PhD Interview at DAMPT, Cambridge: Questions & Advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the PhD interview process at DAMPT, Cambridge University, focusing on the number of interviews, the nature of questions asked, and the importance of academic grades versus research experience. Participants share their insights and experiences regarding the interview procedure and offer advice to the original poster.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the number of interviews and whether academic supervisors test knowledge during the interview.
  • Another participant asserts that grades do not matter and emphasizes the importance of research experience and knowledge in physics.
  • A different participant suggests that most applicants come from the Part III program, which may serve as a screening mechanism, indicating that achieving distinction in those exams is likely necessary.
  • One participant mentions their strong master's background and interest from a supervisor, suggesting that this may hold significance despite not coming from Part III.
  • Another participant expresses a belief in the importance of having a good idea in one's research field to attract the attention of potential supervisors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of grades versus research experience, with some emphasizing the latter while others reference the Part III program as a potential requirement. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the interview process or the weight of academic performance.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the interview process and the significance of academic backgrounds that remain unverified. The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the criteria for success in securing a PhD position.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective PhD applicants to DAMPT, Cambridge University, particularly those interested in understanding the interview process and the relative importance of academic performance versus research experience.

Salah93
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I am applying for a PhD possition at DAMPT, Cambridge University.
How many interviews are there? And for the academic one, with the possible supervisor, does he test your knowledge? Which are the most common questions?

I have a strong research, very good letters, a good motivational letter but not stellar grades.

Any suggestion? Thank you,
 
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Grades not matters.they don't even see them.your research and knowledge in physics counts.
 
I don't know much about the interview procedure but if my memory serves me right I believe that most (if not all) of their applicants come from the Part III which works as a screening mechanism for the PhD. Therefore, you'll probably need to achieve distinction at the Part III exams.
 
John Dalton said:
Grades not matters.they don't even see them.your research and knowledge in physics counts.
Have you direct/indirect experience?

MinasKar said:
I don't know much about the interview procedure but if my memory serves me right I believe that most (if not all) of their applicants come from the Part III which works as a screening mechanism for the PhD. Therefore, you'll probably need to achieve distinction at the Part III exams.
I know. But I come from a strong master course(not only part III exists...), from a european country, and one of the supervisors is interested in me. I think this counts something.
 
Faith is the main principle of success.
If you have achieved a good idea in your research field,you can always attract the attention of the counselor.
Salah 93 's answer:I know about atomic structure and molecular model intuitively.
 
John Dalton said:
Faith is the main principle of success.
If you have achieved a good idea in your research field,you can always attract the attention of the counselor.
Salah 93 's answer:I know about atomic structure and molecular model intuitively.
Thank you for the encouragment!
 

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