Hi all,

I got a 2.i in my undergraduate degree (four years) and am currently doing an MSc (on for a distinction). Last month I applied at 4 universities for PhDs but as of yet no word about interviews. Now i applied for a couple last year (doing fourth year of undergrad) and got two (the one i was short listed into final 2 for project). Im pretty depressed about this, seeing as I am more qualified, yet cant seem to get my foot in the door. One potential supervisor said my CV was "excellent" and the research am doing is "cutting edge", yet the interviews for this university were yesterday (second round next week). Other deparments are holding interviews later this week/next week. Obviously I was not short-listed for any of these. I am starting to think it could it be my references (they were different from last year). I am pretty depressed about the whole situation tbh!! Going into academia (plus lecturing) is my ultimate career ambition. Most departments are now no longer taking applicants as deadlines have passed.

Any advice?