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RESUME FORMAT, EMAIL FORMAT, AND PROFESSORS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED STUDENTS

RESEARCH GUIDE

1) FIND PROFESSORS

  • Start by doing your own research; look into labs on campus through department ((subject).unt.edu/research)  and figure out what they do.
    • ​faculty.unt.edu - Faculty Search
    • biology.unt.edu/research - Biology Research Website
    • chemistry.unt.edu/research - Chemistry Research Website
    • physics.unt.edu/research - Physics Research Website
    • [insert subject].unt.edu/research - Research in a Specific Subject
  • Even if you have an area you think you are interested in, you should explore different fields because you might be surprised.​
    • Research is not only in math and science; although we are a math and science school, there are other disciplines that research can be done in. 
  • Short list a few professors that you are most interested in working with and read some of their publications to find out specific information their research.
  • Keep a short summary of the main idea of their research and two or three publications, so you are knowledgeable about their work when you contact them

Finding their papers:
  • Look on the professor's webpage
  • Google Scholar or Research Gate (search keyword)
  • library.unt.edu
Sparknotes of paper reading:
  • Read the abstract and conclusion!
    • ​This is often the only thing needed to get a good understanding of the paper
  • You don't need to understand every word/method/formula
  • Understand the main idea first, and then the paper becomes much easier to read

2) CREATING A RESUME

Providing a Resume/CV to professors:
  • Whenever you email a professor or go to meet them in person make sure you either attach a copy of your resume/CV or take a copy with you for them
  • Keep it limited to about one page front and back, and include things that would be relevant for the professor to evaluate your skills and work ethic
  • Make a list of all activities/awards you have done in the last couple years and narrow them to down to a few based on what you think might be relevant for a professor to look at and might find interesting. ​
  • Include a description about what you achieved and what your duties consisted of for past research, projects, working, etc. instead of just stating the achievement
  • Add a description of the award to add some context about how relevant and competitive it is.​

3) EMAILING PROFESSORS

To-do: before the email
  • Find out what you specifically would like to accomplish in that lab
  • Read several of the desired professor’s publications, and create a good understanding of what he/she does​
    • Pinpoint what specifically in their work do you enjoy/ interests you the most
  • Send an email following the template linked to the button below or another similar template
Email template (click the button):
  • After emailing a professor, wait two or three days and send a follow-up if you receive no reply; some professors are very busy and may your email
  • If one professor doesn't reply to your email or says they don't have space available in their lab, don't get discouraged; keep moving forward and email another professor on your shortlist