I want to learn a lot, but don't know if it makes sense to sign up for the 5 year gauntlet or just make my own way to a published thesis. Assume not working full time in industry during (on near universal advice that doing so is an awful experience) Perks of PhD: Assistance in curriculum creation Live assistance in material (professors, other students) Student comradery during the process Network of very educated people More immigration freedom Easier access to research positions both academic and industry Harder to bail Optional pretentious title you quickly stop using Credibility for research related outreach to companies and grants Much cheaper loans of survival money Perks of self study: Free evolving curriculum Flexibility in part time work
You seem to have some misconceptions about PhD programs. First of all, there is no tuition. You even get paid a small (20-30K) stipend. Second of all, what do you believe is a PhD level curriculum and how do you plan on getting there by yourself?
+1
"Assistance in curriculum creation," not preset curriculum. What I assume an advisor offers is a way to decide what to read and help focus on what you can get out of it. Is this right? Not all programs are funded, and my impression is that you're obligated to do some TA or lab work in exchange when it is? Which sounds like a low pay part time job
I lost you when you said "perks"
If you have GRE scores that are valid and contacts that can write your letters, no reason to not do the formal program. Having to review stuff for quals is probably a good idea anyhow.
I’m not sure what you think a self study will get you? No one is going to buy your self invented credentials? I mean if it’s a hobby or interest, then sure, but if you’re trying to use it to prove your expertise in a subject, you need to go through the gauntlet. The whole premise of academia is that it is a robust and rigorous process that is peer-reviewed. In a PhD program you will have a supervisory committee that will hold you accountable to a certain standard and level of excellence. Creating a document and publishing it does not equate to a PhD.
I don't think you understand what a PhD is. There is no curriculum --you might get asked to take some classes as a first year, but those are mostly to get ppl caught up or narrow their research focus. At it's core, a PhD is about research and mentorship. You're designing and executing plans under the guidance of the sith Lord you've been assigned to, not sitting in classrooms taking notes with a cohort of padawan.
This. Most of it is an independent study anyway. My supervisor did dick all.
"Assistance in curriculum creation," not preset curriculum. But thanks for the feedback! Do you know of any good resources for prospective students to learn what a PhD actually "is"?
If you are quitting do the PhD program, if working then go with self study
Cars
Yesterday
1701
Seattle people, what cars do you have? 🙂
Tech Industry
16h
5012
Goog Employees Arrested
Tech Industry
14h
1602
What is the appeal to NVIDIA?
Layoffs
10h
7236
Google CFO confirms "large-scale" layoffs today (Apr 17)
Software Engineering Career
3h
2099
28 terrorist worshipping idiots just got themselves fired and I've never been prouder to work at Google.
If you’re quitting your job, there is no reason to self study a PhD. I have a PhD from Ivy myself.
How do you know someone has a PhD from an Ivy school? They tell you in every conversation.
Yeah, especially in anonymous forums, genius