Meeting with a POI

[newms]

Hi all,

I'm meeting with a POI in a couple of weeks. I'm applying for fall 2011 (Computer Science) and I was wondering if anybody has advice for a meeting with a POI. This would be my first meeting with a POI so I'm not entirely sure how this kind of meeting is supposed to go. Are there any questions I should make sure I ask? Is there anything in particular I should carry with me? What about a dress code - how should I dress?

Thanks in advance for any tips!

[American in Beijing]

Hi all,

I'm meeting with a POI in a couple of weeks. I'm applying for fall 2011 (Computer Science) and I was wondering if anybody has advice for a meeting with a POI. This would be my first meeting with a POI so I'm not entirely sure how this kind of meeting is supposed to go. Are there any questions I should make sure I ask? Is there anything in particular I should carry with me? What about a dress code - how should I dress?

Thanks in advance for any tips!

I was really nervous before my first (and only) POI meeting as well. Unfortunately, back then I didn't know about this forum, so I didn't even have the benefit of others' advice. Still, it went really well and I had a good time. I dressed somewhat formally (nice pants, black cardigan, pashmina, fake pearl necklace, heels), which was good, because my POI was dressed similarly and I wasn't under-dressed. She asked me some questions about my proposed topic of research, we talked about some books I had read on the subject, and then she gave me some advice about resources I could use if I wanted to continue down this line of research. Then she told me a bit about the program, I asked her some questions, and then we were finished.

I had spent a good part of my summer conducting research on my topic, so that's the main reason why we talked about it for so long. If you're worried that you don't have enough research experience to be able to talk about your own research for a long period of time, I would recommend reading one of your POI's books and making some mental notes as you read of topics of conversation.

As far as questions go, I would be prepared to ask about specific details about the program itself (it shows you've done your homework and read the website, ). You can also ask about the department culture and the other grad students doing research there. I'm sure you'll think of something while you're talking.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do very well!

[newms]

Thanks for the great advice American in Beijing - its been a big help.

[newms]

Just to update this thread. I met with the POI earlier this week and it went ok I think. We talked about my background and about my interest in his research. He sent me reading materials and told me I should send him questions I have about the literature so that he could see how I think and I could see how he thinks. He said I should stay in contact with him and let him know when I apply later this year, since if he didn't look out for my application, there would be a chance I'd get a batch reject. He said that had happened to a potential student before that he was interested in - he didn't know they had applied and he didn't see their application among the hundreds of others, so it got a batch reject.

I was definitely nervous for the meeting, but overall it was a positive experience and he seemed interested in me. I would definitely recommend contacting profs (as long as they don't say not to), especially so they can get and idea of your abilities and interests and so they can look out for your app.

[American in Beijing]

Just to update this thread. I met with the POI earlier this week and it went ok I think. We talked about my background and about my interest in his research. He sent me reading materials and told me I should send him questions I have about the literature so that he could see how I think and I could see how he thinks. He said I should stay in contact with him and let him know when I apply later this year, since if he didn't look out for my application, there would be a chance I'd get a batch reject. He said that had happened to a potential student before that he was interested in - he didn't know they had applied and he didn't see their application among the hundreds of others, so it got a batch reject.

I was definitely nervous for the meeting, but overall it was a positive experience and he seemed interested in me. I would definitely recommend contacting profs (as long as they don't say not to), especially so they can get and idea of your abilities and interests and so they can look out for your app.

Glad to hear it went so well! Good luck with the rest of the process!

[newms]

Thanks American in Beijing, and thanks again for the great advice.