a look at Frances’ reflection on her 1 st year and what she learned . If these are feelings you have, or start to identify with, know you aren’t alone. Read more about finding your identity as a researcher and coping strategies and tips.

7. Expect Change

Rarely do things go exactly as you planned in the beginning! Don’t worry if your project changes as you progress, you will get there. Being prepared to adapt and accept change might just make it a bit easier for you to do so!

Share this:

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Starting PhD at the age of 25 [closed]

For over an year I have otherwise been pretty active on MathOverflow but for this question I would like to remain anonymous.

I would be starting my grad school in Fall 2011 in the US while in the 25th year of my life. I will be joining a grad school which is ranked by most lists within their top 10.

I have been working and hope to continue to work in areas in theoretical physics which have a strong interface with mathematics, especially geometry.

I understand that most people start their PhD at the age of 22 (or even below!).

I would like to know how does it affect my career, now that I will be getting my PhD around the age of 30. I am very worried and extremely depressed that this is possibly too late to start a PhD. I guess most scientists become faculty by the age of 30 when I would be getting my PhD!

I would be happy to get any feedback/advice about starting PhD so late in life.

• Also can one get a PhD in theoretical physics/mathematics in less than 5 years?
• I have made this question community wiki.
• 50 $\begingroup$ I really doubt it will be any sort of problem. Do good work, and no one will ask how old you are. $\endgroup$ –  Dan Ramras Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 18:10
• 30 $\begingroup$ I honestly think this is not even enough of a rational worry to make for a good question. Voting to close because there is simply no problem here! $\endgroup$ –  Pete L. Clark Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 19:34
• 21 $\begingroup$ If "PhD" in the title were replaced by "training as a figure skater with hopes for the 2016 olympics", then there might be a problem. $\endgroup$ –  Marty Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 20:28
• 17 $\begingroup$ $\lvert 25 - 22 \rvert \ll 25$ $\endgroup$ –  Theo Johnson-Freyd Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 21:29
• 26 $\begingroup$ If you prove a great result 10 years after you graduate, you may be ineligible for a Fields Medal. Aside from that, I don't think it makes any difference. $\endgroup$ –  Peter Shor Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 22:13

9 Answers 9

You are only three years older than those 22 year olds. Three years is nothing! I'm having difficulty understanding why you are extremely depressed about this. I have several friends who entered graduate school at age 25-27; it isn't that uncommon.

How long it will take for you to get your PhD will depend on a number of factors, one of which is the field you would like to work in. Some fields, such as number theory, are notoriously difficult to get into, and it may take longer to arrive at research-level mathematics in those fields (relative to newer or less-established fields). If you are concerned about getting in and getting out quickly you might want to steer yourself towards fields that you feel you could make an earlier contribution to; but really, I think that you are unreasonably worried about your position and that you should just take a deep breath.

In the American system it is possible to get the PhD in 4 years but I believe that 5 years is more common, and some take longer. In contrast, 4 years is the normal time frame in the British and Australian systems.

• 4 $\begingroup$ I quite agree. To me, a 25-year-old is still pretty young. But there is an unfortunately persistent myth that the creative powers begin to wane at age (insert some young age here), which I do not believe at all personally, but it's widespread and the effects of the myth can be quite pernicious. $\endgroup$ –  Todd Trimble ♦ Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 19:17
• $\begingroup$ @Beren: I had exactly the same reaction. 22? 25? What's the difference? It might be different in the OP's graduate school since it appears to be so exclusive, but in mine there was a rather diverse distribution of ages, and no-one really noticed and you had to ask to even realize it. $\endgroup$ –  Thierry Zell Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 21:07
• $\begingroup$ In the Australian system (and probably British too I imagine) you usually get 3 years of funding with the "possibility" (read: certainty) of a 6 month extension. I.e., less than four years. From what I understand in the states the first two years is all course-work with no research. This is not the case in Australia and Britain, where you go straight into research at the beginning. $\endgroup$ –  name Commented Mar 28, 2013 at 1:32

I guess this is not the kind of example you are after, but I couldn’t resist: Brian May has finished his PhD in astrophysics when he was 60.

