Contacting Potential PhD Advisors / Supervisors

Email template for contacting potential PhD advisors, and information about when to approach potential supervisors, how to follow up on email to faculty, how to read between the lines in responses, common mistakes PhD applicants make when emailing prospective PhD advisors, and other stuff that is useful to know!
00:00 Should you contact potential advisors?
02:31 Finding out about advisor capacity
05:00 Finding out about current research
06:17 When should you reach out?
07:40 Template for contacting advisors
09:25 Personalize your emails
11:55 Don't demand a meeting
14:35 How to follow up
15:15 Types of responses you might get
Template for contacting potential PhD advisors:
Dear Dr. ______ ,
I am considering applying to your department's PhD program, one reason being that I am very interested on the work you are doing on ___. For example I particularly enjoyed your paper on ___ and I could see myself doing that kind of work. My own research interests relate to ____ , and in fact, I have some research experience with _____ . I'm wondering if you are considering taking on new PhD advisees, or if you have suggestions for other faculty that I should reach out to. I'd be interested to hear about the most recent work in your lab, and I'd be happy to answer any questions or to talk if more information would be helpful.
Additional Resources
+ Setting yourself up well for a PhD (in undergrad) • What to do as an under...
+ PhD application tips • PhD Application Tips! ...
+ Reasons PhD applicants are rejected • Reasons PhD applicants...
+ PhD application timeline • PhD Application Timeli...
+ Full PhD application playlist kzbin.info?list...
Find Me
+ TikTok / professorcasey
+ Twitter / cfiesler
+ Instagram / professorcasey

[@MorinWeb1]

Reaching out to a PI and having an informal interview were critical for my daughter getting into her dream school. After she applied, she kept in touch with the PI throughout the process. She didn’t get accepted until late March, but she made a great impression on her PI and she made sure she got her into the program. She never did have a formal interview. Reacting out also led to an invitation to an Open House Interview at a different program.

[@ruthannebrooks2826]

Out of curiosity, what does your daughter study? (Would love to gauge this experience alongside with the advice given in the video of STEM vs humanities and such)

[@mikaylabrooks6520]

I just discovered your videos and I’m so glad. I’ve been so confused about this whole process and where to even start. I’m going to binge your KZbin’s!!!! ❤️

[@sivabalankaniapan6275]

Thank you so much Dr Fiesler.

[@mahmudaislam5428]

I loved the way you smiled all the time through your video. You seem to be an encouraging professor who can ease their students fears. Thanks ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@worldtravelerbella]

You’re videos are extremely helpful! Thank you very much!

[@UcheEziagu]

Thank you so much! God bless you! Your videos are indeed a great blessing to me!

[@abhishekamar3552]

Thank You So Much Casey For Helping Us

[@selormafeke4391]

You have a really nice personality, Casey. Thanks a lot for doing this.

[@AMANDEEPKAUR-oq9mo]

Thanks casey, this is really helpful.

[@nictheobald5199]

Your videos have helped me so much. Thank you!

[@DJ-ub4uh]

Just the video i needed right now!! :)

[@nabihayousuf]

This is so helpful Thank you!

[@firstpersonviews1996]

Thank you for your help!!

[@Christine1033]

So glad I found your channel 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@hessamkhorassani]

This has been very helpful, thank you!

[@aryakareem9411]

Your videos are really helpful.. thankyou so much!

[@anulawathiekanayake4056]

Your video is very helpful and friendly service.thanks a lot.

[@melamela2247]

Your vedio is insightful I love your personality. Thanks

[@Sylexist]

Professor Fiesler, I want to thank you for making this video. Somehow the KZbin algorithm registered that I was feeling overwhelmed and anxious about reaching out to potential advisors and this video came at the exact time I needed. I feel I have a better grasp of what this part of the process will look like. All the best in your continued academic endeavors. Once again, thank you!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Good luck!

