Hi rewt,

Thank you so much for your response. My anxiety is something as far as I can remember I’ve always had. I am getting help for it, during the lockdown it may have worsened and the steps I took to reduce it are no longer working. If I did start a PhD, I will take steps in tackling it because I would have to. I not only want to do a PhD but do a PhD well. But anyways, I’ve been applying for three years and I’m scared at potentially ruining the only chance I’ve been given. I know I may not get this, and that’s okay but I want to say at the very least that I tried my best and that I could keep my nerves at bay for the 30 min duration of the interview.

LIDo is the DTP programme name, sorry for the confusion. It could take place at a range of London universities that the programme hosts such as UCL, Royal Holloway and Kings College. It’s not a proposal based, but rather a CV based one. Thank you for the examples of questions you’ve provided. I will definitely formulate some answers for those. If you don’t mind me asking, I always find answering what a weakness is extremely difficult. I feel like I don’t want to say something to jeopardise my chance but also would hate to sound arrogant with a shallow answer. What sort of answer is appropriate and would you kindly be able to give me an example?

Again, thank you for your help.

:)

All the best

Chronophobia

hello,

after years and years of rejected applications for a phd programme, today I have been offered an interview for the one I've always wanted the most - LIDo!!!. I could not be happier and I am over the moon with the chance to interview. it is less than a week away and I am so nervous and anxious about it. I am stuck in a job where I feel I cannot progress but have to stay as I cannot commute far due to problems within my family. this adds to the pressure of being accepted into such a competitive programme. if I got accepted, I can move and relocate my family and feel like I am progressing with my life.

I feel like I am already coming into the interview with a disadvantage, I am sure majority of the interview holders will have better grades than I do (2.1 at undergrad and merit in masters is what I have). what can I do and how shall I prepare for this interview? what sort of questions do they ask, are they mainly academic based or not? if anyone can shed any light at all on tackling my anxiety or provide any information and tips on what kind of questions are asked, I would be very grateful!

please if anyone has any advice, drop me a reply!

thanks in advance
-chronophobia

also, I know my grammar here is awful, I am typing in a rush as I do not want to be caught at work not working!

Hello, I made this post in hopes to get some advice or maybe to instil some hope for myself. I got a low 2:1 at undergrad and 65% merit in my MSc. What are my chances of getting a fully funded MRC DTP? I have just about scraped the entry requirements but I feel like this will not help my chances of getting a studentship. Self funding unfortunately is not an option for me (unless I do a PhD in the far far future) and there is nothing more that I want than to pursue research. Has anyone been in my situation that could offer some advice on strengthening my application? I have 1.5 years worth of research experience from 2 projects. I understand that this DTP is highly competitive :( and would be very grateful for anyone’s tips or advice. Thank you!