Exchange Diaries
Harmanjot Singh | Physics
University of Toronto, Canada
What motivated you for MS/Ph.D.? From where did you get the motivation? How did it all start? How did you handle your preparation with your academics?
Even before coming to IIT Kharagpur, I was into physics and research was my area of interest. For these 4 years, I had been doing work that was oriented towards obtaining a Ph.D. I started in the first year itself so academics were not a load.
What is the process of interdisciplinary studies? How easy was the switch? What motivated you for the switch?
My area of research is essential in biophysics and hence also was interested in biology which I also happened to choose in 11th and 12th standard. My first internship was completely classical experimental physics. I wanted to explore biophysics. I hence went to NCBS Bangalore and worked under a professor for 2 and half months, which gave me an idea. I also did a project here in Kharagpur for two years.
Did you apply to multiple universities? If yes, can you please elaborate on the differences in the selection process of the universities?
For the selection process, the topmost criterion is CGPA. Then comes the balance between recommendation and research paper. Then into later aspects, other internships and extra-disciplinary activities come.
I applied to Germany, Toronto university in Canada, CMU in the US, and Okinawa university in Japan. I got selected in Canada and the US. The application process in Europe was tough and I started early. It was like a vacancy for a job. You apply then wait and with constant rejection, it's quite frustrating.
For a better chance, I would suggest Improving SOP (statement of purpose) and get it corrected by seniors in the second last year and the final year, make projects under professors, ask seniors, and try to improve and get better.
How are you planning to manage your finances? Have you applied for any scholarships? What were their procedures?
Most Ph.D. programs in the US and Canada are funded. For some cases, like those of 6-year programs, scholarships are open in the 4-5th year. It depends on the university too. So with that, living expenses are not a big problem. CMU provided a lot more money, enough for me to send back home but I chose Toronto as it was more close to my field of interest.
What is the role of CGPA in the process?
I don't know how selectors sort out applications but what I have learned from experience there is some sort of CGPA sorting. With an above 8 CGPA and a good recommendation or internship, you can get a good university.
How is your university going to manage everything in this confusion of Covid-19?
Toronto is saying that it will open in September but it's difficult for Indian students to fly that easily as biometric and Visa centers are closed so I'm hanging in the middle.
What difficulties do you think the pandemic will bring(or has brought already) in the process?
It has brought some difficulties including not being able to attend my final year on campus and delaying requests and applications.
How did IIT KGP benefit you in your journey?
The experience I got here, the people I met, the alums, and the society I was in (CodeX) helped me. I knew I wanted to go into research so competitions in KGP motivated me and gave me confidence that if I apply to at least 20 I will get in one.
The IIT tag also matters and many Kharagpur students abroad give the professor positivity that students are hardworking and you do get some respect.
What are the opportunities after the MS/Ph.D. course?
There are a lot of opportunities. One can stay in academia, go for a postdoc, or some research assistant position somewhere. One can also go towards the industrial aspect. Say if I develop some good optics and fabrication skills during my Ph.D., I can go towards a lab or company that wants applicants with these skills. If you are good at academics you can apply to these too.
What message do you want to give the juniors today who are interested in pursuing similar courses?
I didn't let extra-curricular activities affect my academics much. I need to have a CG above 8.5 and I tried to keep that in mind. Having fun is also important, don't spend these 4-5 years only mugging up for exams. Try to explore other aspects too. Keep yourself active in extra-curricular activities as well.