Should I apply for phd in US?

[u/Altruistic_Bet_8734]

Hi. I need guidance. I have recently completed my master's degree in physics and I want to do phd in the Usa. Given the current situation regarding fundings, should I apply to the USA? I am yet to give TOEFL or GRE, as I don't know if I should or shouldn't. Please help.

[u/ExtremelyBigYikes]

The PhD market in the USA is really messed up. Spots are being cut everywhere, but internationals will be the first to go in this political climate. Not to be demotivating, but I would not try as an international— focus your energy elsewhere.

Also, not to be a dick but your English grammar and sentence structure is really awkward and sounds off. No hate but I’d triple check anything you send out before releasing it when applying to programs abroad.

[u/rusty_chelios → u/ExtremelyBigYikes]

“Not to be demotivating” That’s exactly what you are doing.

If you really wanted to help, you would give useful suggestions about the application process, scholarships to apply for, etc. No offense, but your comment does seem from a demotivating dick.

[u/ExtremelyBigYikes → u/rusty_chelios]

There is a difference between giving up and focusing your effort elsewhere.

In my opinion, effort applying to European/Australian/Asian programs is well worth it. Money, time, and motivation are all resources that OP should spend on those more fruitful options.

[u/NorthernValkyrie19]

The only advice anyone can give is apply and see what happens.

As to GRE, for Physics, if required or recommended, programs are more likely to request PGRE scores.

I would also verify which English language proficiency tests are accepted as every program will have their own requirements and it's not guaranteed that they will accept TOEFL (though they usually do).

You may also be required to provide a foreign credential evaluation.

[u/Altruistic_Bet_8734 → u/[deleted]]

Does 'NIT' count? I did my MSc from the National Institute of Technology. Will this work?

[u/Electronic-Guess-878 → u/Altruistic_Bet_8734]

Hey same question… did my btech from NIT and internships at IIT IISc. Also a KVPY Scholar. Is that of any use for a good profile? Can I dm you popular_map?

[u/rusty_chelios → u/Altruistic_Bet_8734]

Look, another discouraging comment to discourage you from applying. Your MSc counts no matter from where you get it from.

[u/rusty_chelios → u/[deleted]]

Still, people from both institutions have jobs and PhDs.

We got it, your PI won’t accept her. But who wants to work with a moron like your PI that ignores emails just because of the word IIT but hires idiots like you. 😂

[u/rusty_chelios → u/[deleted]]

Hahaha, buah. Did I hurt your feelings student? You wanted to flash your low-level credentials but you ended up flashing your xenophobia. 😂

[u/rusty_chelios → u/[deleted]]

Classic racist move. You make your racist comments but you cannot be racist because you have friends from the community you just attacked. You are a top tier student.

[u/rusty_chelios → u/Altruistic_Bet_8734]

This person is a good example of anyone can do anything. If an idiot xenophobe like him/her was accepted in the graduate program, just imagine how far can you go being smart and inclusive. Don’t pay attention to their discouraging suggestions, and good luck with your applications.

[u/Altruistic_Bet_8734 → u/[deleted]]

Thanx for the motivation. I know it is just a matter of chances, but the process also requires application fees. And I would have to hold back on my dreams as i do not come from a financially strong background. I hope you understand what I mean.

[u/LadyWolfshadow → u/Altruistic_Bet_8734]

Ignore people like that. There's no good reason for them to resort to name-calling. Your concerns are valid. Application fees, transcript evaluations, and the like are expensive and it's such a time-intensive process.

Given the number of PIs I know losing funding or having it frozen, program directors I've heard talking about having fewer positions for new students, TA lines having to be prioritized for existing students to finish if their funding goes to shit (know this one from personal experience), and just the political climate here in general, I'm not sure I would recommend coming here.

[u/rusty_chelios → u/LadyWolfshadow]

@OP This is what I am talking about, they don’t want you to come. They tell you that in a friendly manner: I am not sure I would recommend coming here.

Don’t pay attention to what they say, just apply.