What can I do while working on my MA to improve my chances of getting accepted into a competitive PhD program?

Answer 1

It really depends upon your field of study, but here is some general advice for MA students in the humanities and social sciences:

1) Get your languages down. French, German, and any other languages relevant to your specific area of interest. PhD programs have been getting increasingly picky about this. No language prep, no admission.

2) Do everything in your power to impress your current professors with your academic potential. Be a serious student, and a go-getter. Hone your writing and researching skills. Contribute to discussion in your classes. Be passionate about your work. Remember, your current professors will be writing your letters of recommendation, and these can make or break your PhD applications.

3) Present at conferences. Graduate student conferences are fine. You needn't shoot for presenting at the annual meeting of your scholarly association -- that's tough to do. But you should join your scholarly association, and go to regional meetings, and perhaps present there.

4) Publish an article. Perhaps a chapter of your Masters thesis. Look to graduate student journals for this. Some will be interdisciplinary, and that's fine. If you find one specifically for your field, even better.

5) Depending on your field of study, do fieldwork.

Do NOT look at your Masters thesis as a pre-dissertation. Your topic might change drastically. Use your MA thesis as a chance to explore something you are passionate about. Use it to learn the ins and outs of research. Most importantly, use it to learn to construct a literate and informed extended scholarly argument.

I wish you every success!

Answer 2

The previous answer is correct. But also look towards developing a good dissertation topic while you are working on your MA. Many students use the MA as a springboard for their PhD paper. If, in your application, you show both mastery (no pun intended) in your field, especially your MA paper topic, and you show how you can apply that knowledge towards a fruitful research design for your PhD dissertation, the admissions office will be more likely to view you as a credible and strong candidate (As opposed to, say, a student who isn't sure about what they intend to study, research, or accompish in the PhD program).

Being published, of course, is always a big bonus, but tie it in to your intended PhD studies.

As far as coursework, grades are important, as well as showing you have the right background in your field (mastery of sciences, math, statistics, etc., whatever is relevant ). Get good recs, too.

Answer 3

Make perfect grades and publish early on in journals and publications of the field you are pursuing.
If they see your work is published they will be more impressed with your potential to succeed in the PhD program.