what phd is right for me

• How to Choose the Right PhD Programme - A Step by Step Guide

Written by Mark Bennett

If choosing the right PhD programme was as simple as searching for one, there wouldn’t be any need for the rest of this website – including our advice articles (like this one).

But the truth is, picking a PhD isn’t like choosing an undergraduate course, or even a Masters degree . For one thing, you’re not simply picking a course anymore, or just completing a degree.

Now you’re committing to something much more ambitious: a process of extended independent research that doesn’t just result in a qualification for you, but produces the original contribution to knowledge that defines a doctorate.

There are also other unique factors that will influence your PhD: from the supervisor you work with to the type of doctorate you pursue (and your reasons for pursuing it).

In this guide, we'll talk you through how to choose a PhD programme, step by step.

1. Take your time

A PhD may not seem long when you’re busy with research, results and writing up. But three years (or more!) is a long time to spend on a project that stops interesting you after three months.

Each of the following steps requires you to take some time and be methodical (there’s a reason they’re in a particular order). A few of them ask you to do something practical and one even suggests a bit of travelling (who said the internet was for lazy people?).

It’s up to you how closely you follow our advice, but rushing towards the first PhD you see is rarely a good idea.

• Follow the steps in this guide, compare multiple opportunities and reflect on your decision-making process. The ability to be systematic and diligent when searching for a doctorate is great preparation for doing one.
• Apply for the first project you find and eventually end up studying for a doctorate in Byzantine Politics when you actually meant to research Biochemical Polymers.

2. Choose what kind of doctorate you’re looking for

Before you can find the right doctorate, you need to know what kind of doctorate is right for you.

Broadly speaking, doctorates come in three general formats:

• Advertised projects - these are common in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (‘STEM’) subjects. They’re normally offered within established laboratories, research groups or other specialised academic networks whose broader goals will shape some of the boundaries for your project, though not necessarily the specific direction you pursue.
• Self-proposed projects - these are more common in Arts, Humanities and some Social Science subjects. They normally involve a student selecting their own topic and ‘ proposing ’ it to a university and / or supervisor. You’ll have relatively free reign to pick your own topic, but it will need to form the basis of a realistic PhD (see Step 3!) and fit within the aims and expertise of an institution’s research objectives.
• Professional doctorates - these are offered in vocational subjects such as Business and Management and tend to award specialised qualifications such as the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) . They’re usually intended for experienced candidates looking to research on their area of practice, rather than become academic researchers.

There are degrees of nuance within these categories (pun intended) but the subject you wish to research in will probably narrow down the kind of doctorate you should be looking for.

You should also begin thinking about what you want to do after your PhD. Career opportunities for doctoral graduates are more varied (and flexible) than you might assume, but there’s still a fairly clear difference between academic and professional doctorates.

• Learn about different types of PhD (as well as the differences between them) and take a look at the kind of doctorates offered in your subject area .
• Spend ages wondering why you can’t find a Doctor of Business Administration in Seventeenth-Century Computer Science. Or expect a university Chemistry department to hire you with one.

3. Pick a project that pairs passion with practicality

It sounds like an obvious statement (or an awful tongue-twister) but this is a place where it’s easy to go wrong – particularly if you’re coming up with your own research topic.

Once you know you want to do a doctorate, how do you find the right PhD topic?

You need to really want to do a PhD. Not just another degree. Not just another qualification. Not just another three years at university.

Three years of in-depth, mostly independent research on a topic you care enough about to spend three years researching, independently and in-depth. With a worthwhile new contribution to academic or professional knowledge in your field at the end of it.

Getting there takes real passion for your topic. But, passion alone isn’t enough to make a doctorate practical .

People have been carrying out doctoral research for around 100 years. That’s a lot of PhDs in your subject. So it isn’t enough to just decide you ‘want to study a PhD in [your subject]’, even if you are incredibly passionate about it. Chances are, other people have been passionate about this subject before.

Your topic needs to be more specific. It also has to have the right scope for a PhD.

Some academic research projects can run for extensive periods of time, taking in the work of multiple people and developing over years or even decades. A doctorate needs to be completed in around three to four years of full-time work, by one scholar (you!).

• Look for a project with clear objectives that you care about, solving worthwhile problems that matter to you and tackling questions you actually want to know the answers to.
• Set out to re-think the fundamental principles of theoretical Physics in three years. Particularly if you’re more interested in Engineering .

4. Research your research

So, you’ve got a fairly good idea for a PhD on a topic you’re passionate about and it looks like an original and worthwhile idea.

The next step is to check that both of those things are true. And you can start right here.

Our search is a useful way to find a PhD (it’s in the name, after all) but it’s also a great way to compare current PhDs – and get a sense of what’s happening in your field.

Entering your research area (or interests) will bring up relevant projects and programmes, but don’t worry about picking one of them just yet.

Instead take a look at the kind of results you see. How many are there? Where are they from? How specific are they to your research interests?

This information can be a good indicator of how popular the field for your topic is and how densely (or sparsely) inhabited it might be.

If you’re seeing lots of interest in your area, your project might be timely. But you might also need to think further about how you’ll differentiate your research from others’.

If you’re not seeing many directly relevant projects, that’s not necessarily a bad thing (particularly in the Arts and Humanities, where general programmes are more common than specific projects).

It could be that your ideas are very original (and ideal for a PhD). Still, you should probably discuss them with a supervisor before you apply or submit a proposal. There might be a reason no one is currently researching (or advertising) projects on your topic.

• Investigate the work being done in your field and think about how your project will fit into that research landscape.
• Assume your PhD idea is original, only to find that six other people are working on similar topics. And two of them are just about to publish their results.

5. Try before you buy

As well as seeing how many people are researching your area, you should try and get some idea of what research in that area is actually like . You’re going to be doing a lot of it during your PhD after all.

So, take a more detailed look at some of the project descriptions you’ve found during your searches:

What do they involve doing ? How interesting are the details of the science or scholarship they refer to? How familiar does it sound? Does it interest you? Would you like to read a research paper on this topic if we put one in front of you, right now?

If the answer to that last question is ‘yes’ (and it should be if you’re up for a PhD on this topic) then why not go and find a recent paper or journal article on this subject? If specific work is mentioned in the project, see if you can find it. If not, start with the supervisor’s recent publications.

• Look at some current work in your field and ask yourself, honestly, if this is the kind of material you can see yourself reading (and maybe writing) over the next three years or so.
• Sign up for three years of academic research only to discover you hate reading academic research papers.

6. Think about your research environment

We could have called this step ‘choose the right university’ but what really makes a university a good choice for a PhD is the environment it provides for doctoral research in your field.

You can get some sense of this from traditional measurements of university ‘quality’. Rankings , for example, can tell you things like how much research a university publishes and how good it might be perceived to be.

But these things probably won’t matter as much during the day-to-day of your PhD. Instead you should look at things like:

• How well-equipped is it for research on your topic? Appropriate laboratory or workshop facilities are a must for most STEM PhDs, but an under-stocked library can make Arts and Humanities scholarship difficult and frustrating.
• What kind of postgraduate facilities does it offer? A PGR common room may not seem like much, but it could be nirvana when you need somewhere quiet to go over your chapter draft.
• Is there much of a postgraduate community? Are other students working in your area? Is there a postgraduate society? Three years of doctoral solitude won’t do your well-being any good – and being cut off from other people’s ideas won’t help your research.

If you can, make a trip to visit any university you’re seriously considering for a PhD. Postgraduate open days are a great way to do this, but you may also be able to arrange an informal visit – particularly if you’ve made contact with a supervisor to discuss a project.

• Recognise the importance of your daily routine to your happiness (and success). Think about what it might be like to live and work on this project, at this institution.
• Assume that one university is right for your PhD simply because it ranks higher, has a nicer coffee shop or a shiny new library (with none of the journals you need).

7. Talk to potential supervisors

The student-supervisor relationship is a unique part of the PhD experience and, to some extent, it’s also unique to each PhD experience.

All supervisors serve as scholarly mentors and professional role models for the academic work you’ll carry out during your doctorate. But those functions are facilitated by a human relationship between two individuals, working together over three or more years.

It goes without saying that you need that relationship to succeed and, to that extent, the advice in this step is rather simple:

Before you choose a supervisor to approach with your PhD topic (or choose a PhD with an assigned supervisor) find out a little more about them.

One way to do that is to get in touch.

An informal email should do the trick. It doesn’t need to be long and it certainly shouldn’t be confused with your research proposal .

Instead, simply introduce yourself, your background and interests and your interest in working with them. You can also ask questions about the university or project (if you have any).

It may also be worth doing a little more background research on prospective supervisors:

• How many students have they supervised before? How many students are they currently supervising?
• How well does their past or present research align with your topic?
• Are they involved in any significant projects that might help or hinder their involvement with your PhD?
• How do they come across personally and professionally? Are they active on appropriate social media networks like LinkedIn or Twitter? Do they maintain a personal website or blog for their research?

Be respectful and polite as you consider potential supervisors, but do take your research seriously. After all, this will be the most important academic (and professional) relationship of your career so far.

• Think about what you’ll need from a PhD supervisor and the kind of relationship (and personalities) that might provide it.
• Add every potential supervisor you find on Facebook and message them all asking for help with your research proposal.

8. Think about your future

You know what kind of doctorate you’re looking for. You’ve found a topic you care about and checked that the wider academic community does too. You have some idea of what to expect from day-to-day research on that project and think you’ve found a university (and supervisor) you’ll be comfortable with.

So, are you ready to apply for that PhD? Probably. But don’t do so just yet.

Instead, imagine yourself after you’ve applied, aced your interview and been accepted (of course).

Picture yourself actually researching that PhD.

Where will you live? How’s the commute? Are you still able to see friends, family and significant others? If not, is that going to be something you’ll be comfortable with?

Next, imagine yourself after you’ve submitted, aced your viva and received your doctorate.

Picture yourself holding a shiny new PhD. What will you do next?

Opportunities for PhD graduates are more diverse than you might think, with many academic and non-academic pathways that take advantage of the transferable skills developed during a doctorate.

You don’t have to know exactly which option you’ll pursue in three years or so, but you should think seriously about your options and plans before you start.

Once you’ve done that. . . you could be ready to get started with your PhD. Good luck!

• Have a goal in mind for your PhD, reflect on what you hope to gain from the qualification, and understand the alternative options that might be available if your plans change.
• Assume that a PhD will automatically lead to a specific job (in academia or elsewhere) or ignore the opportunities to develop your skills and CV during a doctorate.

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How to Choose a PhD Program

Successfully completing a doctoral program requires commitment and perseverance. the most important step in this process is to consider whether academic life is right for you and what kind of doctoral program — from discipline to environment — will be the best fit for your goals and preferences., we asked our current students and faculty, “what is key to making this decision” following are some questions they suggested you ask yourself, and answer, in order to select the appropriate program..

First, a basic description of a doctoral program:

As a doctoral student, you will spend the first two years of your program exploring areas of interest through coursework. In the two to three years that follow, you will select and pursue your own research topic, one which will make an original contribution to the existing body of knowledge in your field. Your original research culminates in an extensive written document known as the doctoral dissertation.

General Questions

If you are considering your career options, answering these questions will help you clarify your goals and ambitions — and determine if a doctoral program is the right decision for you.

• Am I the type of person who is suited for a career in academia? Am I independently motivated to answer questions that I find interesting?
• Do I want to spend the rest of my career doing research, as well as reading and talking about it?
• Do I have a strong enough academic background in order to apply and be accepted by the program?
• Is now the time for me to pursue a PhD?
• What are my goals after completing the PhD?

Program Questions

If you know you want to pursue a doctoral degree, answers to these questions will help you select the right program for you.

• How many faculty are working with students?
• How many faculty members are doing research in areas related to my own interests?
• What opportunities are there to work with a variety of faculty and to be exposed to different approaches in research (modeling, work with data, experiment design)?
• Am I technically prepared to learn to do research in this field?
• Most PhD students change their vision of research and many change their intended concentration area after joining the program and being exposed to a variety of research styles. Does my program of choice offer flexibility needed to do so?
• Is there financial support for students to attend academic conferences to present their own research?
• What opportunities are there for students to participate in colloquia, both as an attendee and as a presenter?
• What is the department’s placement record? What types of jobs do graduates take and where?
• Finally, how well do graduates of the program perform in the long term (contributing to the field through publication, practice of management and earning tenure)?

Hear From Our Doctoral Community

From undergrad to phd, why i chose academic research instead of consulting.

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FALL COURSE REGISTRATION  is open through August 29. Explore courses today.

How to Choose a Graduate Program

Choosing a graduate program can be daunting. This guide will provide insight on how to get started.

Lian Parsons

The first step is deciding to pursue a graduate degree. The second step is choosing one. This process can be intimidating, but this guide will walk you through how to choose a graduate program and how to set yourself up for success.

Taking the next step in your education journey means making a commitment to yourself and to your future. With so many graduate schools to choose from, it can be difficult to know what the best option is for you. 

Deciding whether or not to go to graduate school in the first place can be challenging to figure out. Graduate certificates are also an option for those who want to hone a specific skill set and — in many cases — can be completed along the way to a master’s degree. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , enrollment in master’s and doctoral programs is on the rise and is projected to be 6 percent higher in 2030 than in 2020 (3.3 million vs. 3.1 million students, respectively).

This blog post will offer a few tips on how to choose a graduate program that fits both your goals and your lifestyle, as well as what will help set you on the pathway to success.

Why pursue a graduate degree?

Before beginning the process of applying to graduate school, take some time to figure out what you want to get out of the graduate school experience. 

Whether you’re looking to open up your career prospects, gain new professional skills and connections, or return to academia to develop yourself personally, having a solid “why” in mind can help you clarify your next steps.

“While a new career path may reveal itself as a result of graduate study, don’t rely on it if you’re unsure about what you want to do next in life or you aren’t happy in your current job,” says Kimberly Parke, executive director of pre-degree advising, recruitment, and admissions at Harvard Extension School. “Instead, spend time in self-reflection, and engage in research about all possible options, including informal interviews with people in jobs and fields that seem interesting to you.”

Once you do figure out that “why,” the value a graduate degree can bring can go far beyond the individual.

“The difference you’ll be able to make in your community with your new skills and connections, the impact you’ll have on your friends and family through modeling the discipline and responsibility it takes to complete a program, and the confidence you’ll gain for all those same reasons and more are invaluable,” adds Parke.

What factors should you consider when choosing a graduate program?

When thinking about how to choose a graduate program, there are multiple elements to consider, according to Amanda Peters, director of Harvard Extension School career advising and programming.

“Each person really needs to prioritize what matters to them and what will allow them to be successful. Find what holds the most value and what is the priority and all the rest of the evaluation is going to be based on that,” says Peters. “You want to make sure you’re going to be able to commit to following through on the program.”

The most personal part of choosing a graduate school is taking stock of what’s most important to you. These priorities can be broken down into a few main categories. 

Career Goals and Personal Interests 

Consider whether or not the program will help you advance in your career. Additionally, reflect on your personal passion for your chosen industry and whether or not you see yourself in this field long term.

Lifestyle and Program Format 

Most adults who are working full time in addition to balancing family responsibilities likely do not have time to take two to three years off to complete a graduate degree program. You may find online classes or alternate class schedules work best for you. 

Program Qualifications and Requirements 

Once you’ve identified some graduate programs that interest you, you’ll need to research whether you meet the qualifications for admissions. You’ll also want to know exactly what requirements you’ll need to meet to graduate.

Some programs, for example, may require you to take an entrance exam; others, like Harvard Extension School , may require that you successfully complete a course or two.

Most graduate programs will have both admissions qualifications and graduation requirements listed on their websites. You can also contact each school’s graduate admissions office directly for more clarity. 

Having a range of options when applying can also be beneficial in providing you greater choice later on in the process. 

