I want to do apply for a phD but my second year average is 62 (I had some poor exams) ?

Question

I am currently a second year student - going into third (final year) in September 2008.

I want to do a phD but the one in particular need to be applied for between October 2008 and January 2009 (in order to start for October 2009) but my average is a low 2.1 at the moment (62). My summer exams went badly. Can anyone advise me on what to do, when applying for a phD, I don't want them to look at my second year grades (which are unrepresentative of my ability) and judge my application on this.I know a 62 is not bad, but it could be better. I know I will do much better in third year, but the modules aren't assessed until after the deadline, so I cannot prove it. What can I do?

Any advice from current phD or doctoral level researchers would be great!

Jamie

Answer 1

Hi I am just starting a PhD in October.  To study a PhD academically you need a minimum 2.1 but as long as you can show dedication, commitment and sticking power your half way there.  My second year marks were averaging a 2.1, just work really hard in final year, that's what i did and it paid of for me.  Remember, whats for you wont pass you and if you don't get it this time there's always next year.  Good luck!!

Answer 2

My son has recently been accepted for a Phd.He received a 1st Class honours in his Masters.You will be called for interview and assessed as to your suitability.That's when you can sway it your way but to be honest they do pick the cream,still it's always worth a try.

Answer 3

Hey there,

Most PhDs require a 2.1 minimum as degree classification, so you have nothing to worry about! You meet the minimum criteria the only other things required are enthusiasm, stayability, good academic references and a smashing letter of application.

Your grades are fine, I know people who have managed to secure places on PhDs with a 2.2!! So do not worry!! They just want an average of aorund 60%!

Best of luck!

Just remember, that PhDs are long and tedious and require a lot of hard work and durability - you will be very poor for another four years, you will be wokring long unsociable hours - -be sure you know wexactly what you're letting yourself in for - be prepared!  

Answer 4

It is a tough call if you will be screened out or not. It  depends on the uni. My field is behavioural medicine, I am about a year away from my dissertation research and writing. When I had low grades, I took more courses than probably necessary and got my reputation back.

Also a bit of comfort offered from my perspective--summer exams are the pig's ear. Always more pressure and more work it seems. I think it is harder to stay focused because of weather and distractions.

Final thought. In writing your letter you might begin:

In applying for the Wellcome Trust Masters and PhD Scheme, I find myself welcoming the challenge of intense study. As my grade results indicate, I have had the experience of showing lesser performance for a brief period of my academic preparation. From that I learned the need and gained the skills for intense, often hectic study schedules. I believe that my other strong points...

[and so on]

Also, again if not accepted for 09, keep studying and improve your reputation and keep trying until you find a programme that will work for you.