Adviser acceptance

[Themistocles]

Is there a consensus on what it means (in terms of admission) when a potential graduate adviser will accept you into his lab and/or under his funding? I have a mix of advisers for phD and master's programs in biology willing to accept me, but I'm very curious about how much a willing adviser will affect my chances at admission. I understand that this might vary from discipline to discipline, but I feel that someone might have some helpful advice.

Thanks!

[Mal83]

I'm in a totally different field but from what I've seen on these boards is that an adviser's acceptance is of course a good thing but not official. Your application still has to be approved by the admissions committee. And there have been a few stories of advisers reaching out to applicants to let them know that they have recommended them for admission but the committee does not approve the application for whatever reason and the applicants end up with reject letters. Not saying that happens often, I should think that it doesn't, or that you shouldn't be pleased by these advisers wanting you and it is certainly a great sign, but just hold on for that official acceptance letter. That's just the impression I've gotten thus far.

[eco_env]

In my experience it means nothing- If they didn't make a binding agreement with you, they can change their minds when someone better comes along.

[ogopo]

Ok.. this is ridiculous. This is the third time I am trying to reply to this topic.. it keeps deleting my posts.

I applied to three programs at the same university with the intention of working with a particular advisor. He was very supportive, and yet I was only admitted into one of the three programs I applied to. It definitely helps to have a professor that wants you and is willing to fund you, but it does not guarantee your acceptance. As well, the politics really vary from program to program and school to school. The potential advisors should be able to tell you what the politics are in the program and whether they have a lot of say in your admittance.

[Strangefox]

Is there a consensus on what it means (in terms of admission) when a potential graduate adviser will accept you into his lab and/or under his funding? I have a mix of advisers for phD and master's programs in biology willing to accept me, but I'm very curious about how much a willing adviser will affect my chances at admission. I understand that this might vary from discipline to discipline, but I feel that someone might have some helpful advice.

Thanks!

It totally depends. On a field and on a situation. It is great when an adviser wants you to be accepted but that does not mean that you will be.

Still I believe that it's better to apply mostly (only?) to places where there is an advisor willing to take you. It does not guarantee acceptance but it definetely upps your chances.