Resources for Support 

Reach out to the individual graduate schools for more information about resources such as internship and research opportunities, academic support and tutoring, networking outlets, career services , and childcare options if you’re a parent.

Location and Cost of Living 

If you’re not able to move to attend school in person, or if the location is simply financially inaccessible, find out if the graduate program offers online degrees. 

Some online graduate programs may require that you take some percentage of your courses on campus. Be sure to verify whether there is a residency requirement and, if there is, whether you will realistically be able to complete it.

Tuition and Financial Aid Options 

Graduate school is a hefty investment, so take your time to understand the full cost of the program and how it fits into your budget. You’ll want to find program options that are comfortable for you.

As Julie Lonergan, associate director of pre-degree advising and admissions of Harvard Extension School advises, “Research your options for financial aid, grants and loans, and ask your employer about tuition reimbursement opportunities. Be creative when you search for scholarships and fellowships, as you may find ones associated with your field of study, your geographic location, your industry, and more.” 

Educating yourself about financial aid options is also an important piece of the puzzle.

Explore Graduate Degrees at Harvard Extension School.

How do you determine the quality of a good graduate program?

Deciding what to prioritize when selecting a graduate school is a process that is individual to each graduate student, but there are several common factors to take into account. 

Quality of Faculty and Instructors 

“Whatever your ultimate goal may be, learning from faculty at the top of their fields or with extensive academic and research experience will help set you up for success,” says Lonergan.

Graduate faculty and instructors should teach a curriculum that is up-to-date and provides you with the knowledge you need to be successful on your next steps.

Students Access to Faculty/Resources 

Contact graduate schools to find information about the average class size, as well as information on what resources each grad school provides to help graduate students succeed, such as career support, mentorship opportunities, professional development, and advising. Most graduate schools will also have this information posted on their websites.

On-Campus Facilities   

For answers about facilities, reach out to those who had the opportunities to use them the most: current graduate students or recent alumni.

Social media groups are also a good source for honest insights into campus life and facilities, such as libraries, research labs, classrooms, and online spaces.

Social Environment 

Look up the demographics of the graduate student population, faculty members, and administration, which can often be found on school websites. Speaking with current grad students or alumni is also an opportunity to find out what kind of student tends to be attracted to each particular graduate school or program.

Alumni Career Paths 

Peters suggests finding alumni via platforms like LinkedIn to find out their trajectories post-graduation. If their stories inspire you, that’s a positive sign the graduate program may be a good fit for you as well. 

School websites will also often include profiles on current grad students and alumni , which can give you a sense of their academic experiences and career outcomes. 

Many alums are eager to share their experiences. Don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni in your prospective field as part of your research into a specific graduate program.

Is support available to help students choose the right graduate program?

One thing prospective graduate students should know is they are not alone. There is a large range of sources from which to gain insight into how to choose a graduate program and help you narrow down your search. 

Professional associations, alumni associations, current students and faculty, school admissions offices, and industry newsletters are all great resources to find out more about the programs you’re researching.  

Enrollment coaches are also specifically and uniquely positioned to help throughout the journey of how to choose a graduate program and to ensure that you get the most out of your experience.

“Learning is about inquiry, in all its forms, so as a student whose job it is to learn, seek answers and ask for help,” says Parke. “If there’s one place where you’re expected to do that, it’s at a school!”

How do I know if grad school is right for me?

Pursuing a graduate degree program is an incredible undertaking, but one that has the potential to launch a new career trajectory, connect you with fellow like-minded students, faculty, and alumni who are rooting for your success, and help you discover who you are — and who you’re going to be.

Explore all undergraduate and graduate programs at Harvard Extension School.

About the Author

Lian Parsons is a Boston-based writer and journalist. She is currently a digital content producer at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education. Her bylines can be found at the Harvard Gazette, Boston Art Review, Radcliffe Magazine, Experience Magazine, and iPondr.

Preparing for Graduate School: Advice for New Student Success

The idea of going back to graduate school as a working adult presents both opportunities and challenges. Here are a few tips for setting yourself up for success in graduate school and beyond.

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Articles & Advice > Graduate School > Articles

Important Considerations to Help You Find the Right Graduate Program

Finding the right grad program will inform your future career opportunities and choices. This comprehensive advice can help you make this important decision.

by Joshua J. LaFave Director of Graduate Business Programs, Clarkson University

Last Updated: Dec 18, 2023

Originally Posted: Oct 18, 2016

Y ou may be thinking, “I got through the search for my undergraduate program just fine—why would searching for a graduate program be any different?” For some, grad school can be that straightforward. But for most, it’s among the toughest decisions to make. Why is that? You just need to find a graduate school that has your desired program and apply, right? Wrong. 

Here are two key differences: First, you are a different person now. You have grown, discovered your passions, know more about what you want, and are concerned with far more than simply getting through junior year. Second, graduate work is about focusing on a particular discipline. The scope of the program is different, and the way in which you apply to graduate programs is also very different. I could certainly keep going, but homing in on your motivations and reasons for wanting to go to graduate school are at the heart of the rest of this article. In short, it seeks to help you answer the question: “How do I find the right graduate program for me?” 

Goals and expectations

To ensure you make the best graduate school choices for yourself, you’ll need to spend a considerable amount of time not  thinking about grad school.  That’s right! It’s time to do some reflection and research. Start by considering the following questions:   

• What’s your timeline ? How do you define where you want to be in one, three, five, and 10 years from now?
• What do you value? What's important to you for learning, living, your graduate experience, and work-life balance ? Do you want (or need) to work while going to grad school? What are the areas you must balance, and where can you make sacrifices?
• How do you learn? Who are you at your best? How do you process information in an academic or professional setting? Reflect on these things using assessment tools (e.g., StrengthsQuest), talking with friends, etc. 

This is not an exhaustive list, but you get the idea. Don’t worry about the particulars of your graduate degree just yet. Know who you are, what your plans are, and what you need to do your best. 

Related: Great Expectations: How Grad School Differs From Undergrad

Career plans

It may be fun to think about using grad school to launch a particular career , or perhaps you have thought to yourself, “That seems like a good job. Grad school will get me there!” But do you really know everything about the position? Career path? Industry?  The jobs of today may not exist in the near future, and there will be careers in a few years that don’t exist to day. It’s important to be mindful of career planning as the precursor to your graduate education. To that end, the second thing I recommend doing before launching into your grad school search is to spend time evaluating your career interests and get to know what specific positions are available. You may learn about perfect-fit opportunities you never even knew existed. 

There are many career research re sources out there, but checking out the Occupational Outlook Handbook produced by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is the perfect place to start. There, you’ll learn about the specifics of the career path as well as the education and degree requirements for those positions. And you’ll be able to evaluate the forecasts for employment growth—or decline—in those fields as well. The information is there. It’s important for you to find it, digest it, and build your grad school plan around it. 

Degree profile

Once you know what kind of education is needed for your chosen field(s), it’s time to nail down the degree type and focus you should pursue in grad school.  There are professional master’s (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA), Master of Science degrees, Master of Arts, and more. But beyond knowing the mere degree title, you should know what your potential degrees truly entail. For example, while the discipline may be the same, an MS in Mathematics tends to be more applied, while an MA in Mathematics is more theoretical, which is good preparation for a doctoral program. 

Then there are professional degrees, which are largely designed for entry into a specific industry. Furthermore, depending on your career goals, applying for a terminal degree (doctorate level) is something you'll need to consider when making your graduate school plan. Many programs admit to the doctorate, where the master’s degree is obtained along the way. When it comes to your degree focus, you’ll want to know the exact type of program you're looking for. The focus or academic orientation of the program may differ in the way courses are delivered or the research faculty members conduct. Using the math example again, an MA in Math might have an actuarial focus, or its focus might be calculus.  

Related:  Choosing the Right Graduate Degree for Your Goals

Institutional differentiators

After conducting the aforementioned career planning and reflection, you'll know the degree type and focus you want and have a sense of your values and expectations. Now it’s time to work on identifying how these things align with the “differentiators.” Simply put, how does a particular college with the degree you're seeking stack up? What are some of the aspects of the program and institution that fit who you are and what you need? Your interpretation of these differentiating things is inextricable to setting yourself up for a transformative grad school experience . While you may have others, here are two critical categories of differentiators to consider: 

• Research opportunities: This may be very important for your discipline. Does the institution have a great track record for grants? What types of opportunities will you have to get published? 
• Program makeup and delivery format: What is the setup of the program? If online, what’s the track record? If part time, what kinds of class schedules are available? How well do you think (or know) you’d learn in that format? 
• Admission: What prerequisite courses might you need to take to be eligible for admission? Do they offer them? Is there a way to gain conditional admission and still start the program?
• Accreditation and rigor: Outside of regional accreditation, are there program- or discipline-specific accreditations to help you determine degree quality? 
• Prestige and reputation: A school and/or program’s reputation in your (intended) field can play a big role in your decision and determination of quality. 
• Class size: How big is the program? Do you learn better in small or large classes? What outcomes do you identify with regarding the number of classmates in the average cohort?

Campus experience

• Culture: Think of a grad school’s culture as “that’s how we do things here.” Visit your potential graduate institutions and talk with various stakeholders to help understand what their philosophy on education really is.
• Outcomes: This is pretty straightforward—and telling. What is the track record related to student outcomes, and what resources are in place to secure employment and assess ROI of their graduate programs?
• Living and learning: What’s the living situation? Is housing available for graduate students? Is it on or off campus? What else is available to support your lifestyle while in school? 
• Support services: Where can you get campus assistance when you need it most? Whether it’s academic, financial, or career counseling, it’s not just that they have it but what it is and how it applies to you.
• Community: What’s in the area around the graduate school? How does the college engage with the community it’s located in? What can you expect from the area in terms of experiential education opportunities, employment, housing, and amenities? 
• Professional development and engagement: Are there supplemental programs, networking events, and other activities that would enhance your experiences in the graduate program? 
• Connection to industry and alumni: How accessible are these two groups to you as a grad student? Does the college engage in conversations with them to ensure the graduate curriculum is current and relevant? 

Related:  Campus Visits: Not Just for Undergrads!

Financial consideration

Another important element in finding the best grad school fit is cost and financial aid. You may identify two graduate programs of equal value to you, but their financial support adds another crucial element to your success.  Ask about, identify, and make sure you understand what’s available in terms of financial assistance and the likelihood of someone with your academic profile and experience receiving funding. Determine what’s available for scholarships, grants , fellowships, teaching positions, research or graduate assistantships, and other funding you don’t have to pay back.  Research the true cost of your graduate education, and remember that your investment will extend beyond the tuition you pay. Part of finding a grad program is ensuring it fits your budget too, including such things as the cost of living in a particular location. Using sites like GradSense.org will help you understand the overall investment.

The search: Where to look and who to ask

Actually searching for a grad school may seem like the hardest part, but if you’ve considered everything above, you have all the tools you need! Now you can use everything you know about your goals and yourself combined with the institutional differentiators to make an informed decision.  Here are the key resources for your graduate program search:

• Grad school search directories: Grad school search websites and directories like CollegeXpress's  Graduate School Search tool give you opportunities to search by many different variables and filters. 
• Individual colleges and universities: Talk to current students, recent graduates, and faculty. Visit the colleges (online and in person) and test out the differentiators that matter to you most.
• External assessments: This category of resources includes graduate school ranking lists and reports.   Use these tools while you're researching, but do not base your selection entirely on these reports.
• Surrounding community: Get to know and research the area the college is located in to assess your living priorities. 

Final thoughts and tips

I can’t stress enough the importance of individual research and planning as it relates to making the best choices for you and being a competitive candidate when you're ready to launch, relaunch, or continue your career through graduate school! Beyond that, here are a few closing tips: 

• Stay organized:  Find a way to organize your grad school search criteria by creating charts and assigning point values to some of your differentiators. Do the same for evaluating admission requirements and financial opportunities. 
• Ask questions and glean different perspectives: Look for consistent messages to validate the way the institution, program, and overall experience are presented. 
• Best fit will vary for everyone:  Only you can determine what’s ultimately important in your grad school search. Differentiators that may be important to you may not be to the person next to you. Gather information, but don’t be influenced by others. 
• Have a plan of attack: Preparing for the grad school search and managing multiple admission requirements and timelines are both good practice for the  organization and time management skills you’ll need in grad school. 
• Start early: Your grad school search and application process should begin 10–15 months prior to your desired term of entry.

Related:  Essential Grad School Search and Application Timeline

The right graduate program for you is going to depend entirely on your future goals and ambitions. There are broad degree programs that could prepare you for many different careers, and there are highly specific grad pathways that will take you to that one place you want to be. The choice is ultimately your own. Don’t let others sway you into doing what you think you should do over what you really want to do with the rest of your life.

What are you doing to find a great graduate program? Start here on CollegeXpress by using our featured grad school lists !

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How to Tell if a Doctorate Degree is Right for You

Enrollment in doctoral programs has steadily increased as students pursue deeper understanding, better job opportunities, and higher wages. For many students, a doctorate offers a path to life in academia. Forty-nine percent of people who complete doctorates work in higher education. Even if a life in higher education isn’t for you, doctoral training can make you a more attractive job candidate in virtually any field. 

So how can you tell if a doctorate is right for you? Here’s what you need to know to make the decision. 

Benefits of a Doctoral Degree 

Doctoral training makes you an expert in your field. You’ll take numerous courses that encourage you to think critically and creatively, diving deeply into material that shapes your chosen industry. At the end of your coursework, you’ll complete a dissertation. This dissertation is a published piece of research that helps establish you as an authority while enabling you to research a topic of your choosing. Some graduates use their dissertation as a springboard to further research, as a starting point for a popular book , or as a way to demonstrate expertise in the specific role they hope to occupy. 

So what else can a doctoral degree offer you? Earnings tend to increase with education because employers are willing to pay more for expertise. According to 2018 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings with a doctorate were $1,825. The figure with a master’s degree was $1,434, compared to $1,198 with a bachelor’s and $730 with a high school diploma. 

This means that, for a person with a bachelor’s degree, the median annual increase in earnings is more than $32,000. Even if you have to take time away from work or get student loans to pursue your education, this massive earnings increase offers a significant return on your investment. 

People with more education have more employment opportunities too. The unemployment rate in 2018 for doctorate degree holders was just 1.6 percent, compared to 2.1 percent with a master’s, 2.2 percent with a bachelor’s, and 4.1 percent with a high school diploma. In many fields, especially in higher education, the only way to get your foot in the door is with an advanced degree. Colleges often require professors to have doctorates, and many highly paid corporate jobs cater to those with graduate training. 

Even when a job doesn’t require a doctorate, having one can work to your advantage. You might be able to advance in your career more rapidly or demonstrate how your educational background makes you an ideal candidate for the next promotion. 

Some other key benefits of a doctorate degree include: 

• Communication skills. Defending your dissertation will help you master the craft of public speaking and effective debate. 
• Better writing. A dissertation is long and challenging, requiring many rounds of edits and a critical eye. Crafting this document hones your writing skills . 
• Networking . You’ll take classes with a cohort of other people who are deeply invested in the same field as you. When you graduate, these colleagues become your professional network. They can help you get jobs, understand shifting industry trends, and gain access to opportunities such as the chance to speak at conferences. 

Drawbacks of Doctorate Degree Programs 

Although a doctorate degree program can boost your earnings, offer greater job security, and help you master your chosen field, it’s not for everyone. People considering a doctorate because they can’t decide what to do next should think twice. 

Advanced training is a time-consuming investment, and about half of people pursuing doctorates don’t graduate. For many students, lack of institutional support makes it difficult for them to complete their dissertation. This is why it’s so important to choose a school with high completion rates and plenty of assistance for students. 

