Comments | applyingtograd: Superstar Professor

lyricon in applyingtograd

Superstar Professor

Oct 21, 2009 02:03

Recently I've been setting up campus visits and getting in touch with professors I've identified as potential advisors. At one of those schools, there are two people who work in my subfield. The one with whom I've been in touch is a fairly new addition to the faculty. The other professor is a serious superstar in my field (not just subfield). ( Read more... )

professor, visiting, visiting program

Comments 4

fullofpink October 21 2009, 12:41:38 UTC

I was introduced to a superstar last semester by my intern supervisor and I have to say that said superstar was really laid back, nice, and loved new ideas ( ... )

bananainpyjamas October 21 2009, 15:07:06 UTC

I was kind of in your shoes when I attended my field's flagship conference and met with several potential advisors. To my surprise, some of the biggest names I met with were the friendliest and most enthusiastic about my application. In contrast, my most awkward meetings were with non-starry professors.

Now that's not to draw a generalization about personality based on academic prominence. The experiences above relate to pre-arranged meetings, where I had some email contact with them beforehand and had sent them my CV. There were a couple big names I "cold" approached after their presentations whom were not as friendly. I think if you're vetted in some way before meeting him (in this case through the other faculty member) that should help. It's no guarantee, of course, but it should make it more likely that he'll show some interest.

homericlaughter October 21 2009, 17:39:28 UTC

"offered to let me take an incomplete in her seminar class this semester so that I could spend the next few weeks before the visit reading as much of this superstar's writing as possible. Way to make me more nervous. ;)"

That seems pretty crazy to me. I mean, yes, it's good to go in there prepared but it's a meeting not an examination. I feel like this'll just put more pressure on you to have THE MOST POSITIVE MEETING EVER.

Just my thought, but I wouldn't get so stressed out about it.

saralinds October 24 2009, 03:20:21 UTC

I've dealt with superstars in my field. You just don't know unless you do some research from others and meet with them ( ... )