gradschoolprobs

In my statement I have info about the program, the supervisor, my professional and educational experiences. A prof said I need to talk more about my "identity". What does that mean?

Why is it that some schools require meeting potential supervisors first before applying whereas some other schools don't? Also, what do admissions committee care most in an application?

Hi there Thank you for sharing your experiences! I thought I am the only one lol. I guess I am interested in 1-2 courses, but I feel it's always learning about what research is out there without making connections to practice.

Maybe it is just me, but I don't find that much of a difference between Undergrad and Masters. Definitely there is more exposure to theories and more internship/research opportunities, but all professors are teaching their own area without making connections to other courses. I feel like I'm just learning stuff to get a degree and there is constraint in what we are learning. Is it normal to feel bored? Also, is it true that PhD programs allow more independence and creativity?

Good points! I worry about that! ?

I'm sorry to hear this happened to you

Good advice, thanks! I'll keep this in mind.

Thank you! Sorry, I actually haven't heard back from the assistant prof yet about my transcript. I was thinking of the worst case scenario and hope to hear back soon.

Thank you so much for your insight! Another question I have is, what can I do if the assistant prof does not think my transcript is good enough?

I'm interested in going for a PhD and had contacted an associate prof at another school if we could meet to talk and he agreed to supervise when we met without asking for a CV, transcript, etc. Then the second time we met, he emphasized that he will be the primary supervisor and that he spoke with an assistant prof and suggested that I talk to that prof to discuss co-supervision. So, I did as I was told and contacted the assistant prof to request for a meeting. Luckily I heard back....but the prof wants a transcript before we meet. Why would this prof want a transcript? What are the benefits with co-supervision?

Thank you so much! The worst case scenario I’m thinking is that he intoduces us and suggests that she supervises. How do I reject that? I’m ok with co-supervision (which does happen at the school now that I’ve checked) but definetey not if only with her due to different interests.

Thank you for your insight. Do you mean as external examiner or something like that? Students are asked to find a supervisor before even applying. Does this mean he is asking me to talk to the other professor?

Hi everyone, I met with a potential PhD supervisor last week but only briefly because he double booked. Good news is that he said he can supervise and wanted me to confirm another meeting (happening in a few days). So, I did as told and confirmed with him, and then he requested for some writing samples. No questions or anything....so far so good. Now a few days later, I re-confirmed the next meeting with him, and his reply includes "no question - i'm not double-booking u this time - in fact come 10 minutes early. i've also spoken to a newer colleague who may also have a space for supervision coming up. maybe check her profile since she too is a critical pedagogue (Freirean). so looking forward to seeing u (smiley face)". Was that an indirect rejection or to give me more options in choosing a supervisor? ? Would I need to persuade him? His interests are more aligned with mine.

I just finished making the powerpoint for my Masters defense happening in next few days, but what happens on the actual day? Do you thank people involved at the beginning or end of the presentation? What kind of questions will the committee ask? Is it appropriate to give thank you cards and flowers for the committee at the end of the presentation? Do I shake hands with people? Do I treat it as a business meeting??

I agree with the poster that it's best to set weekly goals with the professor himself/herself. If there's no expectations, always still bring something even if it's minor.

I'm finishing up my Masters paper and recently asked my supervisor whether we can work on it after my defense for publication. His response was something such as, "we can work on it but depends on the content, but yes we can work on it". Does this sound more likely a yes?

I'm completing my Masters in North America and at my school, the first 10 minutes will be providing a summary of my paper, and then opening up to discussion/questions. What type of questions will professors ask? Also, is it ok or wrong to ask my supervisor for a mock defense in advance of the actual one?

Thanks everyone!

Thank you! Do you mean it's all a test?

Hi everyone, I'm finishing up my thesis with a very nice but busy professor who doesn't really invest time in me other than reviewing drafts. For example, when the board initially denied my protocol, I made the edits and asked my professor to review it but never heard from him after a few days and so I submitted it anyway (which did then get approved). Another time, I asked him for contacts to recruit participants which he said will give me but either he forgot or he didn't have right contacts or what because I didn't hear from him and so I had to recruit myself. More recently, we were discussing about upcoming oral defense and I had to confirm with him because he clearly forgot which date! Is it common for professors to be very hands off? Do professors test students to see if they could do all tasks themselves?