Oh dear god, what have I done?

[justuschickens]

So I started emailing a few faculty with aligned research interests today and mentioned that I'm intending to take a road trip out west for some campus visits in June. I'm 2 years from graduating (I'm a non-trad, which is why I'm pretty set on grad school at this point -- I'm only here in undergrad so I can get a BA and move on to my Ph.D.), and I

Comments

[wee_little_me]

you are such a total nerd, its sexy.

[shaydlip]

Then, make sure that HE would give YOU the support that you need.

I second this. You want an advisor who is going to put in a personal investment with you- that way you know you will get what you need, because s/he WANTS you to be successful also.

Also, ask what type of advising style s/he has. Does s/he like set meetings, every week? A more free flowing come into my office anytime? Figure out what your style is. Can you see yourself going insane by an advisor who is very involved? Do you think you would need more attention to learn to do x, y, z, methodology?

[shaydlip]

Also, ask what type of advising style s/he has. Does s/he like set meetings, every week? A more free flowing come into my office anytime? Figure out what your style is. Can you see yourself going insane by an advisor who is very involved? Do you think you would need more attention to learn to do x, y, z, methodology?

I take this back, re: the comment I just left replying to fullofpink.

[fullofpink]

Business casual, polo t-shirt and khakis with some sensible shoes (sneakers could even be fine, like reebox, or even chucks, or even ballet flats (if you are a girl - if you're a guy, wear black business shoe things that are low key, boat shoes, etc. just a bit preppy).

You are still an undergrad and this is informal so expect him to be low-key too. All the professors, except 3, in my department tend to wear sandals+socks, some form of non-jean pant (green khaki's anyone?!, yellow courderoys?!) and a collared shirt. lol.

Like chris said, just talk about your research interests. You are a bit too soon to really delve into "are you taking students at this time?!?" but just ask about the school, the department, major thesis work he sponsors, and the financial aid packages they deliver. Also, REALLY important, Ask about job placement after you graduate.

Good luck! :)

[shaydlip]

You are a bit too soon to really delve into "are you taking students at this time?!?"

I never thought about this, but I suppose you're right. I was going to start this off with a comment of "really??" but it's too early to know how many slots, and probably which professors are going to get those slots of students.

[greekdaph]

I agree that it may be too soon to get specifics about whether the professor is accepting students, but the OP could ask questions like, "What direction do you see the department heading in?" and "What directions do you see your own research heading in?" and even "How, if at all, will the economic crisis affect the school/department/future funding opportunities?" These questions might, indirectly, shed at least a little light on what the situation will be in a couple years.

[roseofjuly]

I also advocate asking what percentage of students are funded for at least 4-5 years, early on. I wouldn't waste my time applying somewhere where few or none of the students get funded. I don't know if Ph.D programs like this exist, but if they do, they should be shot.

[idealforcolors]

I think it is actually a lot like meeting someone at a conference and striking up a conversation - a bit more focused on you, him, & the university, but that's the mood and formality level you're going for, since you haven't decided to apply yet.

[smyleykyley]

oh my goodness, i love your icon.

pretty please, could i borrow it?

[evil_admiral]

You can never go wrong dressing up. But I would say business casual. I'm going to diverge from everyone else's difinition of business casual though. My definition of "casual" would be a nice button up shirt and slacks (or equivalent for a female), with nice but not incredibly dressy shoes (a step up form sneakers, but not super-fancy shoes). Think loafers or their equivalent

[chatnoire]

This is really great advice, even 8 months later. On Friday I'm meeting with professors at the school I applied to, and I was freaking out a little bit. Now I am not freaking out so much. :) Thanks!