One of the most highly respected researchers in my own field (category theory and its applications) obtained his PhD at an age close to 40. I really think you shouldn't worry. Dig deep and do good mathematics.

• 2 $\begingroup$ Out of curiosity, who was this? $\endgroup$ –  Sridhar Ramesh Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 19:49
• $\begingroup$ Hi, Sridhar. I'm actually not too sure how much he wants his age publicized (as you know, many mathematicians are sensitive about their ages). If I can verify that his birth year is listed in a fairly well-known text he wrote on category theory, then I'll get back to you. One of his students (or ex-students) is a regular MO contributor, I'll tell you that much (and maybe he'd know whether his adviser would mind at all). $\endgroup$ –  Todd Trimble ♦ Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 20:54

I believe (I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong) that the vast majority of Israeli mathematicians start their PhDs close to that age. The Israeli school is extremely strong (however, as my Israeli friends point out, that might be the reason for why they concentrate in combinatorial fields -- much less baggage than in, say, Algebraic Geometry).

And to add to the list of examples above, Joan Birman started her degree after raising her kids at a time were women did not had a pretty hard time, did very well afterwards, and is very active today (and she is even older than the OP)

• 6 $\begingroup$ I started my undergraund degree at 22, started my PhD at 27, and got my PhD at 32. This is fairly commomn in Israel. I think being a bit more mature is actually helpful in most cases. $\endgroup$ –  Yiftach Barnea Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 19:45
• 5 $\begingroup$ I completely agree with Yiftach. I started my M.Sc. at 25, this last October. If I finish my Ph.D. by 30 I'll be happy about it. Maturity helps A LOT . $\endgroup$ –  Asaf Karagila ♦ Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 23:03

I can't write it as a comment (i do not have enough reputation)According to wikipedia Preda Mihailescu received his phd at the age of 42 and then he proved Catalan's conjecture http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preda_Mihailescu .So ,i do not think that it is really a matter of age...

The difference between 25 and 22 may seem like a lot at your age, but honestly it's nothing in the context of a life span of 70 years or more. You're certainly not too old to start graduate study and have a very productive career.

Here's a technical point that is tangentially relevant for your question.

Some grant-giving institutions have, among their list of official requirements things like: "The applicant should have received his/her PhD no earlier than two year ago, and no later than 7 years ago" .

As far as applying for those kind of grants is concerned, it is an advantage to have finished your PhD later.

• 6 $\begingroup$ Somehow I feel no one will be eligible for that kind of a grant ;-) $\endgroup$ –  Pandora Commented Jul 19, 2012 at 17:00
• $\begingroup$ @Andre I think you put it conversely. It should read ""no later than 2 years ago and no earlier than 7 years ago." $\endgroup$ –  user48994 Commented Feb 23, 2016 at 15:57
• $\begingroup$ yes, indeed. :-) $\endgroup$ –  André Henriques Commented Feb 23, 2016 at 17:14

Something that can be very satisfying is to acheive a series of long-term goals you have set. Something that can be unsettling is the sense of achieving something unintended or finding that what was previously considered a good goal is not.

The issue of starting a Ph.D. at age 25 versus 22 or some other age is less important (I think) than the issue of whether this fits in with your other personal goals. For example, I can't say that starting a Ph.D. at 25 kept me from starting a family over a decade later, but it probably contributed to the delay. Hindsight shows me the advantages of starting a family earlier than later. There are also issues of employment/financial support, degree to which you spend time not doing academics, etc. If you think you have done a full self evaluation and found that Ph.D. studies fit, good for you; my bet is that you will need to reevaluate your goals on a yearly (if not more frequent) basis.

I do not want to discourage you from a Ph.D. I think that a few hours (days, weeks) spent doing serious thinking and planning now will ensure years of satisfaction to come.

