So i’m studying an integrated masters in chemistry and i’m in my final year aka the masters part. Before i started this year i could not see myself doing a phd however after starting my research project, i’m really enjoying the research part and would like to continue doing this type of work rather than working in an office all day.
I’ve been doubting whether i can apply for phd however for many reasons
I feel like i’m not smart enough to be doing this kind of thing, will my 2.1 hold
me back? i’m
gonna try my best to get a really high average this year to bring my overall average to a first however i’m not 100% that will happen and will
most likely end up with a 2.1. My third year average was a low 2.1, i did have some mitigating circumstances but i didn’t end up applying for them, do you think i could still explain them
to a supervisor if my grades came up?
I feel like i still don’t know a lot, the post doc i work with is very smart, i know he’s got a lot experience in research but i feel like even if i ever reached his stage i won’t know as much as he does
The applications require references, i was gonna ask my academic advisor and supervisor for a reference and although they’re very nice i’m not sure they’ll give me one given my current grades?
Is it worth applying to any funded phd positions or would i be better off finding another job?