======= Date Modified 12 Nov 2012 19:19:11 =======
I'd really appreciate a bit of help! I'm
applying for a potential Phd project that is competing for studentship funding.
The overall aims, methods etc of the project have been set out in the advert but
in the application process it asks for a personal statement (750w) outlining the
project your applying for (as well as the usual suitability, what you want to
achieve, research experience etc. Do you think 'outline the project' means to
give a brief research proposal?? I'm unsure because 750 words max, doesn't seem
to me like enough space to fit one in and the project has been set out already!
The response that I've had from the lead researcher is quite ambiguous. He
mentions following the adverts guidelines but then mentions a research proposal
which the advert doesn't!! Thanks in advance for any words of advice!

I desperately need some help and would really appreciate any advice that anyone has time to offer.
I have recently completed a Psychology degree as a 'mature'student (34/1 son) at a red brick Uni (I’m a mature student…that still impress’s me!) with a good first and am at the beginning of the process of applyingfor PhD studentships.
After applying for a few studentships in my final year and not even making it to the interview stage I am terribly nervous about making mistakes in the process this year. Because I spent my 20's in the hotelindustry I have no qualms whatsoever about wanting to do a PhD (worryingly,I suspect that I fall easily into the category of "Too desperate/eager"). However, due to having a child and living a couple of hours away from campus, my voluntary research experience /CV boosting stuff is sorely lacking from my Uni years. On the +ve side, my final year research project has been nominated for a national award, I'm currently doing voluntary UGDresearch methods teaching at a local Uni, and am about to undertake a pilotresearch project for my UGRD supervisor (Who works with the lead researcher for the PhD I am needing application advice for). My immediate problem (apart from not being able to shake the feeling that I'm trying to get into a club I don't belong to!) is that it in the application advice it is recommended that I contact the lead researcher for the PhD I want to apply for in order to 'discuss' my suitability but I have spent 2 days going back and forward (and every permutation in-between ...) between..
1. "Dear Dr XXXXX My name is…and I am contacting you regarding your advertised PhD… I am very interested because…
2. Dear Dr XXXXX, I have recently graduated from XXX with a first class…and I am very eager to submit af ormal application for your project because…
3. Dear Dr XXXXXX, I am the absolutely best person that has ever walked Bipedal for your research project, I’ll make tea, coffee, cocktails and my son a latch-key-kid if you would just give me the opportunity….
In all seriousness though, this PhD opportunity is amazing and I would hate to jeopardise my chances by sending a poorly worded firstcontact email therefore I would be most grateful if anyone has any constructiveadvice about how to go about approaching this potential supervisor

======= Date Modified 09 Nov 2012 01:41:52 =======
======= Date Modified 09 Nov 2012 01:40:32 =======
======= Date Modified 09 Nov 2012 01:39:13 =======
I desperately need some help and would really appreciate any advice that anyone has time to offer.
I have recently completed a Psychology degree as a 'mature'student (34/1 son) at a red brick Uni (I’m a mature student…that still impress’s me!) with a good first and am at the beginning of the process of applyingfor PhD studentships.
After applying for a few studentships in my final year and not even making it to the interview stage I am terribly nervous about making mistakes in the process this year. Because I spent my 20's in the hotelindustry I have no qualms whatsoever about wanting to do a PhD (worryingly,I suspect that I fall easily into the category of "Too desperate/eager"). However, due to having a child and living a couple of hours away from campus, my voluntary research experience /CV boosting stuff is sorely lacking from my Uni years. On the +ve side, my final year research project has been nominated for a national award, I'm currently doing voluntary UGDresearch methods teaching at a local Uni, and am about to undertake a pilotresearch project for my UGRD supervisor (Who works with the lead researcher for the PhD I am needing application advice for). My immediate problem (apart from not being able to shake the feeling that I'm trying to get into a club I don't belong to!) is that it in the application advice it is recommended that I contact the lead researcher for the PhD I want to apply for in order to 'discuss' my suitability but I have spent 2 days going back and forward (and every permutation in-between ...) between..
1. "Dear Dr XXXXX My name is…and I am contacting you regarding your advertised PhD… I am very interested because…
2. Dear Dr XXXXX, I have recently graduated from XXX with a first class…and I am very eager to submit af ormal application for your project because…
3. Dear Dr XXXXXX, I am the absolutely best person that has ever walked Bipedal for your research project, I’ll make tea, coffee, cocktails and my son a latch-key-kid if you would just give me the opportunity….
In all seriousness though, this PhD opportunity is amazing and I would hate to jeopardise my chances by sending a poorly worded firstcontact email therefore I would be most grateful if anyone has any constructiveadvice about how to go about approaching this potential supervisor…