lol! excellent!
When I went to NY we took a trip up to Boston, too! That was quite nice, although it certainly wasn't as nice. The seafood they do there is pretty good though 8) And we had a lot of snow, which I adore!
I would love to travel more, too. I'm in the same position - not enough monies 8( if you ever go to South Africa, I recommend Port Elizabeth - beautiful town that isn't too busy. I wish I was better at photography, too. Alas, I suck.

Umm not really. I went to South Africa and that was pretty amazing with some of the beaches there. But I haven't been to many places really 8( Don't worry about the Empire State, it's all fenced up there so there's no chance of falling off! Instead you get a pretty incredible view of the place! I can send you some pics if you want, to get you into the mood!
So, when you gonna hand in the transfer request?

Lol! I certainly didn't. There's a definite magic about that place. When I went we ate loads of different ethnic foods, went to all the amazing places like Empire States building... It's extraordinary! Enjoy ^_^ And tell us about it when you get back!

I only went there on holiday for a week, but it's an amazing place. It's worth going and staying there, even for 3 or 4 days! Might be quite expensive unless you stay in a hostel, but definitely worth it 8)

Hey, NY! You'll love it there 8) The shops are a bit spaced out, and if you want to visit all the different department stores like Macey's, you'll need to do some walking! But it's a wonderful place. I hope you enjoy your visit!

Well, thought I'd let you know that I went for the interview, and although I screwed up one of the questions they asked me BIG TIME, I still got offered the place!! Huzzah 8)

I wasn't asked anything about this other than "have you applied for any other places?", to which I said yes, and they asked for a little detail. My super obviously knows that I'm waiting for other places... The thing is, that might take a long time. This project is cool, but I would really much rather do the other one (IF I'm offered it...). I really need some advice now - how hated will I be if I accept, but then go somewhere else? :s

It may be a little bit of an aside, but is it true that when writing up an undergrad or Masters thesis for a journal, the supervisor is placed first in the authors list, followed by you?

Thanks, ophiucus, that was really well put. Both of these PhDs are very appealing, and I suppose I wouldn't have been asked to interview if they weren't interested in me. I guess an interview is an opportunity for me to decide whether I like them as much as it is for them to see how they feel about me. It wouldn't be feigned interest, but if the topic is broached, I will say that I am certainly interested, but I will approach any potential interview with an open mind, like Jen said. It's just a matter of wording that 8)

Thanks to all of you, it's a lot of help ^_^

Usually, Masters courses are marked either as Fail, Pass or Distinction (sometimes, not even that). So, if you don't get a distinction, then an average of 45% may as well be 65%. In that case, the only way it matters is when it comes to getting a reference. So, if you don't think you're going to get a distinction overall, make sure you get one on your thesis, and are at least close to getting a distinction overall. A good reference from your thesis supervisor will then help quite a bit.

I think that unless there's a very good reason for not going, you're making a good decision. You're absolutely right, it is much better to get out and see different departments, meet different scientists etc.

lol Pea, That ~would~ be dodgy! Thankfully it's not that bad, but thanks a lot, both of you. You've really put my mind at ease about that 8)

Hmm thanks for the advice. That makes a lot of sense. I guess I'll have to work on some wording, but that may be the route I have to take. I'm just concerned that if I say that, they'll be more inclined to take someone who says "I'll definitely do it if I'm offered it."

Hi guys. I've got a bit of a potential problem coming up, although I hope nothing like it happens.

Basically, I've an interview coming up next week, and that's fine. However, when I initially approached this supervisor, she gave me information about another PhD one of her colleagues in a different uni was about to run, and I've also applied for that. Next week's interview super knows that this -other- PhD would be ideal for me because of my background. Now I'm terrified that in the interview, I'm going to be asked whether I'll take the -other- PhD if I get offered it, or whether that problem will be broached in any capacity in the interview. Is that likely? What should I say/do if it does happen?

No, I don't think it's too daft to give them a chance, but yeah, keep on looking. It doesn't sound like they're too reliable. At least you've got these people working on your behalf, though, so they sound as though they are keen to have you working with them.

I really hope it works out, because it sounds as though you haven't been treated very well here.

Yeah, I remember having lab work on some wednesdays during my undergrad, too. Absolutely ridiculous - everyone knows that wednesdays is sports day, and sport is as valid a part of any curriculum, and is healthy to do. Whenever both were scheduled on the same day, though, those who had sporting responsibilities were allowed to switch with people doing the lab work on another day, so it was alright.

I really want to get back into sport, too. Football or badminton. I'd really like to know if that would cause a problem (thumbs up on the topic Matthew ^_^)