PhD notes

I'm considering getting my PhD and have been doing a lot of reading. I got into Georgia Tech and Columbia University for their EE programs (fully funded!)

PDF
http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/pagre/grad-school.pdf

Videos
Why is getting a PhD so hard? eloquently answered by Threemonththesis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHdZRPDvgt8

How to get through your PhD without going insane
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MkRMp3roKQ
Notes:
An idea has to be original but it also has to be founded in current research in the field.
You need to know the field to know that your work is original, aid your own results, and give your work context and justification. You need to know the field before you can make meaningful contribution to it.

Literature is a resource to u can't learn a subject by reading a research paper b/c it's written to folks who already know the field.

To filter, focus on the best and most relevant papers first. Look at the # of citations (~500).
Then, look at relevance. There may be only 3 other research groups in the world in your field. You can easily become the 5th world leader on a topic.

If you know the outcome in advance, then it's not research.
It's often when things go wrongs that is the best results.

Constantly adapt to the things that happen. (the guy who created antibiotics)

The determining factor of success: what you do when things aren't going according to plan. That's a vital skill in research.

PhD is not inherently difficult. It is your personal reaction from within you to the situation.

You have to give yourself time to think. That's what makes you valuable as a researcher.

Writing:
1. content - data  (this is your foundation)
2. structure - how do you frame it
3. words - how you express it
4. your voice

You have to write as an academic to other academics.

You should see stress as a signal that something is not right.

Success or failure in the PHD is not a value of who you are.
If I fail, I fail. I've at least given it a good shot.