[The PhD Journey] - Road to Cambridge, UK. Part 2

Table of Contents

• Understanding the GAME!!

• The Competitive Advantage

• Guessing the supervisors' expectations

• Making choice

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In this article, I aim to share some key insights that I believe will be valuable for your application process. Specifically, I'll discuss a few important aspects: how to prepare effectively, understand supervisors' expectations, and identify your unique strengths to stand out in a competitive field. These points are based on my own experiences and observations, and I hope they provide clarity and direction as you navigate your journey.

I must apologize for the delay in publishing this article. Adjusting to a new phase in life took more time than I initially anticipated. However, I hope these reflections will remain relevant for those who may benefit from them in the future. I only focus on the application towards ecology, forestry and geography fields because these are the processes that I've been through.

Before we start this interesting journey, I would like to share with you the universities I applied to, those where I successfully passed the first screening, and the PhD offers I received this year (2024).

Universities I Applied To:

1. Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, UK.

2. Department of Plant Science, University of Cambridge, UK.

3. Department of Geography & Spatial Science, University of Delaware, USA.

4. Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA), Birmingham University, UK.

5. School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, USA.

6. School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, UK.

7. DTP in Environmental Research, University of Oxford, UK.

8. ETH Zurich, Switzerland.

9. Department of Geography, University College London (UCL), UK.

** Indicate passed the first screening

** Indicate passed without admission

PhD offers received:

1. Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, UK

2. Department of Plant Science, University of Cambridge, UK

3. Department of Geography & Spatial Science, University of Delaware, USA.

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Understanding the GAME!!

You have to understand that PhD in different countries have their timelines, minimal requirements, procedures, processes and even questions. For example, in continental Europe and Canada, a master's degree in a related field is typically required for PhD admission. In contrast, the USA and China often accept applicants with a bachelor's degree who have relatively good grades and significant research experience, while Australian programs may also require evidence of research competence, such as publications or presentations.

Two of the key differences that I would like to highlight are the emphasis on research and the amount of coursework. In the EU, applicants typically apply directly to a specific research or are invited by a principal investigator. On the other hand, the US programs may offer more flexibility to let students apply to a specific supervisor or a department, selecting a supervisor later. A similar approach is possible in the UK, but applicants are still required to submit a research proposal and identify a potential supervisor as part of their application. Regarding coursework, UK and EU programs involve minimal or no coursework, focusing immediately on research for dissertations. Meanwhile, US programs place a stronger emphasis on coursework, often dedicating the first two to three years to classes and seminars.

Table 1. A comparison of PhD Systems in the USA, UK and EU.

Countries	Length	Research Priority	Coursework
United States of America (USA)	5 yrs >	Research later	Heavy
United Kingdom (UK)	3 yrs >	Research first (proposal needed while applying)	Little or no
European Union (EU)	4 yrs >	Research first (usually applies to a specific research project)	Little or no

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The Competitive Advantage

"What sets you apart from others when competing for this position? What are your unique strengths? Why should you be chosen over others?" These are the questions I constantly ask myself in highly competitive situations. In a PhD application, it is common to encounter peers who share similar research interests and aspirations. The competition is always overwhelming! Let me illustrate with an example: imagine applying for a scholarship where there are >400 applicants, yet only 16 spots are available. Among those, just 30% a mere five positions, are reserved for international candidates. I have to say, competing for a fully funded position under such circumstances is undeniably daunting.

Understanding what you're competing for is crucial. It allows you to strategise effectively and tailor your preparation to suit different situations. This holds across various PhD systems, where competition often centres around:

• Research funding

• Scholarships and fellowships

• Securing supervisors

• Future opportunities

Always remember, there will always be candidates with stronger motivation, more compelling projects, or a more strategic position than you. However, don't let this discourage you. Focus on improving yourself, refining your strengths, and confidently presenting your work. Believe in the value of your efforts and trust that hard work will pay off.

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Facts about Supervisors' Expectations

When I first started meeting with potential supervisors, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Each interview felt like a new world — different personalities, different expectations, and different ideas of what makes a “good” PhD student. After going through a few rounds of these conversations, I started to notice patterns, and I thought it might be helpful to share some of what I’ve learned along the way.

