hippyscientist

Yep my dad has hated everything about my decision to pursue a MSc in the UK and a PhD abroad. He thinks I'm delaying the inevitable, that I'm showing how lazy and averted to work I am and how childish I am for not wanting to leave school. I've tried to explain that this is a career path, that I won't be lounging around in bed on Netflix at 1pm every day, that I will be working hard and getting paid (borderline finances I know, but I really don't live an extravagant lifestyle). He refuses to accept the fact that this is a good decision for me and my decision has become a constant source of arguments. I eventually spoke to my dad's best friend who is also trained as a therapist, and he has since conversed with my dad. He's not on board, per se, but is definitely giving me less of a hard time. I think part of it is my dad got kicked out of university at undergrad, and so I was the first to graduate in my family and he feels jealous. Ehh who knows. It bugs me that I can't celebrate with him - I just got a major major scholarship for my MSc but if I told him that they were paying my fees he'd tell me that I was a spoilt rich kid (when nothing could be further from the truth) - but I have also accepted that half his issue with this decision is his own insecurities. I'm an adult and I'm living my life, not his. Also my gran hasn't got a clue. "A DOP (doctor of philosophy) is just what doctors need to work in a hospital to talk to people right? I thought you didn't want to talk about mental disorders" oh gran, I love her, but she's utterly clueless!

Hi, Apologies for not being more specific as I am not in your field, but as an international student applying for PhDs in the US I thought I'd reply with my experiences so far. Firstly, I scoured the internet for programmes in my field (it's pretty small at the PhD level), then I narrowed it down to those schools who have at least one POI who has similar research interests to mine (even broadly). Then I found out whether I could attend in Fall 16 as I don't finish my masters until July (and don't technically graduate until December 16). From that, I then looked at the research in closer detail, looked at the faculty profiles, lab pages and grad student profiles (where I could). I looked at the overall rankings of the schools and the rankings in my field (not easy let me tell you - there's hardly any ranking for Kinesiology). Then when I'd learnt as much as I could from the website I emailed those professors who I was interested in working for with a little background about myself and my research experience, that I thought our research interests aligned and to ask for further information from them. The ones who have responded have been amazing, giving me great information, putting me in touch with grad students, skyping and all that. I've tried to not let location influence me too much, but it has to a certain extent. I didn't look at universities in Texas for example, as I know that it's not a place I would do well in for 5 years (I've spent too much time there in the past as is). So I would say fit first and foremost should be research, followed by whether you would see yourself happy studying there, and relocating there for 5+ years. What constitutes that reasoning is up to you - for me it was location, cost of living in the area, grad stipend, other faculty in the department, to a degree name of the school, links with my home university etc. Hope that helps a bit!

As an international student, I was concerned about not getting to visit the campuses I was applying to. It turns out I've got visits arranged to 3 of the universities I want to do a PhD at (tied in to a visit to see my boy), and I've been emailing POIs. Today I've had what seems like two very positive responses. I just wondered whether it's normal for POIs to arrange itineraries, meetings with grad students, meetings with those on the admissions committee and funding board for students who haven't even submitted their applications yet? Should I take this as a good sign?

23 for my MSc and (hopefully if application season goes well) 24 for my PhD. I had to think about that though because all my friends are older (late 20s), so I often forget I'm not!

Finally took the GRE today. My practice scores ranged quite a bit from 155 - 166 Verbal and 155 - 163 Quant. Today I got 159 and a 157. I'm frustrated that they're towards the lower end of what I know I can do but they should be enough to get into the programmes I want. Hope the AWA comes back alright!

