README: Advice on Applying to Grad School in Computer Science

Below is a curated list of links to helpful advice on applying to graduate school (or meta-advice to give to your letter-writers!) from computer science professors.


Philip Guo

Phil is responsible for the video on the front page of CSrankings, which you should watch if you haven't yet (link below).

  • PG Vlog #203 - finding computer science Ph.D. programs to apply to (csrankings.org can help)


Matt Might

Matt's site is famous for its many helpful articles giving advice on aspects of graduate school and academia, among many other things.

  • HOWTO: Get into grad school for science, engineering, math and computer science
  • How to get a great letter of recommendation


Shriram Krishnamurthi

Shriram has an extensive page devoted to advice for PhD students, and many others in his "miscellaneous writing" section.

  • Advice to Graduate School Recommendation Letter Writers: this is a good resource to point your letter-writers to, especially if they come from industry.
  • How CS Master's Funding Works (and Why You Can't Seem to Get Any)


Vijay Chidambaram

Vijay is responsible for the Systems Slack and edits the CSR Tales blog, "the stories behind computer science research".

  • How to pick a grad school for a PhD in Computer Science


Mike Ernst

Mike has put together a suite of documents comprising excellent advice for researchers and students.

  • Advice for researchers and students