On 19 April 2024, the SDS Student Club (SSC) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), organised an in-depth seminar on Ph.D. applications. The event featured seven outstanding students from the class of 2024, who are soon to commence their doctoral studies at prestigious universities worldwide. These graduates, some holding multiple offers from institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Yale University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Southern California, shared their research experiences and practical insights into the Ph.D. application process. Their detailed accounts and strategic advice served as valuable guidance for current students planning their future academic careers.