Gerhard "Ask Me About System Design" Paseman, 2011.03.29

In France most of students (in pure mathematics) start their PhD at the age 24. Indeed they get a A level at 18, then they need to study during 5 years to get a master. They could start a PhD just after the master but most of the time they take one year more to pass the "agregation" diplom (a diplom for teaching). So you get 18+5+1=24.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged career or ask your own question .

• Featured on Meta
• Upcoming sign-up experiments related to tags

• Career Advice
• Carpe Careers

How Your Ph.D. Prepares You to Be an Entrepreneur

You can deploy skills you develop as a grad student and postdoc in a variety of careers, including working for a start-up or founding your own, Chris Smith writes.

By  Chris Smith

You have / 5 articles left. Sign up for a free account or log in.

Yutthana Gaetgeaw/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Innovation has become a hot topic in economic circles over the past few years. In March 2022, the United States’ National Science Foundation created its first new directorate in over 30 years : Technology, Innovation and Partnerships , or TIP. The passing of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 helped fund the directorate, the mission of which is to “advance U.S. competitiveness​ and societal impact by nurturing partnerships that​ drive and accelerate diverse innovation ecosystems, technology translation and development, and workforce development.” The U.S. is investing heavily in research and innovation—which you can take advantage of as a Ph.D. researcher working in academia or beyond.

Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars already contribute much to research and innovation in the United States through their work on a variety of projects supported by the federal government and industry partners. But despite that fact, few consider a career focused on the leading edge of innovation: entrepreneurship.

Being willing to push the boundaries of human knowledge and forge new ideas into products is essential for entrepreneurs. And to secure backing, entrepreneurs must also work to articulate the value they and their products bring to individuals, organizations and the nation. Fortunately, plenty of resources are available to assist in those efforts, although many graduate students and postdocs may not be aware of them.

To encourage more technology commercialization and entrepreneurship, in the latter half of the 20th century the federal government established two funding programs for academics and others seeking to either move full-time to a start-up company or obtain funding to develop and commercialize new technologies. The Small Business Innovation Research program supports the growth of start-up companies, while the Small Business Technology Transfer program is aimed at technology commercialization.

Both the National Institutes of Health and NSF fund grants from both programs, and both offer a variety of other mechanisms to foster an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the United States. In addition, NIH provides numerous resources to educate people about entrepreneurship and special programs like the Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs (see a webinar on the program here ), which helps researchers interested in transitioning to entrepreneurship via a mentor.

American universities also offer an increasing number of programs that either focus on training Ph.D.s for careers in the technology transfer space or assist them in learning how to commercialize technological and other innovations coming from their research work, as our Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship here at Virginia Tech seeks to do. In addition, NSF’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) provides a seven-week experiential training program that prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the university laboratory and toward commercialization by engaging in customer discovery and other activities. Such programs can be a bridge between traditional academic research and exploring an entrepreneurial career or employment in the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Many academics may mistakenly believe that entrepreneurial skills are only relevant if one is planning to run a start-up company. Yet most faculty members running research groups at large universities are effectively leading small businesses inside their institutions. They must articulate a value proposition to get hired and ultimately secure funding for their research. In addition, most faculty leaders or principal investigators are in charge of hiring those who work in their labs and must manage these individuals and their projects toward a larger, common goal. A faculty leader must create a vision for their group and think strategically about how the various projects align toward both short- and long-term goals. This is entrepreneurship in an academic research context.

And just as an entrepreneurial mindset is essential to a successful academic career, it is also extremely useful for any scholar looking to create their own company, independent of their institution.

Entrepreneurial Skills From Your Ph.D. or Postdoc

Ph.D. training offers graduate students and postdocs many experiences to help them navigate entrepreneurship and/or working in a start-up company, such as the following.

