When I went to visit Top School, a prof I met with told me that I should apply for NSF, because then I will pretty much be able to get into anywhere, and also I should try to apply to Other School where one of his graduates is now a professor.
I got in there (albeit to work with someone else; he had just taken a student that year), and ended up not going.
Is there anyone else at that school you could see yourself working with?
I mean seriously- screw this guy. If this is his attitude you don't WANT him as your advisor. I don't care he's the top of your field- he is NOT the end all be all, it is his loss. You might just not be the best fit for him as an advisor. Trust Me- you don't want a mean advisor, no matter how good they are at research.
Not to go on too much, but this is your life for years you are deciding upon. Its not about just getting in anywhere, it's about where you will be happy doing the research and being the person you want to be. When you are studying for a Gross Anatomy or comparable subject on a Friday night and plan to spend your Saturday night doing the same while everyone else is out getting drunk, you really don't want to hate your advisor and have an antagonistic relationship on top of it. Be glad you found out now versus making a commitment later.
I'd apply anyway. Just spin it all in your personal statement. Also, nothing wrong with having extra recommenders. Get yours and also ask the person he wants.
I can't really read from this how exactly you feel about him, but I would personally think that the visit was very useful in telling me where I didn't want to go. I need a supportive advisor, but some people really thrive under a demanding advisor. This guy sounds way high maintenance for me. :) I wouldn't say it's typical and I expect you'd find advisors who'd be very different.
I agree. I do thrive under demanding professors in classes but not so much on advisors. I like my advisors to be a bit laid back as I'm pretty driven and direct that my advisr only needs to nudge a little to get me in the right direction, not shove me to what he wants to see.
Right now, I think he's a nice guy but too controlling. I realized that he dominated the conversation- not even giving me a space to jump in what he had to say. Not something I want.
I think I see a money making opportunity here - classes for professors on how to be normal people who don't scare off potential students! (I had my own experience with turning down a school just because of the tone I got from one email. I've since met another person who went to that school for undergrad, and she confirmed just about everything I thought.)
You know, a lot of advisers who are actually friendly people will behave this way towards you until you're admitted. I think it's their coping mechanism to assure they don't get attached: if a better student comes along, they want to be able to take him; if you get rejected, they don't want to be disappointed. Don't take it personally. I've heard stories from a couple people who were told, "our program is extremely competitive," and otherwise totally shrugged off by potential advisers, but who wound up admitted and then courted! If you're admitted to Hoity-Toity University, you'll win his respect
( ... )
Actually I've seen these foreign recommenders (one of them is actually American) letters for me and they're fine. No criticism.
You might be right that he isn't probably taking in students as it seems to me that he's trying to move me to another professor who I will talk with over the phone sometimes next week or after that.
I don't see this professor as being rude. Sounds like honestly to me. Just because you don't like what he told you doesn't make him rude.
Clearly, he's not all that interested in you. He'd prefer someone with better experience. I don't see much point in applying to this program if he's the only prof you want to work for there.
It's very likely he plays some part in the admissions process and knows what it takes to get in. If he suggests you apply elsewhere, listen to him.
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I got in there (albeit to work with someone else; he had just taken a student that year), and ended up not going.
Is there anyone else at that school you could see yourself working with?
I mean seriously- screw this guy. If this is his attitude you don't WANT him as your advisor. I don't care he's the top of your field- he is NOT the end all be all, it is his loss. You might just not be the best fit for him as an advisor. Trust Me- you don't want a mean advisor, no matter how good they are at research.
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P.S. Half is me, half is someone else :)
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Right now, I think he's a nice guy but too controlling. I realized that he dominated the conversation- not even giving me a space to jump in what he had to say. Not something I want.
I'm still thinking about it.
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You might be right that he isn't probably taking in students as it seems to me that he's trying to move me to another professor who I will talk with over the phone sometimes next week or after that.
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Clearly, he's not all that interested in you. He'd prefer someone with better experience. I don't see much point in applying to this program if he's the only prof you want to work for there.
It's very likely he plays some part in the admissions process and knows what it takes to get in. If he suggests you apply elsewhere, listen to him.
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