One thing that stood out right away was how varied supervisors can be. Some care deeply about technical skills, some focus on research ideas, and others just want to see that you’re genuinely curious and self-motivated. But no matter who I talked to, one theme kept coming up: be the best version of yourself. It sounds simple, but authenticity really does go a long way.

For me, since my research leans heavily toward fieldwork, the conversation often turned practical. Supervisors wanted to know if I could work independently in the field, manage equipment safely, and handle the challenges that come with being out there for long hours. What surprised me most, though, was how often the ability to drive came up. I used to think it was just a side skill — something nice to have. But to them, it was a sign of independence and reliability. If you can drive yourself (and your gear) into the field, it shows you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way.

At some point, I realized that one of the best ways to prepare for these conversations was to flip the perspective. I started asking myself: If I were a professor, what kind of student would I want to work with? What kind of email would catch my attention among the dozens that flood my inbox every week? Would I want someone who just wants a project, or someone who genuinely cares about contributing to the research community?

When I thought about it from that angle, everything clicked. Supervisors aren’t just looking for skill sets — they’re looking for people who bring energy, curiosity, and initiative to the table. They want students who communicate well, follow through, and make the team better. Once you start thinking that way, finding the right supervisor becomes less about impressing them and more about finding a good match — someone whose vision aligns with yours.

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Making Choices

If you’re lucky enough to have multiple offers on the table, congratulations — that’s an amazing position to be in. But honestly? That’s also when things can get really tough. I remember struggling the most during this stage. Every option seemed like a good one. There weren’t any “bad apples” — just a basket full of good ones, each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing between them wasn’t about right or wrong; it was about what kind of future I wanted to build.

One thing I learned along the way is that this process isn’t just about supervisors choosing you — you’re also choosing them. It’s easy to forget that when you’re nervous or grateful for the opportunity, but the relationship goes both ways. You’ll be working closely with your supervisor for years, so making sure the match feels right is crucial.

A mentor of mine back in Taiwan once shared a simple but powerful checklist that really helped me think things through:

1. Money / Funding – Be realistic about financial support. Can you sustain yourself comfortably throughout your studies? Funding can really shape your PhD experience.

2. Ranking – It’s not everything, but it does affect visibility and opportunities later on. Consider how much it matters for your goals.

3. Location – Where do you actually want to live for the next few years? Think about the environment, culture, and lifestyle — they all affect your motivation and well-being.

4. Supervisor’s Commitment – How engaged and available is your potential supervisor? Their guidance and support can make or break your experience.

5. Resources & Skills – What kind of facilities, data, or training can you access? Will this program help you gain the main skills you want to develop?

Looking back, these five points grounded my decision-making when emotions were all over the place. Every program looked shiny on the outside, but thinking through these questions helped me see what truly mattered for me.

In the end, I chose the path that aligned most closely with my long-term goals — the place where I felt both challenged and supported. It wasn’t the “easiest” choice or even the most prestigious one, but it felt right. And now, standing where I am, I’m glad I trusted that feeling. Sometimes, the best decision isn’t about chasing the brightest option — it’s about choosing the one that helps you grow into the person you want to become.

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Sometimes It’s Not Just About Hard Work

It took me two years to finally apply for a PhD. At first, I thought the delay meant I was falling behind — that everyone else was moving forward while I was stuck. But now, looking back, I’m actually grateful for that time. Those two years in the corporate world gave me something priceless: perspective. I got to experience a completely different rhythm of life — working in teams, meeting clients, facing pressure, and learning how the world outside academia operates. It made me realize what I truly value and what I want to do in the long run.

Of course, the journey wasn’t easy. It was frustrating at times, filled with uncertainty and a lot of “what ifs.” There were moments when I doubted myself, wondering if I’d ever get to where I wanted to be. But through it all, I learned an important lesson: success isn’t only about effort. In my experience, it’s probably 70% hard work and 30% luck. You can prepare, plan, and push yourself as much as possible — but sometimes, the timing just needs to be right.

So if you’ve already done your best, give yourself a break. Breathe. Have faith. Pray, if that’s what brings you peace. The right opportunity has its own timing, and when it finally arrives, you’ll realize that the waiting — and the wandering — were all part of the story.

#NeverTryNeverKnow #JustDoIt #PlaySmart