PhD in Theoretical Cosmology at damtp cambridge.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application process for a PhD in Theoretical Cosmology at DAMTP Cambridge, focusing on what factors can enhance an applicant's chances of acceptance. Participants explore academic requirements, personal achievements, and the significance of the institution's reputation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that having a strong academic record and publications is essential, but questions what additional steps could improve chances of acceptance.
  • Another participant notes that completion of Part III of the Mathematical Tripos is a requirement for applying to the PhD programs at DAMTP, implying that this should be a priority for applicants.
  • A different participant expresses reluctance to take additional courses, indicating a preference for focusing on existing qualifications.
  • One post mentions that while applying without completing Part III is possible, it may not be advisable based on the information available on the DAMTP website.
  • Concerns are raised about the perceived advantages of Cambridge over other institutions for a PhD in theoretical cosmology, questioning the value of its historical prestige.
  • Another participant counters that the quality of one's own work is more important than the institution attended, although they acknowledge that the reputation of an advisor can influence job prospects in the field.
  • A later reply questions the lasting impact of an advisor's reputation, suggesting that personal effort remains crucial regardless of external factors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of institutional prestige versus personal achievement, with no consensus reached on the best approach to enhance application prospects.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the necessity of completing specific courses and the implications for their applications, highlighting the subjective nature of the perceived value of different institutions.

MathematicalPhysicist
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Besides having the best academic record and publications, what else can one do to improve his chances to be accepted to this prestige club?

Just a dream... :-(
 
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If I'm not mistaken, the DAMTP requires one to have completed Part III of the Mathematical Tripos for application to their PhD programs. Perhaps one might want to look into that first? :-)
 
That's the last thing I need to do, taking more courses than what I have taken already.
 
http://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/postgrad/phd/

No harm in applying without having done Part III but if their website is anything to go by, then one shouldn't keep their hopes up.

Good luck. Let me know how it works out. :-)
 
What's so great about Cambridge? Why do you think it would be better than a hundred other places to do a PhD in theoretical cosmology? OK it has history, but Athens has more... :)
 
You are right, it's just a childish thought. In the end what matters is your own work and not the place you attend at.
 
You are right, it's just a childish thought. In the end what matters is your own work and not the place you attend at.

No, what matters (at least as far as jobs in-the-field go) is how much attention people pay to your work- to that end, who your advisor is is very important. This, in turn, is dependent on what grad school you go to.
 
Do people even remember who was Einstein's PhD advisor?

The point is, even if you have the best advisor, you should still do your best by your own.
 

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