I'm feeling really frustrated & low.

I've been trying to get a funded studentship since last year, I know roughly what area I want to work in. My applications have been focused on these areas because I understand the importance of choosing a subject I know I could maintain interest in for the time it takes to complete. Since last year I've applied for five.

I was a late returner with no previous qualifications (i.e. no A-levels) and in my late twenties/early thirties literally started from scratch. So far I've obtained Access into education units (Biology, chemistry & maths), HND in Biomolecular Science, BSc (Hons) 2:1 in biochemistry plus a Masters (pass) in Structural Molecular Biology (undertaken whilst in full-time work). I also have 5 or so years work experience in a lab (promoted from research assistant to research scientist a few years ago).

Friends, colleagues & supervisors (HE) have been kind enough to check my CV, I've been told it's good. My references are good & can't see anything wrong with my applications (also been looked over by friends & colleagues).

My problem is I'm getting rejected right at the start. I haven't been invited for interview from a single application I've made & I don't know what more I can do.

I've worked hard to get to this point & really want to do a studentship. I would love the opportunity to further develop my research skills, to make some contribution to the area I'm interested in (no matter how small) & would thoroughly enjoy the challenge.

I've just had yet another rejection making it six. The reasons I've been given for all my rejected applications are either the grades of the other applicants are much higher than mine or the position has gone (though the advert remains for some time after). I know applicants with a 2:1 + an MSc + work experience are considered & I know such applicants get offers. I also understand the university/department I apply to has the right to choose (at it's own discretion)regardless of grades & experience.

I think I'm finding this particularly difficult because there's nothing I can do. If someone had said 'it's your CV that's the problem' then at least I'd feel there was something I could 'fix', something that may increase my chances of getting an interview.

I'm beginning to wonder if it might be my age (I'm 41)?

Any advice, words of commiseration and/or support would be appreciated.

Mogwai

:(

mogwai, getting rejections is tough. after about the ninth rejection, my supervisor (i had started the PhD anyway, self-funded) told me that applying for funding is like throwing a ball of crumpled paper backwards across your head and trying to hit a basket you can't see behind you. you do get better at it over time, she said, but even so, a huge proportion of luck remains. i had top grades all through my educational career, most recently a "summa cum laude" for my masters, a (minor) publication to my name, and top references. still, i had to come to terms with nine rejections. the tenth one went through though so as of this month i am fully funded for the next 16 months. so what i am saying is: a) a lot of it is luck, statistically it is not unlikely that excellent candidates get several rejections. b) if you really want it, keep trying. perseverance is key. you will need that during the PhD, too, so you can book your current experience as valuable learning experience

Very frustrating indeed. Some depts require a merit or distinction at masters - perhaps that was part of the screening process in the posts you've applied for so far. Can you contact some potential supervisors who may have funded places in future and see if you can basically pre-interview and make an impression?

Could you do your PhD as a research assistantship where you are or elsewhere? Or could you get some publications from your current work that would influence a future supervisor?

I'm in my 40s myself so I'm not sure if age is the problem - but I imagine it might be in some cases, especially with younger supervisors.

Thanks shani, that's what I needed to hear.

'If you want it, keep trying'

I hit the internet this evening & am currently working on my next application.

It's very frustrating Smilodon.

The adverts I've applied to specified either a first or a 2:1. There were no formal requests for a Masters qualification.

The field I work in is different to the field I want to cover in a PhD. My qualifications are specific to the field I want to get into whereas my work experience consists mostly of what I would call 'transferable skills', some very useful ones too

Some publications would be great but not possible from my current position.

Your point about contacting potential supervisors is really helpful. It's particularly useful because the PhD's I'm interested in don't come up very often.

Mogwai, your story is not unique although frustrating all the same. I have turned 40 and am doing my first year PhD. I tried for a number of years to get a studentship without success. Then I decided to do other programmes like PGCE, another masters (MA this time, I already had an MSc) just to keep myself busy. I then enrolled on a self-funded professional doc in an area not originally in my interest. 2years into that I finally got a PhD studentship in the field I have always wanted. A long and indeed winding road, but I'm happy my perseverence (sp) paid off in the long run. Thats why I call myself sozaboy (soldier boy), I never say never! Indeed if you want it, you'll get it man, just don't give up. Alternatively, you could fund yourself and study part-time.
Good luck,

Soza

sometimes life does not gives us what we deserve but what we fight for. Your emotions and my emotions are tight brother, i can feel you...I have the smae problem, have started the PHD without funding, in my 2nd year and I am dertermined I will finsih next year. I am gonna wash dishes in the evenings and clean hostels, I have no choice, I am in pain, but the pain has taught me understanding, love, compassion and kindness. So keep going mate, people count on you, there is no 1 as great as your are and strong as you are. There are no extra ones on this planet...you can make a difference.