Hi Jade

Just wanted to wish you good luck. You are so well prepared for your PhD and are so enthusiastic about it. I know you will do well. I have read your other posts and, even though I am still waiting for a response to my application, I will definitely read the books you recommended. You certainly have been an inspiration to me.

I submitted an application for a PhD but I am worried because, while I am in the process of completing a Masters degree in a different area, the university is concerned about the length of time between my first degree (which is in the area I would like to do my PhD in) and now. It's as if the Masters has absolutely no bearing on anything. Yes, I know it is in a different area, but I still have the experience of doing it. In some way, I have proved that I can study at that level.

So, I wonder why even bother to finish it at all? I feel I might be better off taking a postgrad diploma and saving the money for the Masters that they will want me to do instead. At the same time, I don't want to feel like a quitter. Damned if I do and damned if I don't. I will be self-funded, so I do have to think about the pennies.

Any words of wisdom?

Does anyone know if a university or department can still reject your PhD application if you are self-funded and your potential supervisor has agreed to supervise you?

Congratulations Jade. I am hoping to start my PhD in January too. I am planning to apply in a couple weeks, as soon as my potential supervisor okays my proposal. Can I ask you what types of questions they asked you at the interview? I am interested in my area, but no where near expert, and really want to be prepared. I plan to self fund.

Well said, Stressed. I am 49 and planning to start my PhD soon. My life hasn't been quite as hectic as yours. I am a single mother (mine is also full grown), and after years of always being in a secretarial job and struggling financially, I decided that the rest of my life will be dedicated to doing something that excites me. At the end of the day, that's what life is all about - doing what feels good to you. I am now in a position that I can do just that.

Pineapple, the worst thing you can do is compare yourself to others. In fact, they may be doing exactly that about you, wishing they were in your shoes. Maybe you just need to take a small step back and balance the work with some play.

Thanks for all your responses.

Each university suggests contacting a potential supervisor before applying to a PhD programme. I was wondering how many universities people applied to? Did you have several proposals on the go, 'waiting' for the best or first acceptance? Or did you do one at a time?

Has anyone been accepted on a PhD programme straight from a US Undergrad degree, and what was your GPA?

Thanks for all the replies. They have been really helpful.

When approaching a potential supervisor for the first time, are you expected to have a 'lifelong, burning passion' for the topic, or is it okay to be 'just interested'? I am interested in a couple areas, but don't want to come across as fickle or not really serious about my studies. Any advice would be appreciated.

A lot of posters have said that your writing level must significantly improve from Masters to PhD level. My question is what can one do to help the process along? How do you know when your writing is good enough?

Thanks for the replies. They have helped a lot.

I did my undergraduate degree in Psychology 25 years ago. I am presently completeing a taught Masters degree in another subject area. I have been thinking about going back to my first love and pursuing a PhD in Psychology.

Here's my question. Since I am pretty rusty by now on stats etc, should I do an MRes first or just go straight for the PhD?