By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you’re comparing a master’s vs PhD, you’re not choosing between two degrees — you’re choosing between two completely different careers. Most applicants aren’t trying to understand definitions. They’re trying to answer a much more practical question:…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you were placed on a PhD waitlist, you are probably asking a very specific question: Is this still a real chance… or is this basically a soft rejection? Most applicants never say that out loud, but…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you are thinking about graduate school, one of the first questions you probably have is: What GPA do you actually need for grad school? And unfortunately, a lot of advice online oversimplifies the answer. Some websites…

Are you considering applying to Economics PhD programs in 2026? If so, you must be aware of the fierce competition and ever-decreasing acceptance rates in this field. Economics continues to be a popular choice for individuals seeking advanced study and a promising career path. However, as the…

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Pursuing a graduate degree can offer a multitude of benefits in the long run, both personal and professional. Though, graduate education often comes with a hefty price tag that can cause students to consider alternative options or put their dreams on hold. Fortunately, student aid services are…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. Most applicants research graduate programs the wrong way. They: compare rankings browse university websites read faculty bios look at employment statistics and assume they understand what the program is actually like But many of the most important…

Are you a student applying to Harvard Graduate School? Chances are, you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Everyone knows that Harvard Graduate School acceptance rates are low, which can be intimidating. But here’s the thing – don’t get too worked up over it! Sure, getting accepted into Harvard…

It seems like no matter how old you are, somebody somewhere is telling you that it’s too late. You’re too young to know what life has in store for you and then when your age catches up to “too old,” the same people are suddenly whispering about…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. Last updated: February 2026 If you’re searching for the average age of a PhD student, you’re usually trying to answer one simple question: Is my age normal — or a problem — for pursuing a PhD? Before…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you are applying to PhD programs, you may be wondering: What is actually considered a good master’s GPA for PhD admissions? In many cases, a master’s GPA around 3.7 or higher is considered strong for competitive…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you have a low GPA and are applying to graduate school, you are probably wondering one thing: Should I explain my GPA in my Statement of Purpose? And honestly, this is one of the most misunderstood…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you are applying to graduate school or business school right now, there is a good chance you are stuck on one major question: Should I take the GRE or the GMAT? And honestly, the confusion makes…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you are asking, “How hard is the GRE really?”, you are probably not just asking about: math problems vocabulary practice tests timing strategies Most applicants asking this question are actually wondering something much deeper: “Am I…

Going to grad school is a big decision, so it makes sense that you’ve done your research and probably have some questions. Can you send the same personal essay when applying to grad school, you say? -Sure, why not! After all, if it works once, why wouldn’t…

As you embark on the exciting journey of applying for graduate school, make sure to watch out for the common grad school application mistakes that can unexpectedly sabotage your immediate future. Don’t worry if these mistakes sound familiar – everyone has probably made each one at least…

If you’re looking to take your academic career to the next level, no doubt you know that a key factor in getting into grad school is showcasing your writing abilities. Writing samples are arguably the most important part of showing off just how talented and capable you…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you have a low GPA and want to go to graduate school, you are probably carrying around a lot of anxiety right now. Maybe you feel like: your GPA ruined your chances everyone else is more…

Ever wonder what goes on during secretive graduate school admission committee meetings? Aspiring graduate students all have one thing in common – they want to know the answer. After dedicating months of your time to carefully curating an application, you submit it with only the hope that…

This may not be the news you were hoping to hear – you didn’t get into any grad school of your dreams. You’re probably feeling a sense of defeat right now, but don’t let it drag you down! Though it may feel like all hope is lost,…