<p>Hey, I just went through the application process for chem phd programs. I don't know where you got this information about fluency in English correlating to better admissions chances, but it's not true. There are plenty of PhD hopefuls that speak English :). Competition is tough, but if you have good grades and good research then you have a good chance at many top programs. Going to a state school won't hinder your chances at all. The key is having great research experience.</p>
<p>I personally know of one ChemE that is enrolling in a chem PhD program. I myself am a physics major. I'm going to have a lot of catching up to do with regards to the PhD qualifying exams. I know a ChemE has to take orgo and p-chem but he or she would probably be lacking in inorganic. It isn't too hard to catch up and learn any material you missed. The main problem is knowing enough chemistry for the PhD qualifying exam, but with a little bit of hard work it shouldn't be a problem.</p>