Good sign?

[noodles.galaznik]

I met with a poi last week. We talked for about 2 hours, I got to ask lots of questions about the program and her work, and I got a good feel for her as a professor and a mentor. Later that evening, I sent her an email thanking her for taking the time to meet with me (especially for so long!). She replied back that it was also a pleasure to meet, and she looks forward to seeing my application and I should call her or email her when I do submit it, and to keep in touch.

That made me feel excited and pretty good, but at the same time she also seems like the kind of professor that's really good about watching out for students.

Ahhh, I should stop getting my hopes up...but I feel like it might be a good sign! Maybe?

[kaykaykay]

well she clearly liked you. different schools and diffrent programs have different protocol about how much professors can influence the process. be happy for your new great connection(and keep her updated) but keep your game strong as you are still in a competition and spend enough time with your other applications as well, just in case (and trust me if you get into more than one place the feeling that they are competing for you is unbeatable). good luck!

[naddyfive]

Last week, I received an invitation to visit a specific lab over winter break and had a phone interview yesterday with a second PI at another program who has lots of funding and very impressive list of publications (he's a "distinguished professor" in his program). This has all happened before my applications have even been submitted!

After a sort of awkward start, the PI and I had a very easy-going and enjoyable phone conversation. He seemed very candid and answered my questions thoroughly. He said that the admissions committee usually invites the best candidates for a weekend visit, and he would schedule some time for me to come see his lab and meet his post-docs if I showed up early. He reminded me that he's not on the committee, however, so he's not on an inside track.

Is this a good sign? What should I think about this? Can I relax or is this very preliminary?

Edited November 24, 2011 by naddyfive

[violet.]

He reminded me that he's not on the committee, however, so he's not on an inside track.

Is this a good sign? What should I think about this? Can I relax or is this very preliminary?

I think it is just as he said, he is not an insider in the process this year, but if he is interested in you and is that positive about you the other committee members will probably also be impressed by your app. Just my 2 cents...

[isobel_a]

What about interviews? Is it a good sign if you're asked to visit a lab before your apps are in?

Edit: btw, I'm the same poster as naddyfive. I think facebook auto-logged me in under this ID...

Edited December 14, 2011 by isobel_a