Please note that these FAQs are pertinent to both the Center PDRA and PPPP PDRA program. The "partner institution" mentioned below refers to Peking University.

How many reference letters do I need? Two.

How do I submit a reference letter? For Princeton, please submit contact information for only two references via the online system. The recommender will send it to us directly, as the letters must remain confidential.  

What is the process of submitting reference information? You’ll be asked to provide the referee’s email address. Once you complete and submit the application, the system will automatically email them. They will then be provided a link to an online form where they can paste the letter or upload a pdf of it.

My referees have not received the email yet. Your application must first be submitted before the email is sent. It may take up to 3 days after submission for the email to arrive.

If applying to PPPP: How do I submit a reference letter to the partner university? Princeton will share reference letters with the partner university directly. Do not send any reference letters or have your referees send any letters directly. 

If applying to PPPP: What does the requirement of two explicit endorsement letters by the potential supervisors, one from each university, consist of?

You should contact one professor at our partner university and one professor at Princeton University to ask for their endorsement of your application and to agree to be your research project supervisor. The supervisor must be able to provide substantive direction and feedback to your research and act as a mentor. Note that this cannot be a pro forma endorsement from a professor unrelated to your research project. The supervisor does not necessarily have to be an expert on contemporary China, but should be able to direct substantive portions of your research.

Example: your research project concerns development banking in China through a comparative lens. The supervisor can be an expert on development banking and has studied such banking in Korea and Japan. This would be an acceptable endorsement as long as the supervisor will be directly involved in your research project.

If applying to PPPP: Does the endorsement letter have to come from from a CCC Faculty Associate? No.

If applying to PPPP: What constitutes an endorsement letter? The faculty member you have contacted from each university can endorse your application by email by affirming that they agree to supervise you in the event you are selected. Please have the faculty CC our Center Manager [email protected] in their reply. A pdf with the emails in which they have agreed to endorse you is sufficient. Please attach these endorsements to your research proposal. 

The proposal itself will be submitted in the AHIRE system as a pdf and must be 10 pages or fewer. The endorsement emails do not count toward your 10-page limit.

If applying to PPPP: How should the endorsement letter be submitted? Please convert the email endorsement into a pdf and attach it to your application.

If applying to PPPP: Can you assist me with finding such a supervisor? Unfortunately not. Please contact faculty members who you feel would be a good fit with your research. These potential supervisors may be scholars who you have previously cited, whose work you have read, and/or whose career you have followed as a matter of course in conducting your own research. While these supervisors may not be individuals you know personally, you would likely know of them professionally. 

What should I submit as a writing sample? We are looking for high-potential early-career candidates. Writing samples that exhibit qualities of such candidates are highly recommended.

I am a doctoral candidate currently, but will receive my degree by September 1. Can I still apply? Yes.

I am a doctoral candidate, but will not receive my degree by September 1. Can I still apply? No. Please note that we will be unable to review your application but welcome you to apply the following year.

I am having technical difficulties with AHIRE. How can I seek assistance? Please contact the Dean of Faculty: [email protected] or call (609) 258-8989 for assistance.

I don't have a work visa in the United States and/or China. What should I do? Princeton and our partner university will arrange for appropriate work visas in the United States and/or China.