PhD Funding on PostgraduateForum.com

Monica123 3 posts
4 years ago

Hi,
I am currently applying for phd funding for international students. I came in contact with a professor and he saw my transcripts and told me to prepare a research proposal which I am currently in the process of it. I have got 2:1 in my undergraduate for chemical engineering and for my masters in green chemistry and sustainable technology I have secured a merit. Due to the pandemic, I have faced various mental issues and stress and I have not done quite well in my maters. I really dont know if I would be eligible for a PhD funding with the grades I have. I am doubting if I should continue to apply for the funding and as well as complete the proposal.

E

Em89 60 posts
4 years ago

Always apply, you are 100% not going to get funding if you don't apply, applying gives you a chance! Many people will have suffered during the pandemic, and almost every academic I work with has stated their productivity has diminished. Make your cover letter really strong, highlight what has gone 'wrong' but don't dwell on it, and highlight how you overcome it. For instance if I had to write about my job performance it would be this:
'During the pandemic I experienced some anxiety with working in a very different way, initially this impacted my performance. However I have learnt so many new ways of working now, and new strategies that should I face sudden disruptions to work and life I am now well prepared, as evidenced by my ability to bring the research project up to date'
So you may have secured a merit instead of a distinction, but you still achieved a merit despite everything going on - you didn't give up, your grade didn't slip to a pass. Think about how much stronger you are as a person because you did your masters during a global pandemic, think about all the new strategies you've learnt, how you've found ways to overcome barriers. Turn this awful year into your biggest strength!
If you don't successfully get funding this time, try and get some research assistant work and try again next year. Remember it's not a race, it's a journey.
Best of luck

P

pm133 1246 posts
4 years ago

Quote From Monica123:
Hi,
I am currently applying for phd funding for international students. I came in contact with a professor and he saw my transcripts and told me to prepare a research proposal which I am currently in the process of it. I have got 2:1 in my undergraduate for chemical engineering and for my masters in green chemistry and sustainable technology I have secured a merit. Due to the pandemic, I have faced various mental issues and stress and I have not done quite well in my maters. I really dont know if I would be eligible for a PhD funding with the grades I have. I am doubting if I should continue to apply for the funding and as well as complete the proposal.

There should be no issues as regards getting funding but the bigger concern is your mental health. I would always strongly recommend fixing this before you start a PhD because otherwise that could be a very serious problem for you later on. A PhD will expose and probably make worse any mental health problems you have.

C

cucaracha 67 posts
4 years ago

ok i made a mess of this quoting business

C

cucaracha 67 posts
4 years ago

why is there no option to delete comments oops

C

cucaracha 67 posts
4 years ago

Quote From Em89:
highlight what has gone 'wrong' but don't dwell on it, and highlight how you overcome it. For instance if I had to write about my job performance it would be this:

'During the pandemic I experienced some anxiety with working in a very different way, initially this impacted my performance. However I have learnt so many new ways of working now, and new strategies that should I face sudden disruptions to work and life I am now well prepared, as evidenced by my ability to bring the research project up to date'

Think about how much stronger you are as a person because you did your masters during a global pandemic, think about all the new strategies you've learnt, how you've found ways to overcome barriers. Turn this awful year into your biggest strength!

this is so good, framing a potential negative as a positive *applause* it's such an important skill to be able to market yourself well!

M

Monica123 3 posts
4 years ago

Quote From Em89:
Always apply, you are 100% not going to get funding if you don't apply, applying gives you a chance! Many people will have suffered during the pandemic, and almost every academic I work with has stated their productivity has diminished. Make your cover letter really strong, highlight what has gone 'wrong' but don't dwell on it, and highlight how you overcome it. For instance if I had to write about my job performance it would be this:
'During the pandemic I experienced some anxiety with working in a very different way, initially this impacted my performance. However I have learnt so many new ways of working now, and new strategies that should I face sudden disruptions to work and life I am now well prepared, as evidenced by my ability to bring the research project up to date'
So you may have secured a merit instead of a distinction, but you still achieved a merit despite everything going on - you didn't give up, your grade didn't slip to a pass. Think about how much stronger you are as a person because you did your masters during a global pandemic, think about all the new strategies you've learnt, how you've found ways to overcome barriers. Turn this awful year into your biggest strength!
If you don't successfully get funding this time, try and get some research assistant work and try again next year. Remember it's not a race, it's a journey.
Best of luck

Thank you so much.. This message was very encouraging and I will keep on trying on applying for stuff rather than just giving up. Thank you.

M

Monica123 3 posts
4 years ago

Quote From pm133:
There should be no issues as regards getting funding but the bigger concern is your mental health. I would always strongly recommend fixing this before you start a PhD because otherwise that could be a very serious problem for you later on. A PhD will expose and probably make worse any mental health problems you have.

Thank you for you reply. Yes, I completely agree with you. I will make sure I am strong enough to start this new chapter of my life. Thabk you.

PhD Funding

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