University at Buffalo

1. 1

   Resume shortlist

   Project preference form with resume and per-project SOP

   Resume and SOP in institute format; separate SOP per professor/project, in preference order.

2. 2

   Technical interview

   Technical panel interview
   eliminatory

   previous projects · applied project background · structural analysis · mechanics of solids · transportation engineering · motivation for research

   Two-professor panel; questions on resume and on the applied projects, with theory and practical use of terms; some candidates got a short topic talk.

Advice from candidates

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

• The most important thing to succeed is to read the project description well and do a little research about the topic in practical applications.

  interview · 2024-25

• the SOP should not be written in a story way that we all have done, referring to our seniors, like starting from childhood. It should explain why you have chosen this topic, what you find interesting in this topic, and write about your future plans.

  SOP · 2024-25

• Use CDS format and describe the project you have done (if not, write about a course project), don’t take too much stress about the resume, because at this stage, there is not much to write in a resume.

  resume · 2024-25

• From my personal experience, I felt the whole process this mostly luck-based, so don’t get disheartened, keep trying every opportunity. And always try to have some backup option, and try to get an offer from more than one university.

  general · 2024-25

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