How much do grades matter for PhD applications

I got a 2.1 in my bachelors in Physics from Cambridge and am currently doing a masters (still at Cambridge). I’m currently applying for PhDs in experimental quantum computing (in a lab physically building the computer with lasers, chips, vacuum chambers etc kinda thing) and have spent the past 3 summers working in these kinds of groups at Oxford, ETH Zürich and TU Munich. I loved ETH and my first choice would be to do a PhD in the group I worked in the other summer but I’m applying to a few places anyway. I’ve been getting really conflicting info on how much grades matter for these things. It seems like everyone (doing a PhD in these groups) got a first and I haven’t but I do have quite a bit of lab experience which some say is more important. I’m doing my masters now and I’m trying my best so maybe I’ll manage to get a first but I don’t know.

Is a 2.1 + lots of experience instead of a 1st likely to disadvantage me? Am I stressing over nothing? Does going to Cambridge make any difference?

Reply 1

k92e67

Grades do matter, yes, but since you are at Cambridge and have research experience I think most admissions committees will view you quite favourably. The university name definitely has a big impact. Would it be better if you had a first? Yes, but it's not going to break your application so go ahead and give it a shot. I know very good researchers who came out of Cambridge with a 2:1 (im in Math fwiw)

Reply 2

Brainless12

Wow share your brain cells

Reply 3

PG Study Chester

Original post

by Sophhhowa

I got a 2.1 in my bachelors in Physics from Cambridge and am currently doing a masters (still at Cambridge). I’m currently applying for PhDs in experimental quantum computing (in a lab physically building the computer with lasers, chips, vacuum chambers etc kinda thing) and have spent the past 3 summers working in these kinds of groups at Oxford, ETH Zürich and TU Munich. I loved ETH and my first choice would be to do a PhD in the group I worked in the other summer but I’m applying to a few places anyway. I’ve been getting really conflicting info on how much grades matter for these things. It seems like everyone (doing a PhD in these groups) got a first and I haven’t but I do have quite a bit of lab experience which some say is more important. I’m doing my masters now and I’m trying my best so maybe I’ll manage to get a first but I don’t know.
Is a 2.1 + lots of experience instead of a 1st likely to disadvantage me? Am I stressing over nothing? Does going to Cambridge make any difference?

Hello,

Wow, your course and research sounds so exciting and cutting edge, and super interesting!

Firstly, I obtained a 2:i classification for my undergraduate degree from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and in my own personal experience the grade had little effect on my being accepted to do the PhD. However, as you say in your post you have spoken to different people who have told you about their experiences where grades have mattered. This shows, I think that the weight given to grades in PhD applications is very much subject to the individual preferences of the university and at their discretion.
What I would suggest though is apply to the universities that you are interested in studying at and don’t worry about your grade- you have a masters degree - did the people who said their PhD application WAS affected have this, and from such a good university? And your lab experience is exceptional. I really wouldn’t consider a 2:I to bean issue, particularly when you have obviously got so much to offer the uni at PhD level.

When you write your statement to support your PhD application, talk about your masters degree research, the lab experience. This, coupled with your drive and enthusiasm for the subject, would I’m sure help your application,

Good luck with your masters and your PhD application,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 4

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post

by Sophhhowa

I got a 2.1 in my bachelors in Physics from Cambridge and am currently doing a masters (still at Cambridge). I’m currently applying for PhDs in experimental quantum computing (in a lab physically building the computer with lasers, chips, vacuum chambers etc kinda thing) and have spent the past 3 summers working in these kinds of groups at Oxford, ETH Zürich and TU Munich. I loved ETH and my first choice would be to do a PhD in the group I worked in the other summer but I’m applying to a few places anyway. I’ve been getting really conflicting info on how much grades matter for these things. It seems like everyone (doing a PhD in these groups) got a first and I haven’t but I do have quite a bit of lab experience which some say is more important. I’m doing my masters now and I’m trying my best so maybe I’ll manage to get a first but I don’t know.
Is a 2.1 + lots of experience instead of a 1st likely to disadvantage me? Am I stressing over nothing? Does going to Cambridge make any difference?

You should be asking your Tutors and Supervisors on the course, not randomers (and mostly teenagers and people behind you on their academic journey) on the internet.

It's not a rare situation, and the people around you are best placed to know the truth about your situation. It sounds like to are using your time wisely, with relevant experience-building. You just need to drop into the conversation with various people "I'd love to pursue a PhD, but didn't get the best undergrad grades, how do you think is best to get past that?". They will be happy to discuss, any academic can tell you what the best/possible routes might be. However, I don't think a 2.1 from Cambridge is going to be damaging to PhD applications.

It also stands to reason, you need to get the best grades you can for your Masters, as the work you are doing now is much more relevant to a PhD than undergrad work is. Relevant work experience ie use of relevant equipment, concepts, theories, maths etc is also going to rate strongly and more than UG grades. You seem to be in a pretty decent position, I wouldn't worry too much.

Reply 5

Physician

Original post

by Sophhhowa

I got a 2.1 in my bachelors in Physics from Cambridge and am currently doing a masters (still at Cambridge). I’m currently applying for PhDs in experimental quantum computing (in a lab physically building the computer with lasers, chips, vacuum chambers etc kinda thing) and have spent the past 3 summers working in these kinds of groups at Oxford, ETH Zürich and TU Munich. I loved ETH and my first choice would be to do a PhD in the group I worked in the other summer but I’m applying to a few places anyway. I’ve been getting really conflicting info on how much grades matter for these things. It seems like everyone (doing a PhD in these groups) got a first and I haven’t but I do have quite a bit of lab experience which some say is more important. I’m doing my masters now and I’m trying my best so maybe I’ll manage to get a first but I don’t know.
Is a 2.1 + lots of experience instead of a 1st likely to disadvantage me? Am I stressing over nothing? Does going to Cambridge make any difference?

If you want to do a fully funded PhD in Physics or a related subject at Oxbridge then the grade at undergraduate level is going to matter more than lab experience. Getting a distinction at masters level may make up for the lack of a first class degree though. Lots of people with first class degrees from other Russell Group universities will be applying, so it will be very competitive, but not impossible.

You chances of getting onto a funded PhD at Imperial, UCL or KCL will be higher, and much more still at lesser Russell Group universities like Leeds and Nottingham. Though they may not offer the exact project you may be looking for.

Kind regards,

Arthur

(edited 10 months ago)