Does having a MPhil from China help PHD application in USA?

[The Psyche]

Hi all

 

I am currently an undergraduate from Hong Kong and I would very much like to pursue a research career in USA. I now face a dilemma which I want a master degree as a stepping stone for applying for PHD in a prestigious school (for practical reason of future career development and for self-esteem reason, and I do understand research interest fit is the utmost important) because my undergrad school does not rank high and I only have mediocre GPA (3.7 out of 4.3) and research experience (simple survey/data collection, and no publication). In this case, does having a MPhil from China (or specifically Chinese Academy of Science) help in my case? Would it be better if I have a master degree from USA? Please don't judge my naive mind and I appreciate all your comments. Thank you.

[iphi]

I think that the Master's degree will not make a difference in your application. Publications may help if you have them! Research experience will count for more.

[Jay's Brain]

Hi I agree with iphi. Since there are so many universities in the world to do your undergrad, I don't think it's fair to say that wherever you do your undergrad will be a big deterrence of whether you get into a graduate program or not. Your other credentials are what you may want to focus on. Your GPA can be improved if you pursue a graduate program. Again, school may not be as important if you get the grades, but if you do want to pursue something in North America (I think you can consider Canada too), that might be a bit more worthwhile to take a look. To do so, you should become more invested in research and to raise your applications in those ways. Get involved as much as you can through the universities (UHK, HKUST, etc) or through private practice. Be sure to know what you want to pursue as well (field of study and research), and find ways to contribute in those areas.

Also, remember, to look into TOEFL/equivalents and GRE!

[The Psyche]

Thanks iphi and Jay's Brain! iphi do you mean a Master Degree from China or any Master Degree in general (even in USA) will not make a difference? Assume both situations get equally good publications, will Master degree from USA get advantage over that from China?