Ph.D. admission in Europe with average grades, no recommendations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a second-year M.Sc. Physics student from India seeking admission to a European Ph.D. program despite average grades and lack of recommendation letters. The student expresses concern over the necessity of a master's thesis and research experience, which are typically required for admission. Participants suggest alternative pathways, including gaining relevant work experience in high energy physics and conducting independent research to bolster the student's application. They emphasize the importance of networking with professors for potential recommendations and the feasibility of pursuing a master's degree in Europe as a stepping stone.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ph.D. admission requirements in Europe
  • Familiarity with GRE and its role in graduate admissions
  • Knowledge of independent research methodologies in theoretical physics
  • Awareness of the academic structure of M.Sc. programs in the UK and Europe
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Ph.D. programs in Europe that accept students without recommendation letters
  • Explore job opportunities in high energy physics to gain relevant experience
  • Investigate independent research projects and potential collaborations with professors
  • Learn about the admission criteria and funding options for M.Sc. programs in the UK
USEFUL FOR

Prospective Ph.D. candidates in physics, particularly those facing academic challenges, as well as students considering alternative pathways to enhance their graduate school applications.

  • #31
What you mean with structured PhD?? And perhaps it is better that you understand what you want to do something more in particular... as for what you said, more or less ALL universities everywhere offer something... in this case, start pointing universities in Germany, look at the websites of the groups, see if they offer some topi you may be interested in and see which professor does offer that... then write emails, tons of emails... probably most will be no goes, but somewhere you might get lucky and find someone willing to give you information and perhaps a position... at least it worked for me (I'll be in the UK though, anyway the way is this one, professor, send an email explaining your situation and telling you would like to work with him, impress him, the trick is done)
 
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  • #32
tia89 said:
What you mean with structured PhD??

http://www.research-in-germany.de/dachportal/en/Jobs-and-Careers-in-Germany/Info-for-PhD-Students/Structured-Programmes.html
 
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  • #33
psi1729 said:
http://www.research-in-germany.de/dachportal/en/Jobs-and-Careers-in-Germany/Info-for-PhD-Students/Structured-Programmes.html

Well, I didn't know about this possibility... the only way I see is that you read well the website you posted (with all links to other pages, at least the ones which are not broken) and see what they offer.

Anyway, as I advised you before, ASK around, don't be scared to contact professors you may be interested to work with... when it came my time to apply for the PhD (which I will start in three weeks) I wrote a ton of emails... most came unanswered or telling me "thanks for the interest in working with me but I have no positions open now sorry"... anyway a couple was successful and I ended up with two offers, one of which I had to reject... so ask, they will not eat you, the worst that could happen is that they never answer...
 
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