Some other drawbacks of a doctorate degree include: 

• Expense. You’ll need to find a way to pay for your education . If you leave before your degree is completed, you may end up with student debt, while lacking the salary bump that a completed program often offers. Students who take longer to complete their doctorate will incur more costs, so it’s important to choose a program that encourages completion and offers resources to struggling learners. 
• Stress and workload. You’ll need to carve out time each week for class and will probably have to spend some portion of each day on homework or your dissertation. This requires a balancing act, and you may need support from your spouse or other loved ones. 
• No guarantees. Doctorate degree holders earn significantly more, on average, than less educated people, but there are no guarantees. You’ll still need to network, find a suitable job, and establish yourself as an attractive candidate. A school with a proactive approach can be helpful in this regard. Be sure to ask what support services your university’s career services office provides. 

What to Expect from a Doctoral Degree Program 

Quality doctoral programs are highly rigorous because the purpose of this degree is to help you become an authority on the topic you choose. Most programs share a similar structure that includes a combination of classwork and writing a dissertation. The specific shape of the program depends a lot on the school you choose. 

At SNU , doctoral students take most of their classes on Wednesday nights. This makes our degree an ideal option for busy professionals who already work in the field or who return to school hoping for a career shift. You may take some classes on the weekend. Others are available in a hybrid format. On average, students take about 32 months to complete the program. 

We work with every applicant to secure a financial aid packet that works with their needs and lifestyle . We help you assess whether student loans are right for you, and can even help you fill out your financial aid application. 

Making the Decision: Is a Doctorate Right for You? 

So how do you know if a doctorate is the right next step? Consider asking yourself the following questions: 

• What is my ideal career ? Would a doctorate help me launch that career, or is another option—such as mentorship or more workplace experience—better? 
• Do I have time for a doctorate ? Whom can I rely upon to support me? 
• What are my financial aid options ? 
• How much money do I need to make during school to support myself? What about after school? 
• Why have I chosen the specific doctorate I am considering? Is this a good career move? Am I genuinely interested in the topic? 
• What is daily life like in the career I am considering ? 
• Have I already worked in the field in which I’m pursuing a doctorate? Do I like it? 
• What do other people with a doctorate have to say about their experience ? 
• Have I spoken to graduates of the specific school I am considering? 
• What support does my chosen school offer? 
• What is my chosen school’s graduation rate? 
• At six months following graduation, what percentage of students at my school are employed in their chosen field? What is their average salary? 
• Do I want to work in higher education? How competitive is the job market in my area? 
• Do I work in an industry where a doctorate would offer a career advantage in the private sector? 
• Is there a specific dissertation topic I am interested in researching and writing? 
• Do I enjoy school? 
• If I previously struggled in school, what can I do to make my graduate experience different? How is my chosen school different from previous schools? 

SNU is committed to building quality, comprehensive educational programs that help our students achieve their goals while allowing them to continue working or caring for a family. Our Doctor of Education In Administration And Leadership degree prepares future leaders and educational professionals to tackle a wide range of jobs . You might become a school principal, district superintendent, college administrator, or a consultant for businesses or institutions of higher learning. Learn in the evenings or online so you don’t have to quit your day job or destroy your work-life balance . 

We’re here for you from the moment you apply to the day you graduate and beyond. SNU graduates are working in many exciting roles, steadily shaping the future of leadership. If you think a doctorate degree might be right for you, we’ll help you take the next step. 

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9 things you should consider before embarking on a PhD

June 23, 2021 | 15 min read

By Andy Greenspon

The ideal research program you envision is not what it appears to be

Editor's Note:  When Andy Greenspon wrote this article, he was a first-year student in Applied Physics at Harvard. Now he has completed his PhD. — Alison Bert, June 23, 2021

If you are planning to apply for a PhD program, you're probably getting advice from dozens of students, professors, administrators your parents and the Internet. Sometimes it's hard to know which advice to focus on and what will make the biggest difference in the long-run. So before you go back to daydreaming about the day you accept that Nobel Prize, here are nine things you should give serious thought to. One or more of these tips may save you from anguish and help you make better decisions as you embark on that path to a PhD.

1. Actively seek out information about PhD programs.

Depending on your undergraduate institution, there may be more or less support to guide you in selecting a PhD program – but there is generally much less than when you applied to college.

On the website of my physics department, I found a page written by one of my professors, which listed graduate school options in physics and engineering along with resources to consult. As far as I know, my career center did not send out much information about PhD programs. Only after applying to programs did I find out that my undergraduate website had a link providing general information applicable to most PhD programs. This is the kind of information that is available all over the Internet.

So don't wait for your career center or department to lay out a plan for you. Actively seek it out from your career center counselors, your professors, the Internet — and especially from alumni from your department who are in or graduated from your desired PhD program. First-hand experiences will almost always trump the knowledge you get second-hand.

2. A PhD program is not simply a continuation of your undergraduate program.

Many students don't internalize this idea until they have jumped head-first into a PhD program. The goal is not to complete an assigned set of courses as in an undergraduate program, but to develop significant and original research in your area of expertise. You will have required courses to take, especially if you do not have a master's degree yet, but these are designed merely to compliment your research and provide a broad and deep knowledge base to support you in your research endeavors.

At the end of your PhD program, you will be judged on your research, not on how well you did in your courses. Grades are not critical as long as you maintain the minimum GPA requirement, and you should not spend too much time on courses at the expense of research projects. Graduate courses tend to be designed to allow you to take away what you will find useful to your research more than to drill a rigid set of facts and techniques into your brain.

3. Take a break between your undergraduate education and a PhD program.

You are beginning your senior year of college, and your classmates are asking you if you are applying to graduate school. You think to yourself, "Well, I like studying this topic and the associated research, and I am going to need a PhD if I want to be a professor or do independent research, so I might as well get it done as soon as possible." But are you certain about the type of research you want to do? Do you know where you want to live for the next five years? Are you prepared to stay in an academic environment for nine years straight?

Many people burn out or end up trudging through their PhD program without a thought about what lies outside of or beyond it. A break of a year or two or even more may be necessary to gain perspective. If all you know is an academic environment, how can you compare it to anything else? Many people take a job for five or more years before going back to get their PhD. It is true though that the longer you stay out of school, the harder it is to go back to an academic environment with lower pay and a lack of set work hours. A one-year break will give you six months or so after graduation before PhD applications are due. A two-year gap might be ideal to provide time to identify your priorities in life and explore different areas of research without having school work or a thesis competing for your attention.

Getting research experience outside of a degree program can help focus your interests and give you a leg up on the competition when you finally decide to apply. It can also help you determine whether you will enjoy full-time research or if you might prefer an alternative career path that still incorporates science, for example, in policy, consulting or business — or a hybrid research job that combines scientific and non-scientific skills.

I will be forever grateful that I chose to do research in a non-academic environment for a year between my undergraduate and PhD programs. It gave me the chance to get a feel for doing nothing but research for a full year. Working at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in the Space Division, I was the manager of an optics lab, performing spectroscopic experiments on rocks and minerals placed in a vacuum chamber. While my boss determined the overall experimental design, I was able to make my own suggestions for experiments and use my own discretion in how to perform them. I presented this research at two national conferences as well — a first for me. I was also able to learn about other research being performed there, determine which projects excited me the most, and thus narrow down my criteria for a PhD program.

4. Your current area of study does not dictate what you have to study in graduate school.

You might be studying the function and regulation of membrane proteins or doing a computational analysis of the conductivity of different battery designs, but that doesn't mean your PhD project must revolve around similar projects. The transition between college or another research job to a PhD program is one of the main transitions in your life when it is perfectly acceptable to completely change research areas.

If you are doing computation, you may want to switch to lab-based work or vice versa. If you are working in biology but have always had an interest in photonics research, now is the time to try it out. You may find that you love the alternative research and devote your PhD to it, you might hate it and fall back on your previous area of study — or you may even discover a unique topic that incorporates both subjects.

One of the best aspects of the PhD program is that you can make the research your own. Remember, the answer to the question "Why are you doing this research?" should not be "Well, because it's what I've been working on for the past few years already."While my undergraduate research was in atomic physics, I easily transitioned into applied physics and materials science for my PhD program and was able to apply much of what I learned as an undergraduate to my current research. If you are moving from the sciences to a non-STEM field such as social sciences or humanities, this advice can still apply, though the transition is a bit more difficult and more of a permanent commitment.

5. Make sure the PhD program has a variety of research options, and learn about as many research groups as possible in your first year.

Even if you believe you are committed to one research area, you may find that five years of such work is not quite what you expected. As such, you should find a PhD program where the professors are not all working in the same narrowly focused research area. Make sure there are at least three professors working on an array of topics you could imagine yourself working on.

In many graduate programs, you are supposed to pick a research advisor before even starting. But such arrangements often do not work out, and you may be seeking a new advisor before you know it. That's why many programs give students one or two semesters to explore different research areas before choosing a permanent research advisor.

In your first year, you should explore the research of a diverse set of groups. After touring their labs, talking to the students, or sitting in on group meetings, you may find that this group is the right one for you.

In addition, consider the importance of who your research advisor will be. This will be the person you interact with regularly for five straight years and who will have a crucial influence on your research. Do you like their advising style? Does their personality mesh with yours? Can you get along? Of course, the research your advisor works on is critical, but if you have large disagreements at every meeting or do not get helpful advice on how to proceed with your research, you may not be able to succeed. At the very least, you must be able to handle your advisor's management of the lab and advising style if you are going to be productive in your work. The Harvard program I enrolled in has professors working on research spanning from nanophotonics to energy materials and biophysics, covering my wide range of interests. By spending time in labs and offices informally chatting with graduate students, I found an advisor whose personality and research interests meshed very well with me. Their genuine enthusiasm for this advisor and their excitement when talking about their research was the best input I could have received.

6. Location is more important than you think — but name recognition is not.

The first consideration in choosing a PhD program should be, "Is there research at this university that I am passionate about?" After all, you will have to study this topic in detail for four or more years. But when considering the location of a university, your first thought should not be, "I'm going to be in the lab all the time, so what does it matter if I'm by the beach, in a city, or in the middle of nowhere." Contrary to popular belief, you will have a life outside of the lab, and you will have to be able to live with it for four or more years. Unlike when you were an undergraduate, your social and extracurricular life will revolve less around the university community, so the environment of the surrounding area is important. Do you need a city atmosphere to be productive? Or is your ideal location surrounded by forests and mountains or by a beach? Is being close to your family important? Imagine what it will be like living in the area during the times you are not doing research; consider what activities will you do and how often will you want to visit family.

While many of the PhD programs that accepted me had research that truly excited me, the only place I could envision living for five or more years was Boston, as the city I grew up near and whose environment and culture I love, and to be close to my family.

While location is more important than you think, the reputation and prestige of the university is not. In graduate school, the reputation of the individual department you are joining — and sometimes even the specific research group you work in — are more important. There, you will develop research collaborations and professional connections that will be crucial during your program and beyond. When searching for a job after graduation, other scientists will look at your specific department, the people you have worked with and the research you have done.

At the Asgard Irish Pub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Andy Greenspon talks with fellow graduate students from Harvard and MIT at an Ask for Evidence workshop organized by Sense About Science. He grew up near Boston and chose to go to graduate school there.

7. Those time management skills you developed in college? Develop them further.

After surviving college, you may think you have mastered the ability to squeeze in your coursework, extracurricular activities and even some sleep. In a PhD program, time management reaches a whole new level. You will not only have lectures to attend and homework to do. You will have to make time for your research, which will include spending extended periods of time in the lab, analyzing data, and scheduling time with other students to collaborate on research.

Also, you will most likely have to teach for a number of semesters, and you will want to attend any seminar that may be related to your research or that just peaks your interest. To top it all off, you will still want to do many of those extracurricular activities you did as an undergraduate. While in the abstract, it may seem simple enough to put this all into your calendar and stay organized, you will find quickly enough that the one hour you scheduled for a task might take two or three hours, putting you behind on everything else for the rest of the day or forcing you to cut other planned events. Be prepared for schedules to go awry, and be willing to sacrifice certain activities. For some, this might be sleep; for others, it might be an extracurricular activity or a few seminars they were hoping to attend. In short, don't panic when things don't go according to plan; anticipate possible delays and be ready to adapt.

8. Expect to learn research skills on the fly – or take advantage of the training your department or career center offers.

This may be the first time you will have to write fellowship or grant proposals, write scientific papers, attend conferences, present your research to others, or even peer-review scientific manuscripts. From my experience, very few college students or even PhD students receive formal training on how to perform any of these tasks. Usually people follow by example. But this is not always easy and can be quite aggravating sometimes. So seek out talks or interactive programs offered by your department or career center. The effort will be well worth it when you realize you've become quite adept at quickly and clearly explaining your research to others and at outlining scientific papers and grant proposals. Alternatively, ask a more experienced graduate student or your advisor for advice on these topics. In addition, be prepared for a learning curve when learning all the procedures and processes of the group you end up working in. There may be many new protocols to master, whether they involve synthesizing chemicals, growing bacterial cells, or aligning mirrors on an optical table. In addition, the group may use programming languages or data analysis software you are unfamiliar with. Don't get discouraged but plan to spend extra effort getting used to these procedures and systems. After working with them regularly, they will soon become second nature. When I first started my job at Johns Hopkins, I felt overwhelmed by all the intricacies of the experiment and definitely made a few mistakes, including breaking a number of optical elements. But by the end of my year there, I had written an updated protocol manual for the modifications I had made to the experimental procedures and was the "master" passing on my knowledge to the next person taking the job.

9. There are no real breaks.

In a stereotypical "9-to-5" job, when the workday is over or the weekend arrives, you can generally forget about your work. And a vacation provides an even longer respite. But in a PhD program, your schedule becomes "whenever you find time to get your work done." You might be in the lab during regular work hours or you might be working until 10 p.m. or later to finish an experiment. And the only time you might have available to analyze data might be at 1 a.m. Expect to work during part of the weekend, too. Graduate students do go on vacations but might still have to do some data analysis or a literature search while away.

As a PhD student, it might be hard to stop thinking about the next step in an experiment or that data sitting on your computer or that paper you were meaning to start. While I imagine some students can bifurcate their mind between graduate school life and everything else, that's quite hard for many of us to do. No matter what, my research lies somewhere in the back of my head. In short, your schedule is much more flexible as a PhD student, but as a result, you never truly take a break from your work.

While this may seem like a downer, remember that you should have passion for the research you work on (most of the time), so you should be excited to think up new experiments or different ways to consider that data you have collected. Even when I'm lying in bed about to fall asleep, I am sometimes ruminating about aspects of my experiment I could modify or what information I could do a literature search on to gain new insights. A PhD program is quite the commitment and rarely lives up to expectations – but it is well worth the time and effort you will spend for something that truly excites you.

Contributor

Andy greenspon.

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

How to Choose a PhD Program: 7 Key Considerations

One of the most common questions among budding researchers is how to choose a PhD program that is the perfect fit for their interest. The choice of pursuing a PhD program can be driven by various reasons, from wanting to make an original contribution in your subject area to achieving your career ambitions or a desire to accomplish something big. Whatever the reason, the decision to pursue a doctoral degree must be thought through carefully. While the journey to procuring a PhD degree can be exciting, it can also prove to be a gruelling experience given that it can take anywhere from four to eight years to complete. Therefore, finding the right PhD program that aligns with your academic interests, career goals, and personal needs is crucial.

In this article, we will explain how to choose a PhD program and topic of research and provide you with a list of key considerations to keep in mind when making this important decision.

Table of Contents

How to choose the right PhD program : Key considerations

1. take time to introspect.

While choosing a PhD program may seem easy at first, it requires a lot of thought and introspection. Don’t rush into making a decision on the topic of your research. Take time instead, to evaluate your options. If you pick a PhD program that does not align with your research interests or career goals, you may find yourself struggling to stay engaged, and productive, which can lead to burnout, stress, and disappointment. A lot of early career researchers drop out of their PhD programs because they made hasty decisions either on the topic of their research or on their choice of the PhD program itself.

