Does anyone know how being an alternate works? Does this mean that the individual who was first choice has not yet accepted? OR do they still have you as an alternate even if the offer was accepted - and they are just waiting in case the person changes their mind? ORRR am I just on a general alternate list - so it's not specific to a given lab, but more about the amount of openings in the program?
I'm too nervous to ask the PI/Director :/