I had to resurrect this board. This quote hasn't quite enraged me but certainly has motivated me to comment. Attitudes like this frequently put girls off weightlifting. My undergrad university was very sports focused as was top 2 in the country for most sports, and a Team GB training base, so we had a lot of pro athletes train in our gym. I'm a S&C coach, PT and am hoping to do my PhD in sports injury prevention and rehabilitation...and I'm female. I also have never competed as a weightlifter, but can hold my own in our gym. The first few times I went into the weights section, I went with the guy I was training. Yup. I was training this 6ft 250lb guy with olympic lifts, and showing him correct form but the amount of guys there who made out like they had an issue with me was amazing. I told myself that they were just jealous I had good technique I love the weights section, I deadlift double my bodyweight, bench my weight, squat my weight and a half and have encouraged all my friends who have shown an interest in the gym to accompany me and see that the guys who look, for the most part, are the ones with the problem! With regards to the original theme of fitness - we put so much focus on what we should be doing with exercise these days. When we were kids, we'd run around, kick a ball, do cartwheels, play tag...all of this was exercise but it was PLAY. As adults, we lose this sense of fun and make exercise a chore. Find something you enjoy, go with friends, go by yourself, but most importantly - have fun! I frequently blast my music and have a dance around the kitchen. If I'm annoyed I'll run in circles in my garden if I can't get out on the road. If I've got a spare hour, I'll go for a swim. If my friends are here I'll go for a walk. Moving should be FUN, and should be something we look forward to, rather than "build into our schedule". If we can make playtime fit into the adult world (sex anyone?) we would be so much fitter as a nation. /end rant

I've been super lucky with the opportunities I've had to travel. From the UK, and I've travelled to: Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia (lived), Thailand (lived), New Zealand, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt, Sweden, Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Indonesia, Malaysia, Greece (lived), Cyprus, Turkey, Canada, and the US. US States: New York (lived), New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, Mass., Maine (lived), Penn., Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida (Lived), Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California (lived). This list definitely doesn't reflect the number of times I've been places either! I think technically I've travelled around the world twice already and I'm only 22! So grateful for the opportunities I've had to see the world, it's definitely made me mature faster and appreciate the world we live in.

This is a fascinating thread - thank you for starting it. While I'm only at the start of my journey, my masters thesis could be summarised thusly: I am researching sporting injuries, specifically those related to the knee, and how we can prevent them from happening in the first place, or reducing the rehabilitation time following injury. I'm also interested at decreasing the time recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, to get elite athletes back to a level they can feasibly compete at. To do this, I look at the effects of physical therapy tools and techniques to understand their impacts on lower limb kinetics and kinematics/how we modify our movements to compensate for pain and muscular imbalances.

HealthyPsych, I too am in the UK (albeit about to start my MSc) and I've chosen to apply solely to US schools for my PhD. There are many things that appeal to me more in the American system - firstly, as has already been said, more chances for research publication, there's also more money (at least in my area), most of the best research is coming out of the US, teaching is way more integrated into the system there and the PhD system is much less isolated over there (again this may be field specific). I admit, these are just my impressions from my own research and choices, but I personally feel a 3 year PhD in the UK was going to be more detrimental to my future career than one in the US. I also get the impression the American system is held in higher regard globally. My 2 cents anyway

Not to be rude, but I would suggest upping your grammar and spelling levels before applying because first impressions count. Other than that, talk to grad students at your current school and researchers who may be able to give you a better insight than those of us here.

Mathcat, that's pretty cool. I'm really hoping my streak continues - scholarship all through undergrad, scholarship for postgrad masters...fellowship/funding for PhD? lol

So a couple of months ago I spontaneously decided to apply for scholarships for my MSc in the UK, and I found out today I got the most competitive one! People in my life don't really get it and I don't want to seem like I'm bragging but I'm just so excited! Anyone else get funding they thought would be a longshot? This now means that I can afford my PhD applications without too much worry, (and maybe a car when I move...)

Thought I'd post here and say although I never went to uni at Oxford (minus a science residential) I did grow up there so know the town and surrounding area very well. You've got great links to London via train and bus, it's super easy to walk around, the parks are pretty and there's fun places to visit not so far away if you get some free time. What I experienced of Keble was amazing, if I hadn't grown up there I would have gone to Oxford. Large rooms (in comparison to other UK universities), a hugely strong sense of community and a good mix of "work hard, play hard". If anyone's got any questions about the general area, feel free to ask away. I also know a lot about local schools for those of you with kids - I went through my schooling there

Thank you for the responses - they've really helped. I'm curious, one of the schools I'm applying to has strong links with my international university (one of my LORs got his PhD there, one of the main professors there got his PhD from my MSc university, collaborations on research projects etc). Should I mention this in my SOP or just assume that they see my university name and know professor X is from there and professor Y teaches there? I feel like mentioning it is treating the admissions committee like idiots but I also feel that anything that can strengthen my existing links to the school couldn't hurt. Opinions?