2. Stay within your research discipline

Different PhD programs are tailored to different subject areas, such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, or healthcare. So keep in mind the research discipline that you want to pursue and look for options within it. The decision can often be a difficult one given that many subjects today are interdisciplinary. But not all PhD programs are created equal, and some may offer better opportunities for research, mentorship, funding, networking, and professional development than others. Therefore, it is important to know what to look for and how to choose a PhD program that aligns with your research interests and career goals.

3. Identify your specific research interests

Once you have identified your research discipline, you should narrow down your research interests to specific topics that you want to explore. Reading past dissertations and published journal articles will help you identify gaps in knowledge and enable you develop a PhD research project that will address them. Remember that the doctoral journey spans several years so do your due diligence on the types of PhDs being offered in your specific subject area or specialized topic. Having the complete picture, with the pros and cons considered, will ensure you have a strong foundation when finding the right PhD program.

4. Seek advice from supervisors and peers

When figuring out how to choose a PhD program, it is always a good idea to meet with potential supervisors and peers and seek their inputs on your proposed topic and plans for research. Supervisors who have expertise in your chosen field will be able to provide you with valuable insights on the potential of your research, how well it addresses existing gaps in knowledge, and can guide you on how to move forward with your research. They may also be able to identify and flag off any overlaps between your proposed research ideas and ongoing research projects by others in the PhD programs. Interacting with peers will give you a good idea of what to expect and how to pick a PhD program, which will give you’re a more informed perspective and help you with finding the right PhD program for your field.

5. Find out more about the institution’s reputation

When choosing a PhD program, it is essential to understand thereputation of the institution you are considering for your PhD. This involves doing some research on the institution’s academic achievements, faculty member expertise, resource availability and cultural environment and where it ranks for your subject area. Doing this prework is critical in finding the right PhD program as your decision can determine the kind of the education you receive, future career prospects, and even networking opportunities. Be sure to visit the campus, meet the faculty members, and alumni to get an idea on whether the institution provides all of the tools and resources you will need, including the freedom to work on what you are truly passionate about.

6. Check on available funding

One of the key considerations when struggling with how to choose a PhD program is looking at the funding opportunities. Gaining a PhD can be expensive, and many students rely on financial aid, scholarships, grants, or fellowships to cover their tuition, living expenses, and research costs. Therefore, it is important to choose a PhD program that offers adequate funding options, which can provide you with adequate financial support throughout your program. This can often be the deciding factor when it comes to completing of quitting your PhD degree, so cover your bases and make sure you have the resources you need to reach the finish line and earn your PhD degree.

7. Ensure alignment with your professional goals

Finally, when finding the right PhD program for yourself don’t forget to think about your professional goals. Seeing the larger picture helps you answer the difficult question of how to choose a PhD program; knowing the type of training, research experience, and networking opportunities you need to succeed will help you make the right choice. For example, if you want to pursue a career in academia, you should choose a PhD program that encourages teaching experience, requires research publications, and facilitates networking opportunities with other scholars in your field.

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How to Know if a PhD is the Right Choice for You

As a career coach at a top research university, it's no surprise that I come across master's students interested in pursuing a PhD. Earning a doctorate is an accomplishment to be proud of; it challenges you, satisfies your intellectual curiosity about a specific subject, allows you to study and address the world's most pressing problems, and it certainly brings prestige.

Going after a doctoral degree, however, is also a huge commitment in terms of time and money: According to the Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities: 2017 report, it could take between five and fifteen years to complete the degree, and depending on your area of study, you may graduate with significant debt. Though on average those with PhDs earn higher salaries than those with masters or bachelors degrees, it takes dedication, stamina and patience to get to that point. Considering that 50 percent of students leave before completing their doctoral studies, you may want to ask yourself the following questions to determine if a PhD is the right choice for you.

Is A PhD Essential in Your Target Field?

First thing's first: Do you need a PhD? Plenty of career options exist that don't require you to have a PhD in order to succeed and advance, so before diving into the grueling life of a doctoral student, find out if it's necessary in your particular context. What are you trying to accomplish? In certain fields, like pharmaceutical sciences, psychology, biomedical sciences and academia, a doctoral degree is not only needed for growth and advancement, but it's also required to practice in the field. Without a PhD, your options in those fields will be limited.

“I pursued a PhD in psychology because it offered me several career paths: I could pursue research, therapy, teaching, coaching, organizational work or a combination," shares Dr. Dawn Graham, career director for the MBA Program for Executives at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. “Knowing that careers will morph and the market will shift, it was important to me to have a variety of options in my chosen profession." If a doctoral degree is not a must for your chosen career path, what would the value of pursuing one be? Understand the benefits before starting the application process.

Do You Have A Research Focus?

Once you've determined that a PhD can propel you forward in your career, you want to confirm that you are ready to embark on the journey. A main reason students don't complete their doctoral studies is the challenge of finding a research subject they are curious about and on which they can collect enough data to complete a dissertation. “When considering a PhD, you should think about the fact that you will invest some time in coursework and two to three years of research to earn the degree," advises Dr. Kevin Frick, vice dean for education at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. “Is there a topic that you are so interested in that you want to invest much time researching with some guidance and a laser focus?" If not, you may not be ready for a doctoral program yet.

Not having a clear idea of what you'd like to research in your pursuit of a PhD will make it difficult to be accepted in a target program. As such, you may want to explore the field you are drawn to by reading relevant publications, attending field-specific conferences and other events, and speaking with those currently in the field. What are pressing issues you hear about? What is already being done to address the issues? What is not being done and is that something you may be interested in trying out? Being curious and paying attention to developments in your field can help you identify a research focus you want to explore.

Have You Identified A Potential Mentor?

As you research doctoral programs in your field of interest, you may also want to research and follow the work of professors who study topics you are excited about studying. When you are a doctoral student, you will need to work closely and for a significant amount of time with a faculty supervisor. You want to make sure that person can offer you the support and guidance you need to grow and excel in your studies. To find potential mentors and learn more about their approach to research and mentorship, consider reaching out and connecting with faculty members in your field of interest. Read what they have published, try to attend a class they teach or hear them speak at a conference. If you are genuinely fascinated by the subject and the person researching it, reaching out to connect will be much easier.

Do You Love Writing?

You may enjoy research and you may love your chosen subject, but if you are not a fan of writing -- writing a lot -- you will have a hard time during your doctoral studies. Completing a PhD demands hours of research, culminating in a written dissertation you have to defend in front of a committee. Depending on your field of interest, a dissertation may be 50 pages in length or it could be over 200 pages. In addition to your dissertation, you'll be expected to author and co-author numerous articles during your time as a graduate student. Needless to say, you'll need exceptional writing skills to get into and complete a PhD program, but you will also need the stamina and diligence to sit down and write every single day. Does that sound like something you'd like to do?

What Is Your Self-Care Plan?

Working on a doctoral degree is a stressful and often solitary affair, and it may be difficult to do anything outside of studying and research, but to avoid burnout, it's vital to come up with a strategy on how you plan to balance your PhD studies and your social life . To ensure that your personal life and health are not negatively impacted, you may want to commit to a schedule that can keep you organized through the years of research and writing. Don't forget the basics: eat well, sleep well and exercise. What is your go-to activity to make you feel pumped? Be sure to engage in it weekly as a way to recharge and energize.

Final Thoughts

If you are still not sure a PhD is the right choice for you, you may want to take a few years and gain experience in your field. Keep in mind that you don't have to make a decision right now; sometimes, it's best to explore first. “I took four years to work before earning my master's degree, and then another four years of work before pursuing my PhD," says Graham. “This experience ensured that I was mentally and financially ready for the challenge, and that I was certain about my path." With a better understanding of your target field and how a PhD can help you advance in it, you'll also be better prepared to convince an admissions committee that you are in front of them for the right reasons.

Krasi Shapkarova

A longtime careers writer and coach, Krasi Shapkarova serves as an associate director of coaching and education at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in Washington, DC, and is also the editor-in-chief of Carey the Torch, the official blog of the Career Development office. She is a Certified Career Management Coach with The Academies, an MBTI Step I and Step II certified practitioner, and has completed training in the Career Leader assessment. Prior to joining the Carey Business School staff, Krasi worked as a counselor at the distance education department at Houston Community College. In that role, she assisted students with career exploration, degree planning, course selection and study skills. In addition, Krasi has extensive experience as a writing tutor assisting students with resumes, cover letters and scholarship essays. She also interned at Shriners Hospitals for Children and has a background in the non-profit sector. Krasi holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a Master of Arts in International Human Rights from the University of Denver. When not in the office, Krasi enjoys hiking and camping.

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Is a PhD right for me? Navigating the PhD admissions process

Estimated read time: 14 minutes 

This post is the first post in a series offering advice for prospective PhD students. This post lays out a series of questions and tips to help potential candidates decide whether to pursue a PhD in the first place. “ Applying to PhD programs: Advice from J-PAL affiliates ” covers advice on how to write a great PhD application once the decision to apply has been made, and " Choosing a PhD program: Advice from recent PhDs " offers advice on on factors to consider when choosing which PhD program to attend.

Deciding whether to pursue a PhD is a major life decision. Navigating the PhD admissions process can be stressful and uncertain, especially with limited information available to prospective applicants and admitted students. Implicit biases and uneven access to mentoring, networks, and resources can make it especially difficult for foreign applicants and applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to gain admission to top PhD programs in the United States and Europe. 

As we approach the end of this year’s PhD application cycle, we thought it useful to share some considerations for readers thinking about applying next fall. 

This blog synthesizes advice from a variety of sources, such as the American Economic Association , economics faculty members, and the authors' own experience, on deciding to apply for PhD programs in economics and related disciplines (e.g., political science, public policy, agricultural or applied economics, etc.) and how to craft a competitive application.

Is a PhD right for me?

PhD programs are designed primarily to train academics, but most PhD graduates end up working outside of academia . Many PhD students decide to pursue jobs outside of academia because jobs in industry or policy can offer higher salaries or opportunities to work on more applied projects without teaching responsibilities. Others end up in non-academic jobs because they are unable to secure a tenure track position at the type of university or in a location they desire. Accounting for academic and non-academic opportunities, PhD economists have higher rates of employment than PhDs from other disciplines .   I don’t want to be a professor. Should I still consider a PhD?

There is a big opportunity cost associated with pursuing a PhD. PhD stipends at top US programs are generally around $20,000-$40,000 per year. The median time to degree in US economics PhD programs is 5.8 years, and having a master’s degree doesn’t always make it shorter . A PhD may not necessarily improve competitiveness for non-academic jobs. For example, a new PhD graduate going into consulting would likely start at the same level as a new MBA graduate. 

However, skills developed in PhD programs can be valuable and applicable to non-academic jobs. For example, graduates of top PhD programs in economics and political science often develop high level data science skills, which are appealing to big tech companies like Google and Meta and some government agencies and multilateral organizations like the World Bank. In addition, while PhD programs are longer than master’s programs, many are fully funded, allowing students to graduate without significant graduate student loan debt.

The stress, workload, and lack of regular structure that PhD programs entail can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Therefore, general interest in research and the PhD credential alone may be insufficient to maintain the motivation and focus required to complete a PhD program. Before applying to PhD programs, applicants should be confident in their ability to manage their time and stay self-motivated on complicated, slow-moving projects. It is also worth noting that perceptions of PhD research often differ from reality. For example, some students may spend more time on tasks like managing foreign research permits and data cleaning than on tasks like data collection, analysis, and writing. 

Will a PhD from a top program make me competitive for a tenure-track professorship at a top-tier research university?

Not necessarily . Top PhD programs produce far more PhDs than the number of open tenure track professor positions in these departments each year. Consequently, PhD candidates from top departments are more likely to find assistant professor jobs at lower-ranked departments, which makes the job market even more competitive for graduates of lower-ranked departments. 

What do I need to be a competitive candidate?

Should I do a predoc or a master’s first?

In the United States, master’s degrees are not required for admission to PhD programs. However, particularly for students who completed their bachelor’s degree abroad or whose undergraduate grades may not be stellar, master’s degrees can make applicants more competitive even though completing a master’s degree prior to a PhD does not necessarily shorten the time it will take to complete the PhD. 

Predoctoral research assistant positions (predocs) have become increasingly common (mainly in economics) in the past few years and can be an alternative to completing a master’s degree. Predoc programs are generally designed as an apprenticeship model, where predocs work directly with professors on research projects. Predoc programs also offer a more hands-on sense of what PhD research entails, which may help prospective applicants make a more informed decision about applying to PhD programs. Additionally, the supervising faculty member may be able to write a more compelling letter of recommendation, reflecting on the applicant’s demonstrated research skills from working on research projects. 

For individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in economics, predocs can be a more attractive option than a master’s because predoc positions are paid, whereas master’s students are not paid and need to pay tuition (which can be very expensive in the United States, and most master’s programs do not offer full scholarships or stipends). Some predoc programs also offer the opportunity to take classes during the predoc. More information about predoc programs including practice tests can be found at PREDOC (Pathways to Research and Doctoral Careers). 

For applicants with gaps in their undergraduate transcript (e.g., less than stellar grades or a major  in a different discipline) and for students who completed their bachelor’s degree at a lesser known university (e.g., a small university in a foreign country), a master’s degree could significantly improve one’s chance of admission. For more perspectives on the merits of pursuing a master’s before a PhD, see posts by Professors Dick Startz (UCSB) and Miles Kimball (Colorado).

Coursework and GRE

Admissions committees will look closely at undergraduate and master’s (if applicable) transcripts, particularly courses that focus on quantitative skills, such as multivariate calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, and statistics. An applicant’s undergraduate major does not need to be the same field of study as the discipline of their PhD, especially if they can demonstrate strong skills related to math and statistics and an understanding of what research in their PhD discipline entails. Experience with software or programming languages used for statistical analysis, web scraping, and data cleaning, such as Stata, R, and Python is very helpful for completing PhD coursework and research and may make applicants’ more competitive for admission. In addition, most economics PhD programs still pay attention to GRE scores despite their known limitations . In order to be competitive for top-ranked economics programs that accept GRE scores (even if they are optional), applicants may need to score in the 90th percentile or above in the quantitative section (see advice from Professors Chris Blattman and Dick Startz ). 

Letters of Recommendation

Professors who can speak to applicants’ specific interests, experience, and research potential beyond their performance in class can typically write the strongest and most compelling letters of recommendation. All else equal, letters of recommendation from more well-known professors carry more weight. However, how well the professor knows the applicant and how detailed and specific of a letter they can write is more important. So if choosing between a well-known, senior faculty member who does not know the applicant well versus a junior faculty member who can speak to one’s specific strengths and research interests, choose the latter. Ideally all (or at least two) letter writers should be tenure track (or equivalent) faculty members in the same discipline who publish in top journals, and no more than one should be a professional recommendation (e.g., from a supervisor at an unrelated job). See further advice on letters of recommendation from Professors Susan Athey (Stanford) and Chris Blattman (Chicago).

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is an opportunity to highlight the applicant’s research experience and research interests. It can describe research topics and methods completed in an undergraduate or master’s thesis or a research assistantship and plans to apply skills from such experiences to one’s doctoral research. Many programs do not accept separate writing samples, so the statement of purpose is also a way for the admissions committee to assess the quality of an applicant’s writing. Writing in the statement of purpose should be clear and professional. It should not be poetic and does not need not be highly creative. However, it is not advisable to simply follow templates that can be found online. 

Statements of purpose should demonstrate familiarity with the recent scholarship in the applicant’s area of interest and show that the applicant can identify potential research topics that are appropriate for the context of doctoral research. Research at the doctoral level is quite different from research applicants may have done for term papers at the undergraduate or master’s level. To get a sense of what cutting edge research in one’s field looks like, it is helpful to read articles published within the past five years from top journals in the discipline. 

