I think interviews differ depending on what department you are applying to, and if it is a straightforward PhD or a Wellcome 4 year programme (this is going by his experience not mine as mine are in a few weeks time!). From what I recall he had one interview with his supervisor (more specific questions) and one with a panel of 4 academics from the department (more general 'do you love science?' style questions). Just remember that you are interviewing them as well- is the project feasible in 3 years? Is there a post-doc in the group who can help you learn techniques? Does the grant have funding for the next 3-4 years (or you could be left as a floating PhD student) etc etc. I think my boyfriend was just so overawed by being offered an interview at Cambridge that he neglected to ask some of these important questions... don't be overawed, (just imagine them in their pants) but don't be arrogant either, just be interested and interesting.... anyway, that's my tuppenceworth.

Ok, maybe mocking is not the word I was looking for: patronising is probably more appropriate. Having had direct experience of someone not seeking help for mental illness until it was too late for them, it makes me very uncomfortable that someone, no matter how trivial their problem appeared to be to others, being discouraged from seeking advice because others think they are being a hypochondriac or attention seeking.

Some of the replies on this post make me feel pretty uncomfortable. This guy potentially has a psychiatric illness and he has been mocked, told to get over it, told to get some sex, told to go on holiday and it will all get better, told not to bother seeking help for it.
I may not like some of jradsetzky's opinions on life and love, but if the guy suspects he might be mentally ill he needs to go and get some help for it, not be mocked by people on an internet forum.

jradetsky,
On a note of seriousness here: I think you would benefit from seeing a doctor. If you do have SPD then they will diagnose you and you will be able to get treatment, be it medication, counselling or both. If you do not have SPD then you are obviously asexual and they will be able to get you counselling to come to terms with this.
On a purely personal note: being asexual is a sexual orientation (or lack of) just like hetero and homosexuality. Maybe you should try not to judge others by theirs in the future if you don't want to be judged by yours.

Hi Roopa,
My boyfriend got offered a PhD at Cambridge with a 2:1 and no masters. I don't think Cambridge is different to any other uni in that they would want the person who is right for the project, rather than someone with a first and a bad attitude.
Good luck!

Apparently 1 in 100 people are asexual (according to New Scientist a couple of years ago). There must be a dating website set up specifically for asexuals- maybe JRadetsky should check that out if he wants a non religious girl who hasn't had sex before marriage- i reckon that's the only way you're going to find one!

I see your point. I guess I'm just a romantic at heart :)

jradetzky:
"As for British women, I consider them among the most beautiful I've ever seen. I wouldn't, however, consider any of them as a potential virtuous wife."

Christ on a bike Jradetzky, you sound like something out of the 19th century! You seem to approach falling in love like a scientific experiment.
1. find a lady with an Oxbridge PhD but who ALSO wants to settle down, have your kids and cook your dinner for you.
2. court the lady for 2 years
3. proceed to marriage

Why not try lowering your expectations a little bit?

I am sure I can't be the only person that immediately thought of this when I read this thread:
http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=562
PhD comics rock ;)

Hi Matthew
I am applying at the moment for PhDs in the field of biomedical science. I have been working in labs for 4 years since finishing my first degree and in that time did a part time masters. During my time working I've made several friends doing PhDs and I don't think any of them have enjoyed the experience. Some have come close to having nervous breakdowns. So why do I want to do one and why am I really looking forward to the prospect? I ask myself this quite often, especially when someone I know is having a particularly hard time with a supervisor or experiments that are constantly fecking up. I don't even think it is going to be any different for me, I am just looking forward to the intellectual challenge I guess!

I've just noticed that there is another thread similar to this, sorry for clogging up the board... still any other comments would be welcome, thanks.

Hi, everyone, I'm a noob here.
I'm just about to apply for a few PhD projects starting autumn 2007. All are pre-defined research projects with funding attached. Two are at the same university, but in different departments. Has anyone on here been asked by an interviewer/potential supervisor what other projects they are applying for and did they feel that their reply put them at a disadvantage? Both the projects are in a broadly similar field but their focuses are different. Thanks in advance for any shared experiences.