• Project planning and management. Completing a doctoral dissertation involves extensive project planning and management skills, from ideation to execution and dissemination. This directly translates to the ability to plan and manage large projects as an entrepreneur.
• Independent work. Ph.D. students, and especially postdocs, often work independently with minimal oversight, building the drive and accountability needed to accomplish tasks without rigid external deadlines—a crucial skill for entrepreneurs.
• Networking and collaboration. Entrepreneurs thrive on networking. Similarly, Ph.D. students and postdocs benefit from building strong connections—engaging with industry professionals, attending conferences and collaborating across disciplines to enhance their network. Such connections can lead to job opportunities, collaborations and funding.

Editors’ Picks

• Title IX Legal Challenges Target LGBTQ+ Protections
• A New Digital Divide: Student AI Use Surges, Leaving Faculty Behind

FAFSA Fiasco Pushes States to Mandate Universal Completion

• Thirst for knowledge. A core requirement for a Ph.D. is an insatiable desire to learn and expand one’s knowledge base. Entrepreneurs must constantly step out of their comfort zones and learn new skills, making this thirst for learning invaluable for Ph.D.s and postdocs looking to focus on entrepreneurship as a career.
• Research skills. Doctoral training equips individuals with the ability to seek out, evaluate and synthesize quality information from various sources—a vital skill when navigating the unfamiliar territories of entrepreneurship.
• Curiosity about the big questions. Starting a business requires asking and answering big questions about target audiences, value propositions and strategic direction. Ph.D.s are trained to take disparate information and craft cohesive narratives to address complex inquiries. Successful entrepreneurs do the same.
• Problem-solving. Overcoming research obstacles and failed experiments hones problem-solving abilities in Ph.D.s and postdocs. As entrepreneurs constantly face new challenges, this skill is indispensable for finding innovative solutions.
• Resilience and adaptability. Entrepreneurship involves risk-taking and overcoming failures. Ph.D. students and postdocs learn resilience by navigating setbacks. This adaptability prepares them for a dynamic marketplace for their products and ideas and the post-Ph.D. job market itself, where flexibility and the ability to pivot are critical.

In essence, the rigorous training and self-driven nature of doctoral programs and postdoc positions cultivate skills like project management, working both independently and collaboratively, learning agility, strategic thinking and problem-solving—all of which are invaluable assets for successful entrepreneurship. The key to honing these skills is taking increased agency in your projects so that you learn all aspects of the process of identifying a gap in knowledge or application, scoping out the current landscape of that area and working toward a solution. It is certainly not easy work, but it can help you in graduate school, postdoctoral training and beyond.

In sum, by embracing an entrepreneurial mindset in your job search, you identify opportunities in industry, start-ups, government or nonprofits or create your own position through entrepreneurship. And even if you don’t decide to go that direction, innovative thinking and treating one’s career development like a start-up can propel you to professional growth and success. The fact that cultivating the entrepreneurial skills I’ve described can also be significantly helpful for an academic researcher means leaning into them is a win-win for any graduate student or postdoc.

Chris Smith is the postdoctoral affairs program administrator at Virginia Tech. He serves on the National Postdoctoral Association’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Graduate Career Consortium—an organization providing an international voice for graduate-level career and professional development leaders.

Some feared the bungled rollout of the new federal aid form would halt momentum for state completion requirements.

Share This Article

More from carpe careers.

The Power of Confident and Impactful Communication

Scholars must convey complex concepts in ways that make an impression, write Diane A.

A Graduate Student’s Guide to Managing Change

Dinuka Gunaratne and Roshni Rao offer advice for handling all the new academic demands and social dynamics, so you ca

Mental Health and Career Transitions

Grad students and postdocs about to embark on a job search can sustain their well-being by taking a holistic approach