Applicants should also tailor statements of purpose to specific programs for each application by mentioning relevant faculty members and research centers or institutes. For US programs, applicants may mention several professors who would be good advisors for different aspects of one’s doctoral study. For example, a student interested in conducting field experiments related to political economy in Southeast Asia might mention faculty members who do field experiments (regardless of topic and region), faculty who do research in Southeast Asia (but with different methods or topics), and faculty who study political economy (but with different methods or in a different region). Doing so does not commit the applicant to working with any of the faculty members mentioned but can indicate to the department that the applicant has done their homework and may be a good fit.

It is advisable to begin drafting statements of purpose early to allow time for feedback from professors and friends in PhD programs and multiple rounds of revision. J-PAL affiliated professor Chris Blattman (University of Chicago) offers more advice on writing statements of purpose here . More advice can also be found in this guide to applying to PhD programs in economics.

Weighting transcripts, letters, and the statement of purpose

Each component of the application serves a different purpose. Particularly in economics, coursework and GRE scores indicate to the department whether an applicant possesses the technical (and especially math) training necessary to get through first year theory courses and should be thought of as a necessary but not sufficient condition for admission. That is, insufficient math preparation, low grades, or low GRE scores can keep an applicant out of a program but on their own are not enough for admission.

The letters of recommendation and statement of purpose should speak to the applicant’s research potential, i.e., creativity, focus, and passion for doing research. The letters and statement of purpose may also speak to self-motivation and ability to pursue self-directed work, highlighting relevant soft skills and experiences that may not be obvious from only reading the applicant’s resume and transcript. 

Where to Apply

How many schools should I apply to? 

The average acceptance rate at top-25 ranked economics PhD programs is approximately 10% among an already self-selective group of highly qualified applicants . Given the abundance of qualified applicants, admissions decisions can be quite idiosyncratic. Departments seek balance across subfields and faculty advisors, so applicants' particular research interests can make them more or less competitive in ways that are difficult to predict. In addition, different professors and PhD students serve on the admissions committee each year, and each committee member may evaluate candidates and weigh criteria differently. Given the levels of competition and unpredictability, candidates often apply to a large number of programs (10-20), especially if targeting highly ranked schools. Most universities offer application fee waivers for applicants from low income backgrounds. 

How do programs in Europe and North America differ?

There can be substantive differences in program structure and application processes for PhD programs in Europe and North America. While there are also differences across different PhD programs within Europe and the United States, the following differences are common when comparing many (but not all) European versus American doctoral programs: 

• Application processes : European doctoral programs often require master’s degrees and a dissertation proposal as part of the application package. Some European universities offer doctoral tracks for 2-year master’s programs, which allow successful students to continue directly into the doctoral program in the same department. Although some North American PhD students complete master’s degrees before the PhD, this is typically not required. US programs do not require a full dissertation proposal as part of the application. Instead, applicants to US programs describe their research interests more broadly in a statement of purpose. 
• Coursework and dissertation: In North American programs, PhD students spend the first two years focusing on coursework and exams. In these programs, students typically only develop their dissertation prospectus in their third year after completing coursework. By contrast, in many European programs, PhD students begin research right away and are therefore expected to have a more detailed sense of their research agenda, and in some cases, their specific research question and design, when they apply. Most European PhD programs also have some course requirements (e.g., advanced microeconomics and econometrics) but these requirements are often smaller for the shorter programs, and sometimes they are not contained to the first year. However, some European PhD programs, such as the Zurich Graduate School of Economics, follow the US model with two years of coursework in a five-year program. 
• Program duration: Many European PhD programs are 3-4 years ( though average completion times are longer for top programs ) while US programs are typically 5-7 years. Entering US programs with a master’s degree can sometimes shorten program duration, while collecting original data or conducting fieldwork often extends it.
• Advising: In North America, PhD students are advised by a dissertation committee of 4-5 professors, of whom one or two is a chair or co-chair. As a result, in North American programs, it is less important to have one advisor with perfectly aligned research interests. Instead, a student may have one committee member who specializes in the same methods, another who focuses on the same region, and another who studies the same topic (but with different methods or in a different context). 
• Funding: Most top-ranked US PhD programs offer a full funding package, e.g., five years of guaranteed tuition plus stipend (usually with some teaching assistant or research assistant requirements) to all admitted students (including international students). In some European countries, especially in Scandinavia, PhD students are treated as employees with salaries and benefits. However, top-ranked PhD programs in some European countries such as the United Kingdom and Italy do not automatically offer funding packages along with admission, requiring students to apply for separate fellowships to cover the cost of living. Some US PhD programs also do not guarantee full funding packages to all admitted students so it is advisable to check tuition and stipend arrangements for each program individually.

Regardless of whether applying to PhD programs in North America or Europe, if one’s goal is to become a tenure track (or equivalent) professor in a top-ranked university in either region, it is advisable to pursue PhD programs in top ranked universities with a strong track record of placing PhD students in such positions after graduation. Many PhD programs feature their “placement record” from recent years on their department website, which can be informative for prospective applicants seeking traditional academic careers.

We hope the information in this blog post helps you consider whether pursuing a PhD is right for you and helps you craft a competitive application should you decide to apply. We encourage prospective applicants to explore the additional resources listed below, including mentorship programs for underrepresented groups and advice from professors on applying to PhD programs.  

Mentorship resources

Several organizations offer mentorship resources and programs for aspiring PhD applicants from underrepresented groups: 

Applicant Mentoring Program (Cambridge, LSE, Oxford, UCL, Warwick) Application Assistance and Mentorship Program (MIT, Harvard) Duke University Graduate Mentorship Program GAIN (Graduate Applications International Network for African scholars) Research in Color AMIE (Association for Mentoring and Inclusion in Economics) The Sadie Collective The Women in Economics Initiative

Additional resources

AEA:  Considerations for prospective graduate students in economics Applying to PhD Programs in Economics: An Extensive Guide Association for the Advancement of African Women Economists: Applying to Graduate Schools Chris Blattman (University of Chicago): Frequently asked questions on PhD applications and Writing your statement of purpose EconThaki resources (and guide for applying from Peru ) Aplicar Desde México Aplicar Desde Argentina Guia para futuros doutores (Brazil) Guia dos economistas (Brazil) So you want to go to graduate school? Factors that influence admissions to economics PhD programs Shanjun Li (Cornell): Resources Dick Startz (UCSB): Advice Susan Athey (Stanford): Advice   Chris Roth (University of Cologne) and David Schindler (Tilburg University): Resources Greg Mankiw (Harvard): Advice

Authored By

Sarah Kopper

Finding a PhD

Discover the best places to search for your PhD, learn what you should look for and how to approach a potential supervisor for enquires.

Key Resources

Find Your Perfect PhD

Your PhD starts here. Search our database of available projects and read expert advice on finding, applying for and doing a PhD.

Is Doing a PhD Worth It?

Find out how a PhD can benefit you, from improved career prospects to transferable skills and entry into higher education teaching roles.

Supporting Resources

PhD in USA – A Guide for 2024/25

A PhD in USA takes 5-6 years, costs between $12-45k per year and has a different structure to UK and EU PhDs. Find out if a US PhD is for you!

How to Choose a PhD Research Topic

From reading publications, talking to supervisors and using your career plans, read our guidance on choosing the right PhD Research Topic for you.

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

PsyD vs. PhD: Which Is Right for Me?

by Celeste Jones, PsyD, ABPP

What’s the difference between a PhD and a PsyD degree in clinical psychology ?

In short, while both degrees afford training opportunities in both research and clinical work, the curriculum is designed differently to address the following emphases:

• The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology is a research doctorate designed to advance the knowledge base of the discipline through research and writing, typically within an academic setting.
• The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)  is a professional doctorate designed to train psychologists for clinical practice, including providing psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and consultation in a variety of clinical settings.

View the PsyD program at George Fox University in Oregon

The Field of Clinical Psychology

There are many different career paths and areas of specialty within psychology, all aimed toward scholarship and/or service that bring psychological healing and wellness to a world that desperately needs it. For this reason, there are also many types of psychological training programs, including both clinical and non-clinical specializations.

The study of clinical psychology specifically explores the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental and behavioral health concerns of individuals and families , ranging from mild to severe psychopathology. Clinical psychology also includes work in consultation, training, supervision, teaching and research.

Some non-clinical psychology doctoral degrees include PhDs in social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and experimental psychology, which are designed to develop academic scholars and researchers in these areas.

Within clinical psychology, one of the primary differentiators between training programs is the distinction between PhD (“scientist-practitioner” model) and PsyD (“practitioner-scholar” model) programs. There is considerable overlap between them in both research and clinical training, and both can be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) . To further complicate matters, psychologists from both types of programs are often convincing and passionate about the effectiveness of whichever they endorse.

So let’s consider the general differences between the PhD and PsyD in clinical psychology.

PhD clinical psychology programs most often use a mentor-based model of doctoral training, where a student is matched to a single research mentor who they work most closely with throughout their doctoral training. The PhD mentor is responsible to monitor their student’s academic progress and oversee the completion of their doctoral dissertation, often based on the mentor’s area of research interest.

PhD clinical psychology programs are six years long , starting with two years of course work, traditionally with 20 to 40% of course work in statistics and research. After two years of course work, there are three years of clinical practicum, the last two of which also include completion of a doctoral dissertation.

In PhD programs, there are fewer courses, with more time dedicated to research and scholarship . Year six is dedicated to completion of a year-long, full-time supervised internship. While specific rates vary, generally about half of the individuals who graduate from PhD clinical psychology programs become academics or researchers, and the other half engage in the practice of clinical psychology.

PsyD clinical psychology programs most often involve more course work than the PhD programs , aiming to focus in more depth on clinical skills and foundations needed for clinical practice in a wide range of populations and settings. Most PsyD programs match students to a research mentor to facilitate completion of the doctoral dissertation, but there is less time spent on research in general.

PsyD programs are completed in five years , with the first year dedicated to foundational course work, followed by three years of a combination of course work, clinical practicum and dissertation research. The fifth year is dedicated to completion of a year-long, full-time supervised internship. Clinical training toward service delivery is the emphasis of these training programs, with students gaining enough competency in research to be able to apply research effectively in their clinical practice.

Social Context

As psychologists are aware, social context matters immensely to one’s overall well-being, and graduate training programs in clinical psychology are no exception. Many prospective students wonder what kinds of social support are provided in graduate training programs, and PhD and PsyD programs often have different organizing structures around the training relationships students are involved in.

Traditionally, PhD programs are smaller programs , with a mentor taking one to two new students each training year.  Depending on the number of faculty in a program, there may be five to 10 students in each graduating class. With fewer courses and more limited relationships with other faculty, the most important relationship in this kind of program is with the mentor, with a second level of support coming from other students working in the same mentor’s research lab.

PsyD programs are typically a bit larger , with 20 to 50 students per graduating class.  Generally, the PsyD programs that are on the lower end of those class sizes are more likely to be “high-touch” programs, emphasizing close-knit faculty-student and community relationships as formative to the developing psychologist. With less time committed to research and more course work with various faculty, PsyD students have the opportunity to develop close relationships with many mentors  (research advisor, clinical practicum supervisors, other faculty).

Many PsyD programs also use “cohort model” training, in which an incoming student class generally takes all of their required course work together with the students they entered the program with, an intentional design to promote student relationship-building and the formation of healthy group dynamics that facilitate student learning and development.

Career Opportunities

One of the draws of gaining a doctorate in clinical psychology, whether PhD or PsyD, is the wide variety of career opportunities a clinical psychologist is equipped for.

PhD programs may have more students interested in becoming academic scholars and college faculty members (which do not necessarily require licensure), while PsyD programs may have more students interested in clinical practice and the delivery of psychological services with clients.

Within clinical service, the settings in which psychologists work include:

• Private practices
• Group practices
• Community mental health agencies
• Prisons and corrections settings
• Psychiatric inpatient treatment
• Residential treatment centers
• Primary care offices

Their work can include diagnosis, assessment and treatment of common psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and ADHD, as well as rarer and/or more severe psychopathology such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders (e.g., narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder).

Psychologists are often valued members of interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with primary care physicians, specialists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech and language pathologists, teachers, and other allied health professionals.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

State licensure as a clinical psychologist requires completion of a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.  A few states have an option of completing additional supervision and oversight after earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology degree in order to attain licensure at the master’s level, but for the most part a doctoral degree is required to practice psychology.

Licensure at the MA level most often requires additional training and supervision. This is called a “non-terminal” master’s degree, which means that the MA curriculum is not designed to meet any particular licensure requirements. Rather, the MA degree is an academic stepping stone to attaining licensure after the subsequent doctoral degree is earned.

Students typically apply to doctoral training programs that include a non-terminal MA degree – such as George Fox University’s PsyD program  – directly after earning their bachelor’s degree. Doctoral programs most often include earning an MA as part of the same program.

Financial Cost/Return on Investment

While the meaning and purpose found in a career as a clinical psychologist can be deeply satisfying, it’s also helpful for prospective students to consider salaries and costs of training. For both the PsyD and PhD, the year-long internship in the final year of training is funded, so students only take a minimal number of credits. Let’s consider the costs of the first five years (PhD) or four years (PsyD) of training.

Some PhD programs are tuition-based, but more traditional PhD programs offer grant-funded stipends  for the students working in a particular mentor’s research lab. With fewer courses and grant-funded research, funded positions in PhD programs often provide an affordable way to complete a doctorate in clinical psychology. This is important to the ongoing development of career academics and researchers whose salaries are often significantly lower than those in clinical practice, at least until later in their academic career.

While PsyD programs are tuition-based (costing upwards of $100,000 in the end), salaries in clinical practice are higher , making student loan repayment very affordable. A program’s financial aid office often has information on a program’s “default rate,” which is the percentage of students who are unable to successfully pay off their student loans – a number worth looking into prior to investing in a PsyD degree. In addition, there are federal programs like the National Health Service Corps that exchange loan repayment for graduates who work in underserved areas.

Closing Thoughts

The field of clinical psychology is a highly satisfying career, rich in meaning and purpose and providing a wide variety of career opportunities.

Once you decide to become a clinical psychologist, there are many factors to consider in determining whether a PhD or PsyD program would be the best fit. While there are many areas of overlap and both can be accredited by the APA, there are some general differences in the training models based on the training goals and curriculum design and structure.

Prospective students are encouraged to thoughtfully consider these training program attributes in determining the best fit for their graduate training aims.

Celeste Jones is the former program director for George Fox University’s PsyD program in Oregon.

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Student News

How to know if a PhD is right for you

Imagine a journey where you can experiment, fail, and grow without repercussions, transforming passion into expertise. Before you leap, consider this: a PhD is more than a degree — it’s a gateway to self-development, career opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

No pressure.

In this interview, Taseef, an Adelaide Dental School PhD student, talks about how helping a child was a significant turning point that motivated him to pursue further research.

“I fell in love with translational research in Malaysia when, as a novice, I was able to help a child who had lost an eye and needed a replacement. Conventional methods were not effective, so my supervisor allowed me to explore more experimental approaches. This was one of my first exposures to research. When the child finally wore the eye prosthesis we had made and smiled at me, I almost instantly knew that I wanted to pursue further research. Pursuing a PhD then became an obvious choice,” explains Taseef.

Tell me about your thesis

The simplest way to describe my PhD is:  I am trying to understand why our jaws move the way that they do.

It sounds simple enough, but it is influenced by muscles, teeth, the jaw joint, a person’s medical health, and social well-being - all of which vary greatly among individuals and are difficult to standardise across a multicultural community as diverse as South Australia. For instance, imagine being so stressed that you end up grinding your teeth at night, and wake up with a stiff jaw. Or imagine taking a medicine or having a medical condition that weakens your muscles, that affects how your jaws move and affects how you eat your favourite food. Every person has a unique circumstance and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

We wanted to understand jaw movement patterns in otherwise healthy individuals with conditions such as clicking jaws, jaw pain, or difficulty speaking or chewing. We wanted to know what these movements might mean for the person's future health. By understanding normal jaw movement, we hoped that the next step would be to identify abnormal functions during clinic visits in hopes of preventing long-term complications.

