Schools Hepth programs in Europe

[beatji]

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools.

I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study.

I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests.
But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc).

For your information,
I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia
- one SCI publication (first author) about engineering (cited 18 so far).
and M.S. in physics (GPA:4.0/4.0 but I know it's not that helpful) in Asia
- 3 publications (JHEP, IJMPA, EPJC) about holography (AdS/CFT) + 2 progressing projects (will be published before the admission process)

I think I can become a more competitive applicant in EU than US.

I mainly consider UK/France (for personal reason)/Germany. For the case of France, it is extremely difficult to find information.
Does anyone know how much these schools are competitive compared to US schools?
And please let me know if you know any other good schools in those countries.
I know it only includes top schools so I should include more institutions dealing with string theory, holography (AdS/CFT).

• Max Planck IMPRS program
• IMPERIAL
• CAMBRIDGE
• KCL
• Ecole Polytechnique (CPHT)
• Université Sorbonne, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (LPTHE)
• Ecole Normale Superieure(LPTENS)
• Université Paris Cité (APC)

 

[Herman Trivilino]

What makes you think the M.S. in physics with a 4.0 is isn't that helpful? It may not "count" in the sense that you will have to repeat it, but it will certainly make you a more attractive applicant as it shows you are very capable.

 

[Orodruin]

Not only is a Master’s degree helpful, it is often a prerequisite to be eligible for a European PhD program. (Local variations apply depending on country)

 

[CrysPhys]

What makes you think the M.S. in physics with a 4.0 is isn't that helpful? It may not "count" in the sense that you will have to repeat it, but it will certainly make you a more attractive applicant as it shows you are very capable.

Why would the OP necessarily need to repeat the MS? The OP is talking about PhD programs in Europe, not US. Depends on the strength of the MS program from their home country.

 

[Herman Trivilino]

Why would the OP necessarily need to repeat the MS?

Some universities require it. Rice U for example. They use it to weed out unqualified Ph.D. candidates. You must get a M.S. degree from them to apply.

I couldn't think of any other reason the OP would think it unhelpful.