Questions regarding subfields

[lki203]

1. Only a few schools specifically ask applicants to list their intended subfield(s). I assume we should list these subfields regardless?

2. If a student is interested in or required to pursue a major subfield and a minor subfield, it is appropriate to list potential POIs from either subfield?

[Gradhorn]

When schools ask for subfields, approach that question strategically. If your interests straddle two fields, the field you list first might affect your chances. Strict admission quotas by field are probably unusual, but if one of your fields of interest is one that doesn't get as many applicants, listing that one first can modestly boost your chances since they might be a bit more open to applicants for that field.

[Penelope Higgins]

^ is not quite right about the process but correct about the strategy you should take. Many departments explicitly allocate a certain number of admissions spots to each subfield and delegate the choice of candidates to the subfields. In those cases, your file will only go to one field. In other cases, where admissions is handled by a department-level committee, often in practice your file will also get most of its attention from faculty in the subfield you claim (or seem) to fit. There is no reason not to describe your research interests in a transparent manner, and to mention potential faculty of interest in two subfields, but realize that in practice you are being evaluated in many cases by faculty in a single subfield and in comparison to other candidates in that subfield.