Exchange Diaries  

Shashwat Jain | Electronics and Electrical Communication Engg.

Cornell University, USA

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?

I have always liked the courses with an analytical approach, which kindled my interest in signal processing. My interest in signal processing started in 3rd year when I was introduced to advanced mathematics. It led me to apply to multiple universities. GRE needs preparations in Writing, Verbal and Quantitative Aptitude. In TOEFL, one should prepare in listening and speaking in English. Fundamental knowledge in the field is required where you are applying.

What is the process of application?

I applied specifically for the electrical part, and I won’t have much research in computer science. The US universities’ application process starts in mid-September and stretches till mid-December. Firstly, you must figure out your interests and search for professors working in the particular area across various universities. A significant segment is to get through the Google Scholar profiles (to know their research areas). I went through the abstracts of their research papers and approached some professors.

Did you apply to multiple universities? If yes, can you please elaborate on the differences in the selection process of the universities?

I applied to multiple universities, out of which I got interview calls from Cornell University and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Personal interviews were part of the selection process. Cornell University held an interactive interview, discussing majorly my interests and things I work on. The Michigan interview round was a formal one; they focused majorly on technical questions. I preferred Cornell as the research interests coincide to a great extent.
The US Universities’ selection process generally stress:

Your interests.

Vacancy under professor. The funds available for the research work.

All your test scores, GPA.

A strong recommendation (considerable importance).

How are you planning to manage your finances? Have you applied for any scholarships? What were their procedures?

I will be joining in July. Ph.D. students are offered to be funded for 5 years. US Universities provide funds for research accommodations, general expenses, and health insurance.

What is the role of CGPA in the process? How did IIT KGP benefit you in your journey?

For admission to top schools, CGPA plays a vital role in stating your dedication and hard work. The Universities that I applied to had a strict cut-off of 9+ CGPA, so maintaining a good CGPA is very important. Also, the brand value of IIT Kharagpur helps in building a solid profile. The professors shaped my journey throughout. The seniors helped in various application processes. The first two years helped me explore multiple fields, and eventually, I got through my actual interests.

What changes do you think the pandemic will have already brought in the process?

Generally, the applicant has to appear for both GRE and TOEFL every year. But this year, only TOEFL was considered, which is secondary otherwise. There weren’t any notable changes as all the application processes, and the interviews were held in the online mode. 

What are the opportunities after the Ph.D. course?

Most alumni are in some tech and finance firms, and after carrying out a post-doctorate, I can also become a faculty member. Opportunities in the electrical domain are vast—the position of Senior Researcher and some significant posts in the field. 

What message do you want to give the juniors today who are interested in pursuing similar courses?

The universities generally expect some publications from the applicants. In my case, as I satisfied all the top criteria, the publication was not given the utmost priority. I’d like to suggest that even if you don’t have any publications but have a decent CGPA and can present your capability, things may work out as they did for me. You never need to worry about previous internships. Having a publication in hand and experience of a decent internship are plus points indeed but keep working on your goals; they’ll turn out for the best. Patience is the key that puts you forward in research. Keep working, and things will start unfolding accordingly.