Potential advisors

[Guest]

I'm speaking to two potential advisors, each at a different school, but the research topics I've been discussing with each of them are essentially identical.  And both are suggesting applying for the same funding sources.  How do I tell one that I am already applying for a certain funding source with a different potential advisor?  And what about potential collaborators on my project?  Or should I try to come up with different research topics for each to reduce that conflict?  I am very invested in my reseach topics, and I'd be happy to work with either potential advisor.  Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

[Usmivka]

I wrote separate fellowship apps on unrelated topics with each of two advisors I was considering. I ended up getting both, but then never followed through and applied to one of the universities because at that point I knew I was moving to another region for unrelated reasons. Is one pressuring you to work with him/her on writing a fellowship app that you've started with someone else? I don't think it should be a big deal to say something like, "I'm applying to two schools, and am basing my XYZ fellowship app off potential work at the other place." If you are really happy with either project, why not talk to current students in those labs to find out whether you think the advising style would be a good fit. If equally good, how about living situation and quality of life in either city?

[Guest]

Hmm ok, thanks for the advice.  I've talked to students from both labs, and it seems that either would be a good fit for me.  I've visited one of the campuses, and I like it, the other, I will only visit if I am accepted because it's so far away (Hawaii).  I'll tell professor B that I'm already working on a proposal with professor A for X fellowship, and see if there are other funding options available.