• Become a Member
• Sign up for Newsletters
• Learning & Assessment
• Diversity & Equity
• Career Development
• Labor & Unionization
• Shared Governance
• Academic Freedom
• Books & Publishing
• Financial Aid
• Residential Life
• Free Speech
• Physical & Mental Health
• Race & Ethnicity
• Sex & Gender
• Socioeconomics
• Traditional-Age
• Adult & Post-Traditional
• Teaching & Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Publishing
• Data Analytics
• Administrative Tech
• Alternative Credentials
• Financial Health
• Cost-Cutting
• Revenue Strategies
• Academic Programs
• Physical Campuses
• Mergers & Collaboration
• Fundraising
• Research Universities
• Regional Public Universities
• Community Colleges
• Private Nonprofit Colleges
• Minority-Serving Institutions
• Religious Colleges
• Women's Colleges
• Specialized Colleges
• For-Profit Colleges
• Executive Leadership
• Trustees & Regents
• State Oversight
• Accreditation
• Politics & Elections
• Supreme Court
• Student Aid Policy
• Science & Research Policy
• State Policy
• Colleges & Localities
• Employee Satisfaction
• Remote & Flexible Work
• Staff Issues
• Study Abroad
• International Students in U.S.
• U.S. Colleges in the World
• Intellectual Affairs
• Seeking a Faculty Job
• Advancing in the Faculty
• Seeking an Administrative Job
• Advancing as an Administrator
• Beyond Transfer
• Call to Action
• Confessions of a Community College Dean
• Higher Ed Gamma
• Higher Ed Policy
• Just Explain It to Me!
• Just Visiting
• Law, Policy—and IT?
• Leadership & StratEDgy
• Leadership in Higher Education
• Learning Innovation
• Online: Trending Now
• Resident Scholar
• University of Venus
• Student Voice
• Academic Life
• Health & Wellness
• The College Experience
• Life After College
• Academic Minute
• Weekly Wisdom
• Reports & Data
• Quick Takes
• Advertising & Marketing
• Consulting Services
• Data & Insights
• Hiring & Jobs
• Event Partnerships

4 /5 Articles remaining this month.

Sign up for a free account or log in.

• Create Free Account

University of South Florida

Main Navigation

Breath of fresh air: PhD student's mission to improve post-COVID-19 respiratory health

• Tiffani Torres
• June 25, 2024

Four years after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, individuals are still suffering from the lasting effects of the virus. PhD student, Sandra Morgan is dedicated to researching COVID-19's effects on the respiratory system and exploring ways for individuals to strengthen it.

Before starting at the USF College of Nursing, Morgan worked in critical care nursing and executive leadership roles. For nearly a decade, she served as the chief nursing officer at HCA Florida. Morgan also maintained various leadership positions at a critical illness recovery hospital. While becoming a researcher was always on her bucket list, observing patients in acute and post-acute settings struggle with the negative effects of COVID-19 prompted her to start the PhD program at USF.

“The pandemic really changed my perspective. It made me feel like now is the time,” says Morgan. “I thought to myself, maybe there is something more that I can do to improve patient care.”

Upon entering the PhD program, Morgan had the opportunity to participate in a COVID-19 respiratory study with Constance Visovsky, PhD, RN, ACNP, FAAN, as her faculty advisor. She found the experience inspiring, and with the help of Dr. Visovsky and others, Morgan created the protocol that serves as the foundation of her current study.

In her 12-week study, participants complete inspiratory and expiratory exercises aimed at improving weakness in the breathing muscles caused by the COVID-19 virus. Participants have seen improvements in their respiratory systems, and Morgan has noted interest from other communities, such as runners, seeking to improve their breathing ability.

Morgan’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Study for individuals recovering from COVID-19 is still seeking participants.

Eligibility: - Age 18 or older - Self-reported history of Covid-19 - Able to walk independently - Short of breath

Compensation: Participants will receive a $25 gift certificate to Publix upon completing six- and twelve-week milestones.

For more information, reach out to Sandra Morgan at [email protected].

Return to article listing

Explore More Categories

• Student Success

About Department News

USF Health College of Nursing News highlights the great work of our trailblazing faculty, staff, and students! The College of Nursing is an integral part of USF Health and the University of South Florida. USF Health College of Nursing -- Where Nursing Trailblazers Belong!  

