Hi everyone,
For a bit of background first:
I am a 21 year old student currently studying a Master’s degree in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland.
I am about to start my final year of university in a little over a month and as a result I have been contemplating a possible PhD outside of Scotland and the UK. My desire is to study in America as i would hopefully, one day like to settle in this country.
I am currently looking at a 2:1 degree in my master’s degree - above 60% average across all my courses - which is the second highest possible grade for a British degree. I may be able to push for a 1st if I apply myself. Am not sure what that means in terms of the American grading system.
I have had experience studying abroad and spent a year in France on placement in industry and next year, i will be doing project work in a field of my choice.
I should have 3 letters of recommendation: My placement year supervisor, my head of teaching at my university and my eventual project leader next year.
With all this information. I am looking for people’s opinions on whether or not I stand a chance in obtaining a PhD in America. Of course this is dependent on which universities I am applying to. The universities I have in mind are, according to the "best universities" shortlist are about mid to upper range, so nothing like Harvard or yale or etc.
I have spent a great deal of time looking at deadlines, reading manuals and etc about the universities I have in mind and it has gotten to the stage where i should start writing emails and looking more in-depth into this possibility.
Any opinions on this possibility would be very welcome.
Thanks in advance