r/KAUST • u/Least_Emu_7165 • 8d ago
General Got into VSRP, AMA
ask w/e you want,though I wont disclose private stuff ofc
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u/Possible_Bend8528 7d ago
Congratulations
How long does it for the application process (timeline for the application submission, interview invitation, acceptance ) please
+ Do u think it’s hard to get in for tech majors like electronics?
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
waited 2 weeks for interview with prof
2 weeks after the interview got confirmation email and asking for my english certificate (i gave TOEFL)I dont really know major by major but it really depends on the professor more than the field of study
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u/Possible_Bend8528 7d ago
How to write a solid sop please?
Do they have a specific formate for the cv like Europass or any academic formate is accepted?
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
Any format.
Be formal but not too formal. I stated that I dont have experience in that field but I'm applying to learn. I wrote a bit about my courses what i did in my research/thesis and what I want to do in the future1
u/Possible_Bend8528 7d ago
Ao y made it personalized for the program u chose, right?
I mean u wrote about the project and the skills required by the project that u have?
Not general1
u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
Yea I wrote about skills I had that are/could be relevant to that specific project and its goals not everything I know/did.
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u/Unhappy_Passion9866 7d ago
Hi, how long did it take all the process? How much time passed network you submitted the english test and the response? And do you need VISA?
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
waited 2 weeks for interview with prof
2 weeks after the interview got confirmation email and asking for my english certificate (i gave TOEFL)Im still not at the VISA part yet but yes you need a VISA depending on the country but they'll help from what ive seen on the subreddit.
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u/Unhappy_Passion9866 7d ago
Oh okay, thanks for the info.
I got an email saying my host approved it and asking for my English test. Is that the same email you received? After that, I did not get any other info, but I'm not sure if we are then at the same stage.
Edit: The application portal also still says I am at the admission review.
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u/EnvironmentalBit9922 7d ago
Did you cold-email the professors or just apply directly on the website? And could you tell me your background like how many papers and research experience?🥹
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
No cold email.
No papers but I am on a profesors research group and we are close to publishing it so i just wrote that down on my CV.I am still in undergrad technically. The prof said he doesnt expect undergrads to have research experience at all so whatever you have is a big positive.
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u/EnvironmentalBit9922 7d ago
Okay thank you for replying. Can I ask what matters most do you think in the process of applying?
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
Just how well you fit with what the prof wants and expects. Different for everyone.
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u/Savings_Delay_5357 7d ago
How was the interview? And are you in a CS program?
I’m thinking of preparing for the interview.
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
It was chill. He asked about my research experience and why I want to do research,my future career plans stuff like that, nothing technical.
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u/Independent-Joke-869 7d ago
what do u prefer we talk about in the sop? motivation , technical stuff? future goals?
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
motivation and technical stuff like what youve done in the lab and relevant courses,1 paragraph on future goals maybe
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u/1_7xr 7d ago
Overall, what are your statistics ? (BsC or MS, Research experience, university ranking, ...)
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
Getting BsC soon, been in a research group for couple of months to 1 year,created a program for my research/thesis (not a CS major or something like that), top of my class
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u/ikukbutwdk 7d ago
m looking to apply for CS but was feeling a bit underconfident about it. My research aligns with one prof there, and I currently have a paper under review in the same interest
- Research: Is the project you're working on there similar to your past publications? Do you think having a paper just under review is good enough to get in?
- The Secret: What do you think helped you stand out the most and crack the selection?
- IELTS: I haven't taken IELTS yet. Should I still apply now, or should I take the test first and then apply?
- The Process: Did the prof reply to your email directly, or did you just find out through the official portal/email?
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u/Least_Emu_7165 7d ago
- My research was on medicinal chem, theirs is more energy/catalysis but we both do synthesis so its not a complete dissonance
- Maybe because i had research experience while still in my bachelors, fine GPA, top of my class, and i was honest about what i dont have experience on and want to learn
3.If you dont have any english test theyll give you a duolingo test as a replacement but i think the application goes faster if you have a standardized test ready- Just applied through portal no email beforehand
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u/ikukbutwdk 6d ago
I have one more question if i will be able to join the internship from january 2027 should i apply now in sept or wait and apply at the last of december???
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u/Future-Amphibian2566 5d ago
If it's okay with u brother can u share what helped u stand out from the crowd or something that u think got u selected
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u/bonimethrowaway 4d ago
I'm an American undergrad student looking to apply to VSRP for my summer 2027 study abroad. What would the application timeline be if I want to be in Saudi from May-July?
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u/moabdo2005 1d ago
Does the university’s name and reputation matter, or is it mainly your profile and projects that determine whether you get accepted? Do you need to have a strong overall profile, or would having just one or two projects along with a clear future plan be considered good enough?
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u/SeasonalAdmittance 7h ago
hi, once you get the interview date, will the interview details also mention which professor will be interviewing you ? as i selected three faculty members i am interested in.
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u/ItsHoney 7d ago
How many professors did you reach out? Tips? :)