More From Forbes

Seven bs/md program changes seen in the 23/2024 admissions cycle.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Now that the 2023/2024 admissions cycle has wrapped up for direct medical programs, students gearing up for the next admissions cycle will see significant changes. BS/MD programs, also known as direct medical programs, are a popular option for students interested in pursuing a medical career. These programs offer conditional medical school acceptance to students and are highly competitive. Here are seven trends the BS/MD counselors at Moon Prep noticed this cycle.

BS/MD programs offer a streamlined path to the medical career. Here are seven changes in the BS/MD ... [+] admissions landscape this past cycle.

In-Person Interviews

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many BS/MD programs switched to online only for interviews. In the application cycles since then, more programs have begun to revert to their pre-COVID standards, with many requiring students to attend in-person interviews if they want to be considered for the program. Nova Southeastern University and New Jersey Institute of Technology are two programs requiring in-person interviews. In the future, we can likely expect this trend to continue, with more programs requiring students to come to their campus to interview.

Changes In Interview Styles

For BS/MD programs, there are typically two interview types that students will encounter: a traditional format and the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI ). The MMI is an interview format that requires students to display their problem-solving skills as they respond to ethical dilemmas and scenarios. The MMI isn’t a particularly common interview format, with a few programs like the ones at Drexel University, Union College and Virginia Commonwealth University currently utilizing the MMI. However, this past cycle, Hofstra University’s 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD joined their ranks and began to use the MMI format this year.

Cancellation Of Programs

Unfortunately, the last few years have seen the cancellation of programs, including Rice University and Boston University’s BS/MD programs. This year is no different, with more programs closing their doors. Most notably, Suny Upstate ended all of its partnerships with the following universities:

• Adelphi University
• Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Purchase College
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry
• Hampton University
• Spelman University
• SUNY Polytechnic Institute
• Syracuse University
• University at Albany
• Yeshiva University

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Additionally, the University of Central Florida and Albion College decided to end their BS/MD programs.

New Programs Accepting Applications

Luckily, it wasn’t all bad news for BS/MD programs, as a few new programs opened their doors this past application cycle. Nova Southeastern University, which had already had a BS/DO program, accepted applicants for its new BS/MD program this past cycle. This program only accepts five students; to qualify, students must have a 35 on the ACT or 1540 on the SAT.

Indiana University-Indianapolis also began accepting students this year. Students accepted into the program who maintain a 3.5 GPA in college and earn an MCAT score equal to the average of that year’s entering medical school class will matriculate into Indiana University School of Medicine.

Lastly, Elmira College, partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, also began accepting applications this year. This accelerated program allows students to graduate from medical school after just six years and is one of the few programs offering this fast of a pathway to a medical career.

Changes To Enrollment Deposit Deadlines

Admittedly, this admission cycle was unusual. The FAFSA underwent significant changes, and instead of opening in October as usual, it opened in December . This delay meant that many students didn’t receive financial aid package information until late in the cycle. Some schools, including BS/MD programs, pushed back their enrollment deposit deadline to May 15 to accommodate this.

However, only some BS/MD programs offered such an extension. Programs like Florida Atlantic University and Mercer University required enrollment deposit by March 15 or April 1, respectively.

Increase Use Of The Waitlist

The waitlist has always been a tool used by traditional undergraduate schools and BS/MD programs alike, but this year, BS/MD programs are putting more students than ever before on the waitlist. Some programs that utilized the waitlist included Tulsa University, University of Connecticut, Albany Medical College partnered programs (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Siena College and Union College), Indiana University - Indianapolis, University of South Carolina and University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Some students did see some movement on the waitlist and were ultimately accepted into the program, but others are still waiting to hear back from schools. An acceptance off the waitlist could come at any time, so while students should commit to another school before May 1, they could still potentially hear back from their waitlist school deep into the summer.

