I just don't understand how self-funding is possible. Can someone explain how it is?

I totally agree. While I am not in academia currently, having withdrawn from a PhD I was due to start in September, I have done some research work, and seen what PhD students do. Added to this, I have a very good friend from my degree course doing one, and she finds it a constant struggle. Having said that, I think some of this "they don't do anything" attitude is mere spitefulness, and belies a feeling of inferiority.

I feel exactly the same way about what I want in a supervisor - someone who I feel able to approach, and who will be able to give me some help, especially at the start - although I think as time progresses I'd like to become a lot more independent. So yeah, I'll carry on looking with that in mind. Thanks very much

"You can find a Reiki practioner in your area" - In Kazakhstan, we like Reiki Martin very much...

Seriously though, I haev considerable first hand experience of this, but am at work at moment so will answer more fully in about 90 mins...

Glitter, are you saying that you got kicked off your PhD becasue you told your supervisor how bad you felt? What did he/she say? I ask because, from what you said, that sounds nothing short of disgraceful!

Alibi, you make a good point, but how can you know whether you'll be able to get on with your supervisor on the strength of an interview, even if you get to speak to some postgrad students as well? Isn't it a bit hit and miss?

I've posted on the other one, but may as well answer here too.

I think there's both good points - shows you're flexible, shows you're determined to work in the area, and bad points - maybe you might look less focused on one project, perhaps less likely to accept an offer. On the whole, I wouldn't let on that you've applied for vastly differing projects, but if they're similar then I can't see a problem. I have in the past and it didn't do me any harm.

Keep us posted!

My current job has really made me realise I want to get back into research. Sadly I have to wait until next September :(

When you were deciding on your project, obviously the subject area was an important consideration, but what else came into play? Location - maybe near home or converseley away, or the same place you did your undergrad degree? Pressure - maybe a more intense, well thought of uni, or the opposite? Other things - where friends were, a city you liked, etc?

I just want a guide to what people used to decide their project, as this will be my second time round, and really don't want (and can't afford) to mess up again...

What was the title of your research?

You could work for Mr Kipling, removing bakewell tarts which haven't got a cherry on top. I had a friend who did this as a summer job once. But woulnd't you get bored with such a job? I mean, there's taking something too far, and this kind of menial job becomes the bane of your life. Believe me, I'm experiencing this right now...

Cont...
But remember this - once you have your PhD, no one can take it away from you. You've earnt it, and it gives you some leeway to try a career path and change it, if you find it's not for you. That's something which a lot of other people don't have, and which will only exist because of your hard work, persistence, and stubborn refusal to let things overwhelm you, however close they may have got to doing so.

One final suggestion - after the PhD, travel. You might find that after a bit of time you realise your true path, and travelling only delays the decision until you want to make it, as well as (allegedly) being fun.

May I offer further relevant advice. After withdrawing from my PhD which I was about to start in September this year, I got a job. A temp job. In science, there seems to be very little that you can do which has meaning unless you have a PhD or further, job-specific, qusalification. So once you get a PhD, make sure you make use of it, whether that's in terms of the knowledge you've gained, or just in terms of showing that you're someone who is able to achieve a PhD. If you have A-Level maths, you could try something financial, like accountancy or actuarial work (although this has more exams). Risk assessment maybe. Teaching - apparently you can rise very fast with a PhD. Or research in a crap, poorly rated uni where there may be less pressure.

Mine explained why I liked my undergrad degree, and why I'd chosen the topic of research for the PhD. Say what it is that you find so interesting about it, and possibly more importantly, why you think it matters. I had two interviews (and got offered both PhDs), and both really wanted to know why I thought the research was relevant. You could be the greatest researcher ever, with a great mind, dirve, and work ethic, but if you can't see the point to your research I doubt they'd be interested - and maybe after a while your interest would wane as well.

Also, go into why you chose their uni or department a little, although don't get too sycophantic. Perhaps you could get someone to check your statement - if you're still at uni, there should be a careers service or similar. Or even a current boss if you're working in a related field. And good luck!

I don't think I could describe how gutted I'd be if I came out with an MPhil, which could have been done after a year, considering all the hard work I'd put in. WOuld be absolutely awful. Worse than failing in a way.