[@ayasarsour2860]

Thank you very much for those valuable tips 😊

[@AhmedAbouHalima]

Thanks, much professor Casey

[@callistusigboanugo4028]

Thank you for this very helpful information.

[@KK99081]

Your video is a treasure!!!

[@ChristianLilik]

Thanks... this is very helpful

[@arthurmayo3516]

Thank you so much Prof. Casey! As a freshman trying to find his way around academia and potential careers you have made my life so much easier and elucidated the whole process. Can not support you enough!

[@umairamazon4821]

hi, i am astonished by the way you gather information and make videos. god bless you, you got my respect. alot of love from pakistan.

[@kokokoko6772]

This is a great video. I hope I get successful in my PhD application

[@sumankumardas8475]

I'm fall in love with you professor.....thank you for guiding us

[@ramandeeprekhi1261]

THANK YOU!

[@ArijitDas-bl1lx]

As always 🤷🏻‍♂️ your videos very helpful 😄 Can you make a video/series on how to read research/academic papers, or what should be the approach for the same for a beginner ? I think it will be really beneficial for many students (like me).

[@zawilwilliam-thephddiaries4966]

I have been waiting for 12 days now and I haven't received any response 😁 I think it's the time to follow up. Thank you so much for this amazing video 💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Good luck!

[@joeguzman2987]

Thank you

[@mahakarthik2939]

Dear Prof. Casey, I am glad that I found you channel. It's being a guide star for my PhD. Thanks for that I have come across people telling it requires research experience after Master's degree which will be looked closely when students apply for PhD. May I know your opinion about this. If that's the case, how must a student be prepared. Thanks in advance!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I may be misunderstanding you question, but a lot of folks have research experience from before or during a masters degree, and I suppose sometimes after if research is part of a job they have.

[@hashimmushtasinreza2044]

Hi Dr. Fiesler. Your video has truly shed light on the process of contacting supervisors. I had one question though- do you recommend prospective students attach their CVs to the first email?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I don't really have strong feelings about this one way or another! Though I don't think it hurts.

[@dwamenaakenten4523]

Great video. Thank you Professor Casey for such educative video. Respectfully, could you please throw more light on the reason why you won't recommend we attach our transcript to the email? I would be grateful to hear from you. Thank you

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I mean I suppose you can if you want to, but typically an email is not the place for application materials.

[@akhigbeisaac884]

Thank you Casey, your videos have been highly educative. Please is it necessary to include a CV or transcript when sending an email to a potential supervisor

[@jennifergersch9126]

I think a CV can only help. If by scanning your CV, a potential advisor sees research or job experience that corresponds to their own interests, I think it can only help you.

[@Katherine_Pan]

Hi Casey, this is very useful! Thanks! I know a PhD student in my field and she reached out to potential advisors 1-2 weeks after submitting her applications and ended up visiting a lot of them during the winter break (pre-covid). She said this way, a lot of the faculty members would have already read her applications and known about her. So they can better remember her. Would you suggest doing this instead?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

As I said in the video, reaching out seems most useful as a fact finding mission for you, so I don't see how it's as helpful after you've submitted an application.

[@DivineArrow7]

This video was very helpful, thank you! I'm currently in the middle of applying to political science PhD programs and a common response I've received from the potential advisors that I've reached out to is that faculty doesn't really talk to prospective students before admissions decisions are made. However, I have a few friends in political science PhD programs who reached out to advisors when they were applying and they never received this kind of response. Should I stop reaching out? Some of the responses have been helpful as they've referred me to other faculty. I'm also considering reaching out to current grad students beforehand to ask them about advisors.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm afraid I don't know anything about the norms in political science! I find it unlikely that reaching out would be negatively interpreted, but you should get advice from someone in your field.

[@drivepals9678]

Hey Dr Casey, I have a video request for you. Any chance you can talk about post-Doc? What it entails, differences, funding, are courses required, etc...

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Since I didn't do a