Increased Number Of Applications

Every year, BS/MD programs continue to get more competitive. Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education had 4,192 applications in the 2022-23 application cycle compared to 2,432 in 2019/20. As programs become more competitive, students are trying to increase their chances of getting accepted to a direct medical program by applying to more programs and adding BS/DO programs and even BS/DMD (direct dental) programs to their list. This past cycle, it wasn’t uncommon to see students with college lists exceeding 25 schools, with 15 or more direct medical programs in addition to traditional schools.

The direct medical program landscape changes every year, with new programs opening and some beloved programs closing their doors. Requirements and deadlines might change, so it is important to keep up-to-date information. However, paying attention to the trends allows you to fully prepare yourself for a successful BS/MD application cycle.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Capehart: Trump Will Not Allow Immigrants From Non-European Countries To Get A Green Card When They Graduate

WILLIAM BRANGHAM, PBS NEWSHOUR: We have seen from President — former President Trump some rather strange mixed messaging on this. He has both said, I'm going to round up everybody. I see you're already starting to smile. You can't control yourself here. [LAUGHTER] JONATHAN CAPEHART, WASHINGTON POST: Finish your question, William. BRANGHAM: You know what I'm going to say, that he said, I'm going to round up millions of people and throw them out of the country. And then just this past few days, he floats the idea of green cards for everyone who's here illegally to — who graduates from college. What is going on there? CAPEHART: Well, if I understand it, is, if you are going to one of the elite universities, or even not an elite university, but you're in school and you graduate, you should automatically get a green card with your diploma. Buckle up, America, because he's correct. [LAUGHTER] He is absolutely right. It doesn't make sense that you get all of this talent coming in, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and then they graduate and then they have to leave? Donald Trump is right. But, but I don't believe him for one minute, for one minute. He made the same promise when he was president, did nothing about it, and was draconian in his immigration views and policies. So I don't believe that he is actually going to do this. And I would love it if it — at the debate on Thursday if they ask him about that and see if he sticks with it, because I doubt — I don't believe — I do not believe him. BRANGHAM: Do you believe him? DAVID BROOKS, NEW YORK TIMES: I sort of believe him. [CROSSTALK] CAPEHART: Oh, come on! BRANGHAM: Because it feels like, as Jonathan is saying, common sense that, if you're educated here, like, be an American. BROOKS: Well, that's not why I believe him, because it's common sense. [LAUGHTER] BROOKS: I believe him because he's a business executive. He was in conversation at that moment with two tech executives. And that's their number one issue. And so he's, A, an executive. Immigration is good for business. BRANGHAM: Right. Educate them, put them into the work force. BROOKS: B, he's talking — he's a politician, even though he pretends not to be, and he's saying the things that will make the people — the rich guys he's talking to as happy as it's possible to be. Third, I observe the phenomenon that MAGA has moved a lot in the last three or four years further to the right, way further to the right than it was and way further to the right than Donald Trump is. And that's true on abortion. That's true on immigration. That's true on a range of issues. So he is now looking a lot more flexible on all sorts of issues than his movement. And I think this is a pattern we're going to see. CAPEHART: I — one additional thing. Let's say he actually tries to follow through. I would like to know, from where? BRANGHAM: From which universities, you mean? [CROSSTALK] CAPEHART: No, no, no. From which countries? Because I wouldn't put it past Donald Trump saying, if you're from Asia, South East Asia, no, you can't. You're not a part of this. If you're from Africa, no, you're not a part of this. If you're from Latin America, no, you're not a part of this. This does not apply to you. There's lots of evidence, lots of audio, lots of stories about how Donald Trump feels about countries that are not European, and specifically Northern Europe.

Latest Political Videos

• Newsletters

• Arts & Life
• Classifieds

Post 22 seniors are off to flying start

Jake Toulmin

Zach Aldrich

Amilio Urista

LEBANON — Jake Toulmin drove a compact car to Tuesday’s Lebanon Post 22 senior American Legion baseball doubleheader at Lebanon High.

The recent Hanover High graduate had a sizable effect on the twinbill’s second contest against Manchester’s Sweeney Post 2, however, striking out nine batters and walking four while allowing three hits and two runs, both of them earned.