Pterosaur - I have the same issue! I contacted the schools I wanted to apply to and asked them directly, explaining that all the work will be completed by the start of July but that my official graduation date would not be until December. Some schools had a problem with it, others did not. Your best bet is to get in touch with the graduate coordinator for each programme you're applying to.

I'm taking the GRE next week and am starting to think about test day itself. I'm staying in a hotel the night before within walking distance of the test centre, so I'm hoping that will keep me calm (the test centre is a 6 hr drive otherwise, and a 8.30am test time doesn't make that okay). What should I expect on the day of the test? Does everyone start at the same time? Are there big queues for toilets? I'm planning on taking my drivers license and passport for ID, I'm assuming there's a safe place to leave stuff? I've googled and it seems test centres seem pretty strict - is this universal? What are the international test centres like? Wow, sorry didn't realise I had so many questions. Basically, what are people's experience of test day?

How do you tie in the department themes in your SOP? I'm struggling to figure out what makes my schools different (other than research and location obviously). Ideally I'd go talk to professors, get a feel for the place, see how it's organised but I don't really feel like a 2000+ mile journey and lots of money gone to figure this out! The schools I'm applying to all have similar research areas, multiple POIs, good reputations within the field and I could see myself living there. I've written and woven through my SOP research interests tied to researchers in the department & what I could gather from the lab websites. I guess I'm trying to figure out how to tie in research facilities, access to sports teams and research subjects (I'm in a very sports focused discipline) without having seen all of this first hand. Any help greatly appreciated! (I'm in Kinesiology if that makes a difference)

Thanks fuzzylogician. That was sort of my thought, I am one of these super organised people so I would love to have everything lined up before I go back to school but I know that's completely unrealistic. It's good to get my thoughts confirmed. Thank you!

I've sent out enquiry emails to all the lecturers in all the schools that do what I want to study for my PhD (it's a niche area but not too niche but there's not millions!) and heard back positive responses from three. However, there are a few more schools I really want to interact with before submitting applications as my field requires an advisor to admit you. What's the general etiquette for sending another email introducing yourself & your research interests? How long should I wait? It's been about 2 months since the last. I don't want to sound like I'm bugging them but equally don't want to get lost in the pile of emails received daily. Ideally I'd phone but the time difference and intl. costs aren't in my favour!!

Sorry, should have said - it's for a PhD application. I agree that I would prefer to have a third reference from my undergrad institution but my applications specifically state a reference from the most recent school attended so he will have to be the reference. Yes, he has agreed to write one for me, and will know me well (personal tutor, research supervisor, work in his lab), just not for very long. However, he should be able to accurately comment on my work and ability to conduct PhD level research.

I know earlier is better. I have 2 excellent LORs but my third is from my MSc supervisor. However, I will not start working with him until the end of September so the earliest he could write a reference would be mid-October (we have a strong email relationship currently). Is this cutting it a bit fine for submission deadlines? One of my school deadlines is 1st November (which seems very early).

morning run

I'm in kinesiology - in the UK it's pretty standard for lecturers to wear jeans and a t-shirt to teach in, and the PhD students seem to live in sports kit! I will obviously go smarter than this, but I don't want to be the one dressed up to the nines inappropriately. Locations are Penn, Florida and LA so I'm expecting warm weather. Sounds like pastel jeans (mint coloured) and a nice top will be okay. Thanks for the replies

I'm getting really frustrated with the quant section of GRE. I am good at maths, I've done college level maths work for quite some time, and the PhD I'm applying to has comprehensive maths requirements. However, I just can't seem to crack more than a 162 on the quant section. Without sounding arrogant, I find it too easy and end up overcomplicating things, then when I try to tone it back, I miss the obvious stuff. The harder the questions are the better as far as I'm concerned! Anyone else have/had this problem? If so how did you overcome it? I've got two weeks before I take my test and I want to get as close to perfect as I can (prove that my 3.3 GPA is not accurate of my ability).

Yeah, I checked the weather reports and it's like double what I'm used to at home. Thanks for pointing out meetings will be inside - I really hadn't even considered that! Thanks for the reply