EPFL

1. 1

   Resume shortlist

   Online application with CPI, three preferred domains, CV and SOP
   eliminatory

   Deadline end of November.

2. 2

   Technical interview

   Interview with a lab PhD student in December
   eliminatory

   projects · interest in electrical engineering

   Varies by lab and interviewer; candidate also asked own questions.

Advice from candidates

4 pieces of advice, in their own words. Names removed.

• Do not write a very long SOP. Try to limit it to one page. Always mention that you want to explore your domain in the future and that you would like to continue your studies in it. Show your interest in the university you are applying to and its program. You do not have to mention much about extracurriculars and your PORs, etc. (This is not a college admissions essay). Keep your SOP genuine, simple and believable. Do not use heavy vocabulary.

  SOP · 2024-25

• You can use it to check your SOP for mistakes or to shorten a few sentences, or to refine things. But I personally do not recommend writing your SOP using AI. They do not expect you to achieve great things in just two years of your college life, so do not exaggerate stuff too much.

  SOP · 2024-25

• List your best projects at the top, and relevant to the fields you have filled out. Since you fill out three domains, try to list projects from these domains depending on your priority and the importance of the project work. Definitely list research experience if you have any. You can mention your extracurriculars, PORs in the CV. Use a nice external format for the CV.

  resume · 2024-25

• Make sure that you have a valid passport if you don’t have one or yours has expired; it is better to ensure this during summer, so that you do not have any problem applying to any program, as many programs may ask for a copy of your passport.

  general · 2024-25