The Pre-Proposal that got me the ESOP (Excellence Scholarship at ETH Zurich)

Summary

In this video, David, a robotics student at ETH Zurich, shares insights on how to craft a successful pre-proposal for the ETH Zurich Excellent Scholarship (ESOP). He breaks down the essential structure of the pre-proposal, including title, introduction, objectives, methods, background, and timeline. David also offers practical tips on selecting a research topic, emphasizing the importance of proficiency, feasibility, and motivation. By sharing his own pre-proposal, he demystifies the process, helping prospective students understand how to approach this crucial document. The video is a valuable resource for anyone interested in studying at ETH Zurich and applying for the ESOP scholarship.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ETH Zurich Excellent Scholarship (ESOP) covers tuition and living expenses (12,000 CHF per semester) and is available for students across various faculties.
• 😀 The deadline to apply for the ESOP scholarship is December 15, so make sure to apply before the cutoff date.
• 😀 The pre-proposal document, which is crucial for the application, should be 1-1.5 pages long and should detail your research project and your ability to plan and execute research.
• 😀 A pre-proposal should include: a title, introduction, objectives & goals, methods, background, timetable & milestones, and references.
• 😀 When selecting a topic for your pre-proposal, consider your proficiency in the subject, its alignment with the work of a relevant professor at ETH, its feasibility within the 4-6 month timeframe, and your personal motivation.
• 😀 Proficiency in the topic and feasibility of the project are more important than personal motivation when selecting a research project for the pre-proposal.
• 😀 The pre-proposal will likely be shared with lab members at ETH, and you will be asked detailed questions during the interview, so be prepared to discuss your topic in-depth.
• 😀 David’s pre-proposal example integrates background research with the introduction, and outlines specific research objectives and methods in a detailed manner.
• 😀 A detailed timeline in the pre-proposal helps demonstrate that the project is feasible and shows the committee that you can pragmatically plan your research.
• 😀 Although motivation is important, the committee will prioritize your ability to demonstrate a feasible and well-planned research project, not necessarily your passion for the topic.
• 😀 David’s personal pre-proposal included detailed steps for the project timeline and made connections to his previous work, showing continuity and depth in his research approach.

Q & A

What is the Excellent Scholarship (ESOP) offered by ETH Zurich?

The Excellent Scholarship (ESOP) is a prestigious scholarship offered by ETH Zurich to several students from each faculty. It covers tuition and living expenses by providing 12,000 CHF per semester. The scholarship aims to support outstanding students pursuing a master's degree at ETH Zurich.

What are the main components of the pre-proposal document for the ESOP application?

The pre-proposal document typically includes the following components: title, introduction (motivation for the research), objectives and goals (research questions), methods (how the research will be conducted), background (literature review or prior work), timetable and milestones (feasibility and steps to complete the project), and references.

How long should the pre-proposal document be?

The pre-proposal document should be around one to one and a half pages long, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of the research project.

What key qualities does the pre-proposal showcase to the selection committee?

The pre-proposal showcases the applicant's ability to think independently, plan research projects, and address complex problems. It also reflects the applicant’s research maturity and their understanding of how to execute the project within the given timeline.

What should applicants consider when choosing a topic for the pre-proposal?

Applicants should consider their qualifications for defending the topic, how well it aligns with the research focus of ETH professors or labs, the feasibility of completing the research within the 4-6 month thesis timeline, and whether the topic motivates them personally. Proficiency in the chosen topic is crucial for success in the interview stage.

Why is it important to tie the research topic to the work of a professor or lab at ETH Zurich?

Tying the research topic to a professor’s or lab’s work ensures that the research is relevant and integrated into ongoing academic projects. It increases the likelihood of collaboration and shows that the applicant is aware of the expertise available at ETH Zurich, making their proposal more compelling.

What does the timetable and milestones section of the pre-proposal demonstrate?

The timetable and milestones section demonstrates that the applicant understands the scope of the research and is capable of planning it realistically. It outlines the steps and provides a clear timeline for completing the project, which shows the feasibility of the research within the master's thesis timeframe.

How does the author suggest structuring the introduction and background in the pre-proposal?

The author suggests combining the introduction and background into a single section, where the applicant first introduces the research topic and motivates the problem, followed by a review of prior work in the field. This helps contextualize the research and establish its relevance.

How specific should the methods section be in the pre-proposal?

The methods section should be specific enough to explain the approach, tools, and techniques the applicant will use to tackle the research questions. Including references to tools, frameworks, or research previously undertaken (such as the author's use of a vehicle design tool) demonstrates preparedness and technical understanding.

What role does the references section play in the pre-proposal?

The references section provides citations for the works and research mentioned throughout the pre-proposal. It adds credibility to the proposal by demonstrating that the applicant has researched the topic thoroughly and acknowledges relevant academic work in the field.