I`d agree in that they are just checking for consistency. I think what you also have to remember is are they likely to find out if you have applied somewhere else and not put it down?

ah ah ah ah ah ah ah this is very funny

Does anyone know if i quit a PhD. if i will have to pay my sponsorship money back?

Maybe your supervisor hasn't realized just how bad things are? Being "mild-mannered" like you I get into situations where people don't understand that I feel very bad. Have you told him that you're thinking about leaving? If you tell him in a way that shows you've thought a lot about this, perhaps he'll see how serious it is?
I know I'm not much of an adviser, but I really hope everything works out for you.
Good luck!

I am currently doing a PhD at a 'top' UK institute and I also found this strange. I heard the rumours too, but found it didn't matter. I think they are trying to find out what you are applying for to see if they are similar, so that you are generally interested in that field of research.

I'm applying for a PhD at one of the "top" UK universities. I'm a bit worried about the part of the application form that asks which other institutions you've applied to. I know that for undergrad degrees, it's not the done thing for example, to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge simultaneously. Does the same principle apply when applying for research degrees? Should I be concerned that I could be turned away because I have made applications to other universities? Why would the admissions people want to know where else I have applied to?

that department may be good... however the university is not exactly the best university in the UK!!!

I am not a home student for fee purposes but I do not require a student visa. I am allowed to live and work in the UK. Is it possible for me to enroll in PhD as a part-time student?

I'm finding it hard to find a PhD position as well, despite having been predicted a Distinction in my MSC Biomedical Sciences with exam transcripts to prove it! I've counted that I have made 15 enquiries, all before Xmas but with no luck. I did visit Imperial once but one supervisor had the nerve to tell me that my institution wasn't "prestigious" enough to be accepted! Why is it so difficult?

Im a graduate and have obtained my masters in Biotechnology this year from a non european university and am an asian. Im interested in pursuing research in the field of neurooncology. I am applying to the Univ of abertay dundee for a masters as I feel that if i come to the UK the process of getting into PhD might be much more easier. I have tried but very few international students r admitted with funding in UK. How is the Abertay dundee university and its Masters programme in Biotechnology?

hiya. i can definatly understand your worries. i guess it depends on the temperment of your children and how they feel about it. a phd is hard work and requires a lot of attention. i am not sure one has enough attention to give enough to a phd and also 3 kids on your own. what does your husband think? I have 3 step-children and couldnt cope with both motherhood and a phd if their father wasnt around to play a big role.

I thought they were there to encourage you not to bring you down. A fine example is when something doesn't work. I have been doing very well in that everything i touch at the moment works perfectly, but when something doesn't work I am told 'that was a waste of time and money' and 'other people in the past managed to get it to work'. This can't go on for much longer. I am very mild-mannered but I will have to start shouting soon. Any advic would be very useful.

How do I approach this situation? I get on well with my supervisor and other people in my lab. However, my postdoc, who I work very closely with, and I just don't get on. We have admitted there is a personality clash and tried to sort it. However, after a while things got worse again. I have tried to talk to my supervisor but he just says 'that is how she is'. I like my project and would rather not quit, but it is getting to the point that I might.

I have been admitted to two phd programs in political science in 2 universities. The problem is, I am a mother of 3 (ages, 8,9 and 10) and pursuing the phd would require me to relocate and be separated from my husband (for abt 1.5 years) till I am done my coursework. While we are still able to meet occassionally, the separation anxiety and the impact of Phd and relocation on the 3 kids worry me. Does anyone have any experience or advice on juggling phd and motherhood? Any similar experiences shared will be greatly appreciated.

Hey ,
it is hard to believe that you didnt get funding from MSU for a PhD...anyways you can contact some profs in that department and ask for a RA.
if you decide to come without coming for sure BOSTON is not the place.
raaj.