Life is unfair. Most prof like to take students from their department they already know...So it's often hard to get a studentship with people you simply don't know...

As part of my degree I did a research project. Surely the mark achieved in that is an indication of the candidates ability to do literature reviews etc. I got a first and out of all my marks the one for my research project was the highest. I resent the implication that because I got a first I will be less focused as I have less to prove. The reason I got a first in my undergraduate degree was because I am focused, worked really hard and let nothing get in the way of my goal!

Just because I was lucky enough to get a position as a PhD student isn’t going to change that.

Hey, I know I have been wondering about this too. I think this webpage should inform non native speakers about the the TOEFL, since they won't get a studentship if they won't pass it. I guess many are just not aware of that...

The PhD Life section of FindAPhD has information on English Language requirements for international students. The article English Language Qualifications outlines the levels of English proficiency required.

Has anyone heard of spell check. And how sometimes your brain works faster than your fingers? Or that maybe English is a third or fourth language for some. I don't you should judge people on their spelling or minor fixable traits. Sometimes its also hard to convey something in a different language, but then again if we had some smidge of understanding, this would not be an issue and we would be helping our fellow peers.

Dear Ginger, Just read your mail. I have seen that you are so helpful to everyone...Never chatting about small stuff...Hello, some people need a reality check...

Okay, chill people. Here, have some chocolate. I don't have much left, but there is a bit.

Its Gin-gerly, not Ginger! And I don't talk about small insignificant things....hey does anyone elses cat's breath smell like cat food?

Reality check: more people will read your application for a PhD than your PhD thesis

my cats breath did smell of cat food because she needed a dental. Best get your cat to the vets and let them have a look at his/her teeth!