The lefthander lasted 4⅔ innings and powered the hosts to a 3-2 victory that pushed them to 6-0 this season and kept them atop the New Hampshire District A standings. The hosts took the opener as well, 7-6.

Lebanon received six hits from as many batters. Bennett Hewett singled home the first Post 22 run during the first inning, and Amilio Urista doubled to score Felix Kreis in the second frame.

Zach Aldrich scored the winning run during the third inning when he alertly sprinted from third base on a delayed steal. Sweeney’s pitcher had caught a lob from his catcher between the mound and the plate and distractedly drifted back toward the bump.

“They held on and came up big in big moments,” said coach Chauncey Wood of his troops, who include five Lebanon High products, three from Stevens and two each from Newport and Hanover. “The leadership on this team is different daily. Jake Toulmin was a great leader today.

“He throws everything with intention. He pitched to the count and the umpire’s strike zone. He’s very methodical and a coach’s dream.”

Toulmin, who picked off an astounding 14 runners for Hanover this spring, looked like he’d nabbed a couple more Tuesday, but field umpire Brewster Gove disagreed. Toulmin tired during the fifth inning and signaled to Wood for a replacement after walking the first two batters and striking out the next two.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Really Bad Chess

Toulmin made a late decision to play Legion ball after deciding he wanted to try out for the club team at North Carolina’s Elon University this fall. It would be good to stay sharp during the summer, he figured, and wound up throwing roughly 90 pitches Tuesday before deciding he’d had enough.

“I’ve learned through experience,” said Toulmin, who throws a fastball, a curve that breaks vertically and a slider that moves horizontally. “I can feel that my velocity and control is weakening and I get a tingling down my arm.”

Wood noted that opposing batters can rarely dig in against Toulmin because he moves his target points around the strike zone and has a delivery that naturally hides the ball.

Pitching depth has often been a problem for Post 22 when it reaches the double-elimination state tournament and its schedule of jam-packed games. This year’s event starts July 19 in Nashua.

Toulmin, who posted a 1.37 earned-run average and struck out 55 batters in 35 innings this spring, figures to lead a Post 22 staff that includes Hanover teammate Freddie Mierke, Hewett, Aldrich and fellow Lebanon product Nick Brill. Sunapee’s Brock Kangas closed Tuesday’s victory.

“We are who we are from the beginning of the season to the end of the season,” said Wood, whose team dropped Sweeney to 2-7. “We don’t have kids who go play (club) ball and then show up for the (Legion) playoffs.”

Notes: A sea change has occurred involving Post 22’s baseball leadership. Longtime steward Pete St. Pierre has handed the reins to Dan Griswold. St. Pierre, a Claremont native who’s tirelessly led the post’s hardball efforts since 2012, operated the scoreboard Tuesday. … Manchester is hosting this year’s senior Northeast Regionals. … Post 22 catcher Ryan Lundrigan, who startled many by cutting his traditionally long hair down to the scalp earlier this year, has now bleached his locks blonde. The linebacker promised he’ll go back to stubble atop his noggin for the start of the gridiron season in August. … Sweeney went down a coach during the fourth inning when its argumentative first-base box occupant was ejected by Gove. … Hanover graduate Trevor Pierce is a University of South Carolina sophomore and has played for the Gamecocks’ National Club Baseball Association Division II team. He encouraged Toulmin to give collegiate club action a try.

Tris Wykes can be reached at [email protected].

Support Local Journalism

More sports for you.

06-23-2024 6:31 PM

06-22-2024 5:01 PM

06-20-2024 3:53 PM

06-17-2024 3:02 AM

Customer Relations

Social media, the newspapers of new england family.

• Amherst Bulletin
• Athol Daily News
• Concord Monitor
• Daily Hampshire Gazette
• Greenfield Recorder
• Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
• Valley News
• Valley Advocate
• The Concord Insider
• Around Concord

By using this site, you agree with our use of cookies to personalize your experience, measure ads and monitor how our site works to improve it for our users