How do I ask for a thesis advisor?
How to Choose a Thesis Advisor
- Take a course with a potential advisor, possibly individual study.
- Ask for copies of grant proposals that describe research projects of possible interest to you.
- Consider working with two advisors.
- Interview a potential advisor.
- Interview former students.
How do you ask a professor to be an email advisor?
Your email should:
- have an informative subject line.
- be concise.
- be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name.
- not use Mrs. or Ms.
- NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons.
- if applying for an opening: address any qualifications the professor is looking for.
- if asking for a research opportunity:
When should you contact a potential PhD advisor?
Send emails to potential advisors in August – October before applications are due in November – January.
How do I contact a potential postdoc advisor?
To do:
- Talk to your (a)advisor, (b)committee members or other faculty members you interact with and (c) peers, tell them about your plans, ask them for advice.
- Talk to your peers, email graduate students/postdocs in the labs you are interested in, get to know a little bit more about the lab and the professor.