tortitude

Hi all! So, I am thinking about applying for PhD programs in the biomedical sciences for Fall 2019 entry. I am quite the anglophile - I studied in the UK for a while and loved it, so I am looking into some PhD programs in the UK, particularly some of the relatively new Doctoral Training Programmes/Centres for Doctoral Training (DTP/CDTs), which are modelled on the US system (1 year of rotations, and then 3 years on your chosen project). They are typically funded by public research councils, which makes me think international students would not be eligible for funding. If anyone knows a bit/has any experience with these programs, any info would be greatly appreciated! How competitive are these programs compared to the US, and compared to the more traditional PhD studentships in the UK? Are they even open to non-EU internationals, and what is the funding situation? And on that note, what are some routes for an American student to be able to study a funded PhD in the UK?

Hi all! So, I am starting to think about applying to PhD programs for Fall 2019 entry. However, I am wondering if I am at all competitive for PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. I am currently studying for a masters in biochemistry at a top ten university. Prior to this, I was an undergrad at the same university, studying something completely different (the classics), so I obtained essentially no relevant research experience during undergrad. I did take quite a few courses in the biology department, with a GPA of about 3.7. My masters program consists of a 1 year taught masters, at the end of which I will have written a thesis (which is essentially a literature review). The second year is research-based, during which I will be writing another thesis based on my research. I joined a lab early this year, and so far, I have one poster presentation and am working on a manuscript with my team that should be ready for submission within the next few months. Once I have finished the first taught year of my masters, I will be commencing full time research in my lab (this summer). By the time of PhD application, I will have about two years of research experience, and hopefully at least one publication. My masters GPA so far is a 4.0, and my GRE 169V (99%) and 165Q (86%). I should have one strong LOR from my PI, but I am not sure about the other 1-2 LORs. I'm hoping to get to know a few professors better between now and application time - I will also be picking a faculty member as a thesis reader, which may help somebody get to know my work better. However, I have only worked in this one lab, so only one of my letters will be from someone who has worked with me in a research capacity. There is a postdoc in my lab I work very closely with, who was recently promoted to non-tenure track faculty - would it be a good idea to obtain a LOR from her? Just worrying a little bit about my chances of admission to any PhD programs, given my very different background and not-too-extensive research experience. Am I on track for PhD admissions? How can I better prepare myself for PhD applications come this time next year? Thanks!