akabir

Hello, I am a potential PhD student for Fall, 2012. I am currently working as a Lecturer in a different University from where I did my B.S. and M.S. I have already decided on two of my teachers whom I'll ask for LOR. But I can't decide who should be the third one. Here are my choices: Choice 1: One of my teachers who knows me pretty well. I have attended a couple of his courses. But he's an Assistant Professor, and I don't have any research experience with him. Choice 2: A senior colleague who is a Professor. She has never taught me, and I don't have any research with her. But she can write about my teaching and my work, and the innovative things I have done in the department to improve the academic environment. So who should i ask for an LOR? Will it be better if I have three teachers recommending me? Or two teachers and one senior colleague?

Thanks to both of you. Yeah, I need to be more patient. My subject was "Prospective PhD student interested in xyz lab/research group"

Hi, I am a potential PhD student in CSE for Fall 2012. I've started writing to a few professors whose research coincide with my interests. It has been two days, and not having received any replies from any of the four professors, I'm starting to get a little anxious. Should I be? What is the typical response time for professors? And how long should I wait before sending a polite reminder?

Thanks Aaron ... Yes, I agree with you. A fresh graduate should only have a vague idea about his/her fields of interest, and I think Grad schools acknowledge that. I think the professors look for future potential rather than past accomplishment (which is a factor, but not the principle one). And they should be able to see whether the applicant is being sincere or not. As far as I am concerned, i have finished Masters, and have a relatively clear idea about what field I want to explore. However, I'm also open to other fields of study provided there are good facilities available. Should I mention that to the prof? Or should I keep things strictly under his own area of research?

Thanks a lot dear advancededit. Your advice is very helpful and practical

Thank you, theadvancededit ... I am actually looking to show my intent to apply. I'm trying to build some kind of communication with the professors whose work I can relate to, so that if/when I get admitted I may be considered for their research group. I'm not sure if this kind of approach will work, or if its too early to approach the professors like this.

I wish to apply for a PhD program in Computer Science next Fall. For personal reasons, I want to stay at a specific geographic region, so there are a small number of Universities that I can apply for. I was thinking about writing to some of the professors of those Universities whose work I find interesting. My academic record is good, but not extraordinary, and I have a few papers published in local journals. My GRE is scheduled in October. What should I write to the professors? Will it be something like an SOP? What things should I highlight? Or should I wait for my GRE score and then write? Your help and advice would be very much appreciated.