How long do profs usually take to respond?

[tragicomix]

I got accepted into a program that I really liked. So the day after I got the e-mail I mailed one of my POIs over there asking whether (1) he'd be taking on any new students and (2) whether he'd be willing to consider advising me. It's been exactly a week now and I still haven't received any response.

Does this just mean he's not interested and that I should stop wasting his time?

If not, is it ok to send him a reminder now (or maybe after a few more days)? What should I say in the e-mail? "Did you miss this e-mail?" is a bit rude, right?

Somehow getting in then not receiving a response like this feels worse than getting rejected.

Edited March 14, 2011 by tragicomix

[jaxzwolf]

Professors tend to be horrendously busy this time of year. As a general rule, I would give three weeks between emails. If this particular POI is a factor in your making a decision about which school to attend, then I'd say you're alright to try again after two weeks. If you think it will weigh heavily into your decision then two weeks after having sent your original email I'd call instead of sending a follow-up note. Some professors are just easier to get hold of by phone. If you do sent another email, just say you know he/she is likely extremely busy but you have a great deal of interest in his/her research and the prospect of working together if you attend X University, and you thought you'd try and get hold of him/her again.

[tragicomix]

Thanks, jaxzwolf!

To be honest, this is my first choice university if I get a chance to work this particular professor. Hopefully, he'll show some interest in my application. If not, I have a tough decision coming up soon.

[MJ0911]

Thanks, jaxzwolf!

To be honest, this is my first choice university if I get a chance to work this particular professor. Hopefully, he'll show some interest in my application. If not, I have a tough decision coming up soon.

I waited 3 weeks to a month, then emailed again. The guy got back to me really quick, apologising that in the madness my first email got lost in the cracks. He also couldn't supervise me, so I contacted another member of the department that was also a really good fit. But in the UK system you need to contact POI's before applying to find out if they are accepting students for supervision/advising, so the system is a little different. As someone working in academia I'd advise you not to feel shy/awkward about contacting people though - people have always said they were glad I reminded them/chased them up etc.

Edited March 14, 2011 by MJ0911