This project was incredibly exciting, and I could not have achieved this much without the support of many experts who shared my broad vision. The response from our South Australian community was overwhelming, with 104 expressions of interest to participate in just two months. Many participants reported that they or someone they know have conditions such as jaw clicking. As I enter the third year of my PhD, to my surprise, everything has come together well. After publishing many papers on the topic, we have now conducted one of the world's only studies that managed to standardise variables as diverse as muscle activity and speech patterns using artificial intelligence and were able to consider most factors that contribute to jaw movement to predict what normal movement should be for a specific individual.

How did you arrive at your topic?

I was introduced to digital dentistry while pursuing my Master's degree in Malaysia. We conducted exciting experimental research on creating facial prostheses for individuals who had lost parts of their facial and jaw features due to cancer surgery, childhood diseases, or road traffic accidents. Throughout that time, the most challenging aspect of designing a prosthesis was predicting how the patients’ jaws might come together. I wanted to change that, but I neither knew how to standardize the process of jaw movement nor had access to the resources required for an extensive study.

In 2021, despite the raging pandemic, an artificial intelligence revolution occurred, making previously impossible tasks feasible. It was a bold idea, and while many dismissed it as too far-fetched, a few remarkable individuals, including my current PhD supervisor, believed in me and gave me the opportunity to pursue this ambitious endeavour in the form of a PhD. Fast forward one year later, and I arrived in Adelaide on Valentine’s Day to pursue something I truly loved.

How often do you meet with your supervisor?

Some would say “too often!” I consider myself extremely lucky to have a supervisor who is both supportive and cautious. This balance allowed me to take risks and collaborate with wonderful people within the university and overseas in Bangladesh (that’s where I am from, originally, in case you were wondering!), who have helped me bring some of my wildest research ideas to life.

What do those meetings look like?

The general tone is very casual, which is common in Australian culture but was initially a culture shock for me. I still like to prepare very basic (and casual!) PowerPoint presentations ahead of our meetings to ensure I don't forget to bring anything up. For example, one of my slide titles might be "Can I do XYZ research, pretty please?" with a screenshot of the website or email related to the research. Overall, it's not stressful at all.

What does your supervisor support you to do?

The general answer would be to help form my research design and see me through to the end. However, there are many additional ways in which my supervisor's support has helped me, which are often not discussed. My supervisor has helped me identify opportunities across the university that have aided my academic development and supplemented my finances. They have supported my research funding applications, approved research-related services, and served as a pillar of stability while I venture into risky research avenues that may or (more often!) may not work out.

“I have a hot take: If your supervisor is not as excited with your work as you are, you’re probably doing something wrong or you are with the wrong supervisor.” Taseef

Tell me about your routines

I have another hot take: A PhD is NOT a 9-to-5 job. Many people will disagree, but I see my PhD as a process for self-development. This is the only time and place where I am allowed to experiment and fail without repercussions. I am happy to study and work around the clock if it means I can grow as a researcher, an academic, and an individual. After all, the best thing to invest in at any given time is yourself!

Who is supporting you?

When I first arrived in Adelaide and settled down, I had only 300 dollars in my account, and was living the ideal student life: paycheck-to-paycheck! Over time, as I demonstrated good progress with my PhD, I was given additional responsibilities alongside my core research component. These opportunities helped me improve my financial health from “barely making ends meet” to “making ends meet with 300 dollars left in my bank account at the end of the month.” I consider that to be moving up in the world!

What do you do when you have those weeks where you just have no motivation?

In my opinion, lack of motivation and imposter syndrome start affecting most PhD students as they step into their second or third year. I lost motivation to do research just a few weeks ago and didn't show up at my desk for a while, but no one noticed I was missing because I had already completed the bulk of my work. I stayed at home, practiced my clinical skills on a training dummy (which is oddly therapeutic!), played video games, and occasionally replied to an email or two.

The best thing to do in a PhD is to start early. Try to get as much work done as possible within the first year, whether it's the literature review, pilot studies, or administrative paperwork such as applying for ethics. Starting early in my PhD helped me set aside time for myself later without affecting my work or anyone else's work that is tied to my own. The last thing you want to do is drag someone else down with you.

What are your ambitions?

I want to be a clinical researcher and an entrepreneur. What might that look like? I have no idea. Is it right around the corner after completing my PhD? Your guess is as good as mine! Will I be unemployed after completing my PhD? I hope not, especially since almost all PhD holders eventually secure a job, either in academia or industry!

How will the PhD help you get there?

During my first year of my PhD, I participated in the University of Adelaide’s Australian eChallenge programme, which helped me develop entrepreneurial skills and explore ways to commercialise our research. As a result, we founded the Dental Loop Initiative. I have since adapted my PhD research to align with our efforts to establish the initiative. Therefore, my PhD research is now directly tied to the development and advancement of the Dental Loop and has enabled us to apply for national funding. Even if we do not secure the funding and I fail miserably in entrepreneurship, I have no regrets about setting ambitious goals. After all, you miss all the opportunities you don’t pursue!

For someone that might be thinking of doing a PhD but is unsure, what advice do you have to make that decision?

I've seen friends overseas rush into a PhD without a clear goal, only to end up regretting their decision, working with unsuitable supervisors, or even abandoning their degrees midway. In my opinion, rushing into a PhD is one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Ultimately, a PhD is just a piece of paper if it does not come with transferable skills gained throughout the doctoral journey. Alternatively, you must be extremely passionate about teaching and academia and willing to accept its career uncertainties to pursue a PhD; I know and respect some people who are that passionate about teaching. It is important to consider what a PhD from the University of Adelaide (or any other university for that matter) offers that self-education and professional experience cannot. I can think of many potential benefits, but the ultimate answer will vary for each individual. Don’t sign up for a PhD until you have that answer, as it is unlikely to magically appear during your second year of the PhD program.

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Is grad school right for me, interest considerations.

Graduate programs require a deep commitment to a specific area of study. Are you passionate about the subject you would be studying? Can you see yourself engaging with the field for many years to come?

Consider taking a career interest assessment to learn more about your career interests and discover whether graduate school fits in with your desired career path.

Career Considerations

What are your career goals? Are you interested in a career with a strong focus in research, academia, or subject-matter expertise?

Some careers, such as academia, certain healthcare professions, and specialized fields in science and engineering, often require advanced degrees. You can get an idea of the education level typically required for a certain occupation by checking out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Are you interested in career advancement? A graduate degree can open doors to higher-level positions, increased responsibilities, and potentially higher salaries.

Financial Considerations

Graduate programs can be expensive. Assess whether you can afford the tuition and associated costs without jeopardizing your financial stability. Also consider the impact of student loans on your future financial situation and whether the potential increase in salary will justify the debt.

Look into financial aid opportunities at your intended graduate education institution. Be sure to check for departmental and program-specific scholarships and funding as well.

At Utah State University, more than half of our graduate students receive financial aid each year.

USU has a tremendous amount of funding and scholarship options for our grad students. Individual colleges and departments also have funding opportunities. Look into scholarships, grants, assistantships, and other funding options that can help mitigate costs.

Timing and Readiness

Reflect on your current personal and professional circumstances. Are you ready to commit the time and effort required for grad school?

Where are you currently at in your career progression? In some fields, gaining work experience before pursuing a graduate degree can be beneficial and may enhance your application and future job prospects.

Long Term Goals & Benefits

What are your long-term goals ? How might graduate school fit into those goals?

In addition to career advancement and increased salary potential, graduate school offers many personal and professional benefits and opportunities for growth. Graduate school can provide valuable networking opportunities with professors, peers, and professionals in your field. The challenge of grad school can lead to significant personal growth, improved critical thinking, and advanced problem-solving skills.

Alternatives to Grad School

Consider why you want to further your education, and look into other options as well. Do you need to go to grad school to achieve your goals, or would an alternative path better fit your needs?

Professional Development: Consider whether on-the-job experience, workshops, or short courses might provide the knowledge and skills you need.

Pathways To Graduate Education

Masters degrees are the first level of graduate degrees and provide opportunities for securing higher-level jobs and potential pay increases. Masters degrees are also generally required before earning a doctorate degree.

Whether you are interested in research, academia, or want to gain more specialized knowledge and skills for your profession, a Masters degree is a great option for furthering your education. Utah State University offers nearly one hundred Master’s degree programs , offering you a range of possibilities for your graduate education.

PhDs are terminal degrees and demonstrate the highest mastery of a subject area. As experts in their field, PhD graduates have more opportunities for obtaining high-level jobs that require subject-matter expertise. In fact, PhDs are required for some career paths, such as academia and certain health professions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , PhD graduates also have, on average, higher earnings and a lower unemployment rate (1.6%) than those who stopped at a bachelor’s degree (2.2%). Utah State University offers a variety of Doctorate degrees with a strong focus on research and professional skill development.

Graduate Certificates

Some fields offer certifications or specialized training programs that can provide the skills needed for advancement without the commitment of a full graduate program.

Utah State University offers a variety of graduate certificates (Select Filter - Certificates: Graduate) from data science, to dietetics, to web development, and more.

Questions to Consider

Why do you want to go to grad school? Be honest about your motivations. Are they aligned with your long-term goals? Is grad school the best option for achieving your goals?

Are you ready for the academic rigor? Graduate programs can be demanding and stressful. Ensure you are prepared for the workload.

Have you researched your programs of interest? Understand the specifics of the programs you are considering, including curriculum, faculty, and career support.

Utah State University has many exceptional graduate programs , several of which are nationally ranked. As a Carnegie-recognized R1 institution, USU is at the forefront of impactful research and innovation. As Utah’s only land-grant and space-grant institution, USU provides unique opportunities for graduate students to engage in research with the potential to effect change around the world and beyond. Graduate students at Utah State University receive world-class instruction, take part in life-changing research, learn important leadership and professional skills, and participate in unique career-development opportunities. Ready to change the world? Start your application today!

Attend a Grad School Information Session to learn more about the graduate education experience at Utah State University and how to apply to one of our many remarkable graduate programs .

Ready to apply? View our Steps to Apply for a walkthrough of the application process. You can also register for an Online Application Bootcamp session (link to “Prepare for Grad School” page) to have a graduate admissions officer available to answer questions while you fill out your application.

Have specific questions about your program of interest? Talk to a GPC

Have general questions about life as a grad student at USU? Talk to a Grad Student Ambassador .

Next Steps?

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How To Pay For A Ph.D.

Fact Checked

Updated: Jan 25, 2024, 12:13pm

If your heart is set on earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, you’ll join an elite club. In the United States, only 4.9 million people—about 2% of adults—hold a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree.

A Ph.D. can lead to a significantly higher salary. According to The College Board, the median earnings for those with doctoral degrees was $120,700, 38% more than the median for those with master’s degrees.

However, earning a Ph.D. can be an expensive endeavor. To avoid racking up too much debt, learn how to pay for a doctorate with grants, scholarships and other sources of financial aid.

What Does a Ph.D. Cost?

If your goal is to earn a Ph.D., be prepared for a significant investment of both time and money. Depending on the type of university you choose and your program, a Ph.D. usually takes three to five years to complete. If you attend school part-time, it can take even longer.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition and fees cost, on average, $20,513 for the 2021-2022 academic year, so you’ll spend anywhere from $61,539 to $102,565 to complete a Ph.D. program. In addition, you’ll need to account for about $16,000 to $20,000 per year in added costs, such as room and board, supplies and other fees.

That total is on top of what you spent on a bachelor’s and master’s degree, so your education will likely cost well into the six figures. With such a high cost, it’s no surprise that many Ph.D. earners have substantial student loan balances.

7 Ways To Pay For a Ph.D.

Ph.D. costs can be significant, but a variety of financial aid opportunities can make the price tag more manageable. Paying for a Ph.D. is possible using the following options:

1. Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

Fully funded Ph.D. programs typically cover the cost of tuition and fees, and they also provide a monthly stipend for living expenses and health insurance. Some examples of fully funded Ph.D. programs include:

• Boston University . Attendees of Boston University’s Charles River Campus can take advantage of a fully funded model. The program includes 100% tuition coverage, a health insurance credit and a living expense stipend. Depending on your program, the stipend ranges from $27,318 to $40,977 per year.
• Duke University . At Duke University, Ph.D. students are guaranteed five years of tuition and living stipends and up to six years of full health and dental insurance coverage. The amount of financial support varies by program and stipend amounts range from $2,538 to $3,217 per month.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management . MIT’s fully funded Ph.D. program covers students for up to five years. The program pays for the full cost of tuition and provides students with a monthly stipend of $4,497, student medical insurance and a new laptop. Students also receive up to $4,500 for travel and conferences.

Not all universities offer fully funded Ph.D. programs, and existing programs are highly competitive. For example, the Stanford University Department of Political Science Ph.D. program selects 12 to 15 students per year.

2. Ph.D. Fellowship Programs

A fellowship program provides students with financial support so they can focus on their academic work. Issued based on the student’s academic merit or research achievements, fellowships may or may not have a service requirement attached.

Fellowships can come from universities, nonprofit organizations or government agencies. For example:

• American Psychological Association (APA) Doctoral Fellowship in Health and Substance Abuse Services . The APA fellowship is for full-time doctoral students who are committed to working in behavioral health. It provides up to three years of financial support, and the stipend amounts vary by year and program.
• Cornell Fellowship . Cornell University operates several fellowship programs. The Cornell Fellowship pays for one academic year of tuition, fees, health insurance and a stipend.
• U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program . The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is a five-year fellowship that gives students three years of financial support. The fellowship includes an annual stipend of $37,000 and pays up to $16,000 per year in tuition and fees.

You can search for fellowship opportunities through the ProFellow database .

3. Doctoral Scholarships

Scholarships are available to Ph.D. students, and these merit-based awards can come from nonprofit organizations, private companies, states and government agencies. The award amounts vary, ranging from smaller awards that may only cover incidental expenses to more substantial awards of $20,000. For example:

• Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program . Certified public accountants (CPAs) intending to earn a Ph.D. in accounting can qualify for up to $20,000 through the Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program.
• American Library Association (ALA) Century Scholarship . The ALA Century Scholarship gives up to $2,500 to library school students with disabilities pursuing a doctoral degree.
• Washington State American Indian Endowed Scholarship . In Washington, Native American students can receive $500 to $2,500 to pay for their education at an eligible school within the state.

You can search for additional scholarship opportunities with tools like FastWeb or Scholarships.com .

4. Ph.D. Grants

Unlike scholarships, grants are usually awarded based on the student’s financial need. Ph.D. grants can be issued by states and nonprofit organizations. For example:

• José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund . This grant, issued to Hispanic students in Florida, is both need-based and merit-based. Eligible recipients can receive up to $2,000 per year.
• Organization For Autism Research Graduate Research Grant . Doctoral candidates conducting autism research can qualify for a grant of $2,000.
• Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program . Virginia residents attending an eligible university can receive between $5,000 and $12,500 per year in financial assistance.

You can find Ph.D. grant opportunities through your state education agency or CareerOneStop .

5. Employer Reimbursement

If you’re currently working full- or part-time, your employer may be willing to help with some of your education expenses. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 48% of employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits.

Contact your human resources department to find out if tuition reimbursement is available and what you need to do to qualify for the benefit.

6. Federal Student Loans

Depending on the other financial aid you qualify for, you may need to borrow some money to cover your remaining expenses. Federal student loans are a good starting point since they have more borrower protections than other options, and you may qualify for loan forgiveness later on based on your employment.

Ph.D. students may qualify for either direct unsubsidized loans or grad PLUS loans. Unsubsidized loans have lower interest rates but have annual and aggregate borrowing maximums that your program may exceed. If that’s the case, you can use grad PLUS loans to pay for your remaining expenses.

