Questions for initial grad advisor meeting

[Inertia Quint]

So I had my initial meeting with the graduate advisor for my department, after registering for my first semester of classes without getting a response to an email asking if the classes I was considering were ok (she was not available in person before the semester started).

 

I went in presuming she would have a set list of things to go over with new students, that I would then respond to with additional questions. She spent, literally, the entire meeting complaining about how overwhelmed she was. The only piece of information I got out of it was that I should have gotten permission to register for a class in another department first, and that she would, but didn't have to, give me credit for it.  When my post-meeting befuddlement wore off, I realized I should have asked more questions, like "What courses are required?", but I was just so taken aback by her complete lack of engagement that I froze.

 

I'd appreciate any help with compiling a list of specific questions I should pose when I, with dread, schedule another 'advising' session with her.

 

Thanks!

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

So sorry to hear this... sounds like it took you by surprise.

 

I think your idea about compiling a specific list of questions is a good one. I'd just add, write it down and bring it with you when next meet your advisor.

 

That way, you can say something like, "oh - let me make sure I asked all the questions that I wanted to know..." and scan the list for anything you might have missed.

 

Then, you are also being efficient -- thinking through the limited time you have together, and making the most out of it; and zero-ing on the most important.

[Sadie_Bea]

I recently had a meeting with an advisor as well.  Some course-related questions I asked:

 

- How do I fulfill the language requirement?  Can I test out or do I have to take a class at a certain level?

- Are there any classes 1st years students are discouraged from taking? 

- What is the typical amount of time alotted to coursework (how many before comps and dissertation)?

- How many credits should I take in the first two semesters?

 

Also, ask if there is a degree planning worksheet that you can look at, that will show you what types of classes are required.  Most departments should have these in their graduate studies office.

[fuzzylogician]

- How do I fulfill the language requirement?  Can I test out or do I have to take a class at a certain level?

- Are there any classes 1st years students are discouraged from taking? 

- What is the typical amount of time alotted to coursework (how many before comps and dissertation)?

- How many credits should I take in the first two semesters?

 

Advisors often don't know the specifics of courses you have to take. Get your department's handbook (or other official document where this is specified) and study it. Ask older students or the DGS. If you rely solely on the advice of your advisor, you may find that you're lacking a crucial requirement down the line. Only ask questions that aren't already clearly answered in these documents, or at least be prepared to be sent to read there instead of getting a helpful reply.

 

That aside, I'm not sure asking her for course recommendations is particularly helpful. You could ask if there is anything she would like her students to take or recommends, but for more up to date recommendations about classes and teachers you should really go to other students. They will also be able to give you a real assessment of workload and whether anything is/isn't recommended for first-years. Things your advisor has more exclusive knowledge about might include - what would she like for you to do in first year (or by its end)? How much time should you devote to research (not classes)? How often would she like to meet with you? Is there any research goal you should obtain (join existing project, find your own topic for a small paper, try and submit to some conference, just concentrate on classes for a while, etc).