7. Private Student Loans

If you aren’t eligible for federal loans or need to borrow more than the federal limits allow, private student loans are another way to pay for your Ph.D. Private loans come from banks, credit unions and other lenders, and your loan eligibility is based on your credit, income and whether you have a co-signer (someone who agrees to repay the loan if you miss payments).

If you have excellent credit, you could qualify for private loans with lower rates than you’d get with federal loans, and private student loans can have terms as long as 20 years.

If you decide to take out a private loan, compare quotes from several lenders offering loans for Ph.D. programs. Consider the rates, terms and overall repayment costs to find the best loan option.

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27 Products That’ll Make You Feel Like You Have A PhD In Makeup

I guess it's time to add "MUA" to the front of your name.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. An  Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later face primer  — the little potion you'll be thanking at the end of a long day when you're makeup *still* looks bomb AF. This pore-minimizing miracle worker (with SPF 30!) helps blur your pores, gives you a ~velvety complexion,~ and locks your look in place so that it doesn't move or shift around. Reviewers say it absorbs well, foundation glides over it, and it makes their full face stand up to summer heat! Plus, it comes in four problem-solving formulas.

Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American, woman-owned biz!

Promising reviews: "I wore this primer under my foundation ( Nars and Maybelline Fit Me ) along with setting spray ( Nyx ) in this photo [above right]. I had been dunked in the pool two times and went down a giant slide that caused you to go underwater three times. This was the result of my makeup ! Love this product. A little goes a long way!" — Ryan Brooks

"I have extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin. I realized the makeup I was previously using was breaking me out so I threw it away and purchased this primer with a powder foundation from another brand. THIS PRIMER THOUGH!! I hated the powder foundation I purchased and got rid of that, too, but this stays. I use this as my foundation now! It comes out green but blends into your face quickly. It covers my redness and uneven skin tone, but my freckles can still be seen. It makes my face look almost flawless, hydrated, and clear. This blew me away. I've already been suggesting it to friends, and I will continue to buy this over and over again." — Lucy

Get it from Amazon for   $18.20+  (available in four formulas and in a bundle). 

2. A reviewer-beloved  Maybelline "Fit Me" matte foundation  that comes in 40 (!!) shades, meaning you're bound to find the perfect ~fit~ for your skin tone. This breathable, lightweight formula blends like a dream and gives you buildable coverage while helping to refine pores for a natural-looking matte finish. Plus, it's oil-free — no pore-clogging over here!

Promising review:  "I love this stuff! I've purchased more expensive foundations, but this is the best. No shine, looks beautiful on my skin. I typically use a lightweight primer underneath, but even without the primer, this foundation glides on beautifully. It doesn't feel heavy, it looks like my natural skin and it lasts all day. Perfect! " — MP Gallagher

Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in two sizes and 40 shades).

3. A tube of Glossier Boy Brow  to give your brows that textured, voluminous look without the stiffness or flakiness. Just swipe it on like mascara and you'll be rocking a pair of chic Lily Collins brows.

Promising review: "Great, easy to use product. Goes on quickly, looks natural but fills everything out. Good for a natural makeup day or something more dramatic depending on how much you layer." — May-Rose R.

Get it from Glossier or Sephora for $22   (available in seven shades).

4. An  under-eye brightener  that'll help balance out the bluish tones of under-eye shadows and dark circles. And bonus! It's infused with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish your skin and give you a radiant glow. Wear it by itself or under your concealer for a more full-coverage look!

Promising review:  "I have hollow dark under-eye circles, and concealer never works for me bc it just makes my under eyes dry and doesn’t conceal the darkness. THIS STUFF IS MAGIC. It has a very hydrating formula, and a tiny bit goes a very, very long way. I’m so impressed and incredibly happy with this purchase!" — Val

Get it from Amazon for  $6  (available in two shades),

5. And  Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer  with a cushion applicator that makes it easy for you to conceal any blemishes or dark circles before you head out for another day of making the world believe you totally did not stay up marathoning your latest Netflix obsession.

Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping editor  Emma Lord  says about it: "TBH, at the start of the pandemic I started using this myself (although this is former BuzzFeeder Kayla Suazo's lovely human face above), and I am mad that I wasted time with other concealers for so long. I am a deeply impatient person who likes to look good and does not like to put in effort in any way, shape, or form , and Maybelline created this so that people like me could gracelessly slap it on in the morning and be like "OKAY, REFLECTION, YOU GOT THIS" before being on their merry way. It never cakes, I look way more awake than I have any right to, and I never struggle to blend it the way I do with other concealers. 11/10 subscribe."

Promising review: "Throughout high school, I never knew how to do makeup. But then I heard this product was the absolute best on TikTok. And trust me, they were not lying. It has really good coverage and hides my 'raccoon eyes.' And the best part is that a little bit goes a long way. So if you’re starting out or want to try something new, I definitely recommend you try this out." — Liela Lee

Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer for more deets.

Get it from Amazon for  $8.80  (available in 18 shades).

6. A popular  long-lasting eyeliner stamp  so that the nemesis of your makeup routine is no longer such a hard step. Say goodbye to wasting all your cotton balls (and all those extra minutes you could've used making your coffee) on failed attempts at a flawless eyeliner flick. This stamp will do it for you!

One side is the curved wing stamp, and the other is a regular fine tip liner for defining the rest of the eye. It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.

The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz  Lovoir Beauty . 

Promising review:  "Got this before a trip I took a few days ago. I have never been able to do wing eyeliner properly so I was excited to try this. It's very pigmented and goes on beautifully! I've tried other liquid eyeliners before and they were so watery and not close to a dark black I wanted at all but this product was great. I did my makeup and put this eyeliner on at 9 am, traveled two hours, walked around a city for about three hours and it was warm so I was sweating, and then went to an NBA game. After all that time (about 16 hours!), the eyeliner was just as perfect as I had put it on! I love this product and can't wait to use it more often!" — Elizabeth

Get a set of two from Amazon for  $14.98  (available in three sizes and a combo pack). 

7. A vibrant  liquid blush  that's sure to earn a permanent spot in the makeup bag of all the blush-loving beauties out there. Its lightweight formula blends like a dream *and* it's got a built-in sponge for precise and easy application. And bonus! It's infused with antioxidant vitamin C to help hydrate and brighten the skin, all while making you look pretty as a doll. 🩷

Promising review:  "Okay, picture this: you're getting ready for a night out, and you want that perfect rosy glow without looking like you just ran a marathon. Enter this liquid blush in 'Love Cake' — your new go-to for cheeks that scream 'I woke up like this!' The applicator is like a magic wand for your face, effortlessly gliding on for a flawless finish every time. And can we talk about the blendability? It's like the blush gods themselves sprinkled a little magic into this formula.  It's cute on just about every skin tone, giving you that perfect flushed look without veering into clown territory. And the best part? It's wildly affordable! Like, 'treat yourself to a latte and still have enough left over for this blush' kind of affordable. Oh, and did I mention a little goes a long way? Seriously, you only need the tiniest dab to achieve that nice glow, making it a total steal in terms of value for money. This is a must-have for your beauty arsenal. Trust me, your cheeks will thank you later!" — karatdevlin

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 15 shades).

8. Or a reviewer-beloved  Soft Pinch Liquid Blush  from Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty because although a natural, glowy look is gorgeous year-round, there's something about summer that has me reaching for baby pink. This delivers long-lasting, buildable pigment in your choice of dewy or matte finish.

This Latine-owned business (from founder Selena Gomez, to be more specific!) was launched in 2020 with the goal of helping people celebrate their individuality and their own beauty, nixing the world's impossible beauty standards in the process. And BTW, all Rare Beauty products are vegan and cruelty-free!

Promising review: "I can finally blush! Blush is one of my favorite products, and this one makes me want to do the Snoopy dance. It’s so pretty! If you have a red undertone, it looks so natural. A little goes a long way, so the price is worth it because you can use one for a whole year. " — Eurydice2

Get it from Sephora for $14+ (available in two finishes, two sizes, and 13 shades).

9. A  Neutrogena makeup-correcting stick  so that you don't have to be so anxious about making a "whoopsie" during your beauty routine. This lets you effortlessly clean up smudged eyeliner or mascara, which is more sanitary than using your fingers and more eco-friendly than using cotton swabs!

Psst — this is also *perfect* for taking on long trips!

Promising review: "Perfect for travel or quick touch-ups. I was looking for something nonliquid to take when I travel, and this is PERFECT! It's very small and slim and works great. Easily removes makeup and works well on my sensitive skin." — sandy

Get it from Amazon for $9.99  (also available as a two-pack).

10. A waterproof, crease-resistant  R.E.M. Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow , which is also the product that Sabrina Carpenter's makeup artist uses to create her luminous look. This luxe liquid gel formula is light, smooth, and fluffy while giving *lots* of pigment and coverage. Ariana Grande brought the heat with this one. 😍

Check out this  Instagram post  in which Sabrina Carpenter's makeup artist, Carolina Gonzalez, lists all the products she uses to create Sabrina's signature glam in the caption!

Promising review:  "This gorgeous eyeshadow not only brings vibrance to my eyes but it's amazingly durable too! Through work, sweat, even tears, it stayed on! Love how it adds a noticeable pop to my look!" — Riad A.

Get it from Ulta for $17 (available in 11 shades).

11. A  foundation brush  — you're bound to love it no matter what your level of experience is. With a perfect balance of soft and firm, it lets you achieve that hard-to-get ~flawless finish~ whether you're blending powder or liquid. Plus, many reviewers mention how user-friendly the bristle design is (especially for beginners).

Check out  TikTok of the makeup brush  in action. 

Promising review:  "I saw this on TikTok. I’m a middle aged woman, so it’s difficult for me to admit that. I. LOVE. IT!  It gives a flawless finish with little product.  I have a compact foundation that comes with its own applicator sponge. I almost threw it out because I didn’t like the coverage. I tried this brush with it, and it’s perfect! It also comes in a plastic case, which is great because I travel a lot with my work and my other brushes get damaged sometimes." — Thayel M. Caison

Get it from Amazon for  $9.99  (available in 13 colors).

12. A sheer tint  BB cream  for anyone for prefers something lighter and easier to blend than regular foundation. This oil-free formula gives you allover coverage while mattifying and reducing redness. And bonus! It's got a hint of salicylic acid that can help clear acne.

Promising review: "Personally, I never liked a liquid form of makeup. It was hard to use in my opinion. But this completely changed my mind, and I love using it. Super easy to apply for first time makeup users." — Rene  

Get it from Amazon for $6.50+ (available in five shades). 

13. An  E.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand  reviewers are hailing for giving them a lit-from-within glow that acts as compliment bait. This lightweight, buildable formula is infused with hydrating squalane for a dewy, radiant finish. Plus, its cushion tip helps you apply to the high points of your face with precision and ease.

Promising review:  "I have always been searching for a highlighter that is not glittery or sparkly, but rather has a glow from within look on the cheekbones. This liquid highlighter definitely checks off all the boxes. I ordered the color champagne and it looks beautiful on the skin. It's so easy to blend and looks like you're glowing from within. I would definitely recommend." — Busy Mom

Get it from Amazon for $9 (available in three shades).

14. Essence's Lash Princess mascara  to effortlessly lengthen your lashes up to the skies. It gives you allll the volume WITHOUT the clumps and globs and has shocked  reviewers  with how full it leaves their lashes looking compared to other, more expensive brands. It's a fan fave for a reason!

Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has to say:  "Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of over 100,000 positive reviews and now I will never look back!! It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the live long day (I spent all of this ridiculously hot pandemic summer wearing it, so I can speak to that), and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."

Promising review : "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn’t ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." — Kd

Get it from Amazon for $4.99  (available in black and brown).

15. Or these glamorous reusable magnetic lashes that'll have you turning heads one blink at a time. Say goodbye to struggling with glue and wasted lashes — each set of these sticks right to the included eyeliner, so you can finally toss that goopy glue out.

Promising review: "I don't have very long or thick lashes and I suck with makeup. I was never able to wear false lashes outside the house. Ever. And this was not my first time trying magnetic lashes. But these ones were so, SO easy to put on. The liner is very liquid so it was easy for me to apply and fill in. I used the last set from the natural lashes side for the look in the pics." — Mona  

Get an eight-piece set from Amazon for $15.99  (also available as a 23-piece set).

16. An  18-piece makeup brush set  because they'll help you complete each step of your makeup routine like a total pro. They're so high-quality they even surprised this reviewer with how well they've held up after two years! Plus, the included cylinder case allows you to set them upright on your vanity *and* serves as easy packaging for travel.

Promising review: "I was a loyal IT Cosmetics brush customer, then I went with a few Real Techniques brushes. These actually beat both of those brands — I have no idea how! I ended up tossing most of my brushes now in favor of these. They wash easily, look nice, are soft, and very durable. I’ll keep buying!" — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for   $12.99+ (available in eight colors)

17. A dual-sided precision brow brush  to help you achieve that trendy "clean girl" makeup look. You can use the spoolie side to brush up the hairs, while the angled end lets you easily fill in your arches for a full yet natural-looking brow.

Life Hack: A dry spoolie is also great for removing mascara that's transferred to your lid during application. I do this all the time! 

Promising review: " I don't really know how to shape and draw my eyebrows until I use this brow brush! The width of the bristle just fits my eye brow's original shape. It's also easy to apply with brow powder for a natural effect. Love it!" — YoyoZ

Get it from Amazon for $18 or Sephora for $20 . 

18. An  eye primer  because it'll make the eyeshadow look you created 10 hours ago look like it's only been 10 minutes. It helps keep your eyeshadow from wearing off, smudging, or creasing, and enhances your eyeshadow's color and vibrance!

Promising review:  "My skin is oily and at the end of the day my eye makeup looks bad.  I started using your primer and what a difference.  Now my eye makeup still looks good when I get home from work. Can’t believe the difference. I love it!" — Deb Rubin

Get it from Amazon for  $13.99 .

19. Eyeshadow color removal sponges  that'll help simplify the makeup process. This lets you use your go-to eye brush for your whole eye shadow routine by instantly cleaning off even your darkest shades.

Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping editor  Jenae Sitzes has to say about it: "I picked up this color removal sponge from Amazon after hearing about this hack on TikTok and can testify that it actually works SO well. I'm *so* bad about cleaning my brushes (I know...shameful) and this makes it super easy to clean a brush in a matter of seconds. So even if I'm trying to do a *slightly* more elaborate eyeshadow look for the day, this makes the process of switching colors as quick and painless as possible. Also, it's *super* lightweight, and I've already tossed it in my bag and brought it on vacation with me. This is one of those products I won't be traveling without in the future if I plan on doing eyeshadow at any point — and it means you only need to pack one or two eyeshadow brushes !" 

Promising review : "This product makes it even easier for me to be lazy when it comes to cleaning my brushes. It also allows me to use the same brush for a makeup look since I can swish away a previous shadow and move on to the next. Great buy. Super easy to wash. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, but when I do finally travel again, I'm sure this will be excellent to travel with and make it so that I only need to bring one or two brushes." — Azaleah Bumpus-Barnett

Get it from Amazon for $5.99  (also available as a pack of four).

20. Or, a creamy eyeshadow stick  if you want to add a quick pop of glow that requires almost no effort. Just swipe this across your lids — no brush required — and you're good to go. Plus, they're enriched with vitamins C and E, and you can choose from a variety of gorgeous shimmery, matte, and metallic shades.

Promising review: "This is my fifth color. This is the best thing to happen to makeup. I can do a smokey eye or a natural one in under a minute. I suck at makeup. This makes it so easy. I am also 51. The Coco color has some shimmer. It does not crease or define my wrinkles. Putty and Clay are amazing." — kristyn

Get it from Amazon for $9.60+  (available in 53 colors). 

21. Plus, an  eyebrow stencil kit  so that you can perform your brow powder application with confidence. This includes 30 wearable stencils that ensure your brows look ~flawless~ every time. It's also extra helpful for anyone who's ever had an over-plucking phase (the early 2000s did a number on us 🙃).

The kit comes with 30 different eyebrow stencils, a shaping razor, and a double-sided waterproof eyebrow pencil.

Promising review: "Really great! Surprisingly! I bought these expecting the worst and they were awesome! There are tons of different eyebrow stencil options. I found one closest to my eyebrow shape. I struggle with drawing my eyebrows to match. Their shapes are naturally quite different. This set did a great job. I used my own brow pencil, however, because the light brown color is very crayon brown. I like a more taupe color for my brows." — Chls

Get a 24-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors).

22. A pack of self-adhesive eyeshadow shields , a.k.a. your little helper when it comes to eyeshadow fallout or accidental smears. The best part? It also acts as a guide for the perfect winged liner or smoky eyeshadow look!

Promising review: "I've been a certified makeup artist for 12 years. Used for my cousin's wedding makeup, and they worked really well as far as catching fallout and shaping goes, but taking them off, they really stick so just be gentle. Still great." — Andrea

Get a box of 120 pieces from Amazon for $6.99 .

23. Or a silicone reusable eye makeup shield  to guide you through the trickiness that is winged liner while doubling as an under-eye de-puffer — you can pop it in the fridge or freezer and let it be a glorious wake-up treat for your skin in the morning!

Promising review: "This moon slice is perfect and everything I’ve ever wished for. I wanted an eyeshadow shield that a) wasn’t sticky, and b) was reusable. This particular gadget gets bonus points for being made of silicone, which is stiff yet flexible and fits comfortably — and pleasantly — under the eye. I also feel the grippy nature of the silicone helps catch eyeshadow fallout better than, say, a business card. All in all, this is an amazing little tool." — Kat  

Get it from Amazon for $14.01  (available in two colors). 

24. Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer , because everything Mother Riri touches is gold. The best part about this? It feels as good as it looks, leaving you with all the explosive shine and *none* of the stickiness.

Promising reviews: "This feels amazing on your lips! So many cute shades! This is a little bit pricey but this will last you like nine months if you use it every day. Worth splurging because it lasts long and feels SO good on the lips. " — sephorashibe

Get it from Sephora for $21  (available in eight shades).

25. A six-piece (!!)  set of high-performance matte lipsticks   that'll feel like ~nothing~ on your lips while adding a gorgeous pop of color to your glam. They stay on all day and actually moisturize your lips instead of drying or cracking. Plus, you'll be surprised to look in the mirror after an extra long day and realize it's still as vibrant as when you applied it. Talk about getting more bang for your buck!

Promising review:  "I was skeptical but thought I’d give it a try since my usual long-lasting lipsticks from Sephora and Ulta cost twice the price for just one and are drying, feather apart, and well pricey. I am SOOOOO GLAD I DID!! I was nervous when I put it on the first time but very surprised at a few things, like how good it smells, how smoothly it went on, how pretty the color is, and how it stayed on!!!! Great product and great price — costs less than the price of one of the expensive ones I will now no longer buy." — WarriorGoddess246

Get it from Amazon for  $9.99 (available in three sets). 

26. An easy-to-use guide wand and eyeliner duo so that you never again have to *literally* hold your breath in order to obtain the ultimate, flawless eyeliner look. This genius wand is designed to help steady shaky hands (who knew that quad shot of espresso this morning would be so strong?) and features a flexible, replaceable silicone tip that's gentle on the eyes.

Guide Beauty is a woman-owned small biz founded by makeup artist Terri Bryant after her own Parkinson's diagnosis made some once-routine makeup techniques more difficult. So she set out to listen to the most common makeup struggles and develop tools to make application easier for everyone!

Promising review: "I have extremely hooded Asian eyelids and shaky hands so eyeliner has kind of always been insurmountable to me and I had pretty much given up on it before trying this. I bought it with hopes it would work but it's now an actual game-changer in my makeup routine.   Upon first attempt, I was able to do winged eyeliner for each eye in under five min. , and the eyeliner has not budged since application. I haven't worn it out yet, but it feels like a pretty strong hold. Overall, I'm in love with this product." — Hailey  

Get it from Guide Beauty for $50 (available in black and brown). 

27. And a digital makeup lesson guidebook  — your new makeup mentor bestie. This downloadable file comes jam-packed with expert tips, tricks, and diagrams, all designed in an easy-to-digest format so that you can become a pro at everything from skincare to color correction to knowing exactly where each product goes on your face shape.

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Recognizing Red Flags in Teenage Behavior: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Teenagers can be moody. But sometimes these behaviors are more serious. Here's when to intervene if you notice red flag behaviors in your teen, and what to look for.

What Are Red Flag Behaviors?

Common red flags in teenage behavior, how to spot red flag behaviors in teens, keep lines of communication open.

• Watch for secrecy

Note changes in baseline behaviors

What to do if you notice red flags.

fcafotodigital / Getty Images

If your teenager often seems moody and volatile, you might be tempted to dismiss it as normal teenage behavior that will eventually pass. But sometimes the symptoms that most parents and caregivers of teenagers deal with are not just part of the normal changes all young people experience. Sometimes they could represent a more serious change to their behavior and personality. 

When it comes to recognizing whether or not your teen’s mental health is suffering, most experts we talked with say that if your gut is telling you something is wrong, then likely something is wrong. And the sooner you address the issue, the better off your teen will be. 

This is especially true since 1 in 5 teenagers have an impairing mental health disorder , says Helen Egger, MD , a child psychiatrist and co-founder of Little Otter, a mental health company. “Parents and other adults in the teen's life need to be aware of red flags that may indicate that a child is struggling.” 

Here is what you need to know about red flag behaviors in teenagers, including how to recognize them and how to help.

Red flag behaviors aren’t going to be the same for everyone, but generally speaking they are any observable change in mood or behavior that causes you concern, says Eric Wood, PhD, LPC , director of TCU Counseling and Mental Health. 

“I know this is not a scientific answer, but many parents just know if something is off with their teen,” he explains. “What’s off may not be the worst-case scenario, but in my experience, parents—because of their history with the teen—are usually correct.” 

To make the process of recognizing red flags easier, he suggests using the acronym BAES, which stands for behaviors, appearance, emotions, and situations. 

For instance, changes in behaviors might include isolating oneself from peers, poor academic performance , or overindulging on social media. Other red flags might include changes in appearance can range from a sudden shift in style of dress to failure to maintain hygiene, says Dr. Wood. Changes in emotions might include intense anxious or depressed moods, and changes in situations can include interacting with a new negative social group or experiencing a sudden social rejection from peers, he adds.

Identifying red-flag behaviors for mental health disorders in teens is a crucial part of early intervention and support, says Dr. Egger. Too often, parents and other adults dismiss these red flags as typical of the teenage developmental stage . 

“While it is typical for teens to have strong emotions, some moodiness, and wish for privacy , it is not typical for these emotions and behaviors to be persistent and to interfere with the teen’s functioning at home or school,” says Dr. Egger.

When looking at potential red flags, keep in mind that you’re looking for a change in your child’s behaviors, emotions, appearance, and situation that lasts more than two weeks, happens nearly every day, occurs during different activities, and is adversely impacting your child’s functioning or the family’s functioning. If a parent notices any of these patterns, then it’s time to consider seeking help from a mental health professional. In the meantime, here is what Dr. Egger says to look for.

• Extreme fatigue: If your teen experiences persistent tiredness that is not alleviated by rest, this may be a sign of an underlying mental health issue like depression or anxiety.
• Sleep disruptions: When your teen has difficulty falling asleep, wakes up at night, cannot sleep in, or experiences day-night reversal where they are up during the night and asleep during the day, this is a red flag. Anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and other disorders are all associated with sleep disruption.
• Excessive worry: If your teen is experiencing anxiety and panic attacks or cannot seem to relax, this is a sign of an anxiety disorder that needs to be addressed.
• Persistent sadness: Irritability, hopelessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns are possible symptoms of depression that should not be ignored.
• Suicidal thoughts or remarks: Any comments about self-harm, hopelessness about the future, or remarks about wanting to die should be taken seriously and addressed immediately by a mental health professional. That includes when a teen says or writes actual threats, such as “I can't do this anymore,” “I am done,” or “I don't want to live anymore.”
• Appetite changes: Significant weight loss or gain, as well as changes in eating habits , can signal emotional distress and can be associated with depression, anxiety, or a primary eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
• Extreme mood swings: Rapid and intense shifts in mood, such as going from very happy to very sad without an obvious reason, can be a sign of mood disorders.
• Withdrawal from social interactions: Avoiding friends, family, and social activities can be a symptom of depression or social anxiety.
• Difficulty paying attention: Attention difficulties can present as difficulties with school work, procrastination, unfinished tasks like homework or chores, extreme messiness, and commonly losing things or forgetting things. These attention difficulties can be a sign of ADHD , but depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD can also present with attention difficulties.
• Sudden decline in academic performance: A noticeable drop in grades or a sudden lack of interest in schoolwork can indicate that a teen is struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
• Excessive screen time: Spending an excessive amount of time on social media or electronic devices, especially when it replaces face-to-face interactions, can be a sign of underlying problems such as anxiety, depression, or internet addiction.
• Changes in appearance: Showering less frequently, changing clothing styles, wearing the same thing over and over, refusing to brush or style their hair, wearing long sleeves or heavy sweatshirts even in hot weather, and other similar behaviors also can be a sign that something is amiss that should be investigated.

Helen Egger, MD

“If any of these behaviors are observed, it is important to communicate with your teen and seek guidance from a mental health professional to provide appropriate support and intervention,” says Dr. Egger.

It can be tricky for parents to know when to be concerned versus what is normal teenage angst, says Susan Tellone, RN, BSN, CSN, MSN, the clinical director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. 

“My rule of thumb is to give your teen about two weeks,” she says. “Everyone has a bad day or even a bad few days, but if that bad, sad, or low mood lasts for two weeks or more, parents, guardians, and caregivers should engage in a conversation with their teen about what they are experiencing. I often compare it to a physical health concern. If your child was in physical pain for two weeks, most people would bring the child to a doctor. It should be the same with mental health.”

Another way to spot red flag symptoms is to keep the lines of communication open . In fact, the lack of healthy communication can often exacerbate problems or cause feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Addressing any issues early also is key because it helps you and your teen identify thoughts and behaviors before they become entrenched. It also can help keep mental health issues from becoming more severe or persisting into adulthood—especially when they get the help they need.

“If your child is not receptive to discussing what they are experiencing with you, encouraging them to talk to someone about it is a great alternative,” says Tellone.

Susan Tellone, RN, BSN, CSN, MSN

“Parents should always reach out to a medical professional or use the 988 national hotline if the situation reaches a point where they are concerned about the safety or life of their child.”

At the end of the day, the important action to take is nudging your child to open up and discuss their emotions with people who they feel can best support them, she adds. It also can be helpful to tell them why you are checking in with them and discuss the behaviors you are observing. 

“When you do this, you are explaining why you have become worried enough to ask these questions and begin an open and honest conversation,” says Tellone. “Talking to your child about how they are feeling can be difficult, but these red flag behaviors should not be ignored.”

Watch for secrecy 

Another way to spot red flags is to trust your intuition, says Dr. Wood. Also, be on alert if your teen suddenly behaves secretively or avoids you in some way. In fact, some research studies have found that depression can lead to secrecy.

“There is a big distinction between privacy and secrecy, though,” explains Dr. Wood. “Parents should decide how much privacy they give a teen, but when a teen absolutely refuses to share something with a parent, that is usually a red flag in my experience.” 

“It’s impossible to monitor everything that a teen is doing,” he continues. “However, if parents feel like they have to monitor everything, then this is a red flag.”

If your teen usually behaves one way—for instance always showers in the morning—and then seemingly out of nowhere starts behaving in the opposite way—stops showering altogether—that could be a red flag. 

This might also look like withdrawal from friends, isolating in their room, opting out of social situations that they have enjoyed in the past, changes in sleep or eating habits, or even a sudden change in mood improvement for the better, explains Tellone. 

Although you might have trouble keeping up, try to pay attention to your teen’s academic and social life. Teens experiencing stressful situations, like an embarrassing situation at school, getting into trouble with a teacher, or feeling rejected by friends, may lead to mental health concerns.

“Pay attention if they have overwhelming emotional pain or distress, frequent visits to the school nurse, unusual patterns of tardiness, absences from school, irritability, and loss of interest in activities,” Tellone adds.

Even physical pain can be a sign that something is wrong. In fact, complaining of physical aches or pains, having headaches, experiencing stomach cramps, or having digestive problems without a clear reason—and that doesn’t go away with treatment—could be a sign of a mental health condition.

Another tell-tale red flag behavior is when a teen says or writes actual threats, such as “I can't do this anymore,” “I am done,” or “I don't want to live anymore.”

If you notice that your teen is displaying red flag behaviors, start by talking to them about their mental health in a way that avoids making them feel judged.

“It is so helpful to give your child space to talk and validate their feelings, even if we don't fully understand them,” says Tellone. “Take a moment to try and understand their perspective. Listen without judgment and try to refrain from giving advice or trying to fix it. It is important for children to believe that—with our support—they themselves can begin to problem solve.”

“[And] if others such as teachers, coaches, peers, or siblings are raising concerns about your child’s emotions or behavior,” she adds, “take these concerns seriously.”

Here are more strategies for addressing mental health red flags with your teen.

• Seize the moment: When your teen provides an opening to talk, seize that moment and follow your child’s lead, Tellone says. “If you are being invited to talk with your teen, take it!” Give your teen your full attention, and listen without interrupting, she adds. “Show that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.”
• Choose the right time and place: Find a quiet, private, and comfortable setting to have the conversation, Dr. Egger says. “Ensure there are no distractions and that both you and your teen have enough time to talk. Sometimes teens are more open when you talk with them side-by-side while doing an activity together like cooking or playing a game rather than face-to-face.”
• Be open and honest: Dr. Egger suggests approaching the conversation with sincerity and honesty. “Let your teen know that you are concerned because you care about their well-being. Use ‘I’ Statements and frame your observations in a way that focuses on your own feelings and concerns rather than accusing or blaming. For example, say ‘I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really sad lately, and I’m worried about you’ instead of ‘You’ve been so moody and difficult.’”
• Validate their feelings : At the same time, “Let them know that it’s OK to feel the way they do and that their feelings are valid,” he adds. Another way to validate your teen is to emphasize that mental health is an important aspect of overall health and that it’s normal (not shameful) to talk about it.
• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your teen to share their thoughts and feelings by asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer, says Dr. Egger. “For example, ‘Can you tell me more about what’s been going on?’ or ‘How have you been feeling lately?’”
• Offer support: Let your teen know that you are there for them and willing to help, Tellone says. Discuss potential solutions or resources together, such as talking to a school counselor or seeing a mental health professional. This step is especially important because one study found that nearly 50% of kids with a mental health disorder did not receive treatment or counseling from a mental health professional.
• Follow-up: Continue to check in with your teen regularly. Let them know that your support is ongoing and that you are always available to talk.

Eric Wood, PhD, LPC

"Each red flag is a green light to say something,” says Dr. Wood. “The earlier you say something the better. Some parents worry about ‘making a big deal out of nothing.’ However, it’s not weird to check in with your teen, even if everything is OK. If the red flags continue to pile up, then intervene. Use all the resources that you have, including other family members, your church, counseling, their teachers, and their peers.”

Communication Strategies for Empowering and Protecting Children . J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2016.

Early Intervention in Mental Health is Essential says NIMH Clinician: Research Studies & Novel Treatments in Youth Irritability Show Promise . Anxiety and Depression Association of America. 2023.

What Parents Don't Know: Disclosure and Secrecy in a Sample of Urban Adolescents . J Adolesc. 2016.

Depression . National Institute of Mental Health. 

Study: One in Six U.S. Children Has a Mental Illness . American Academy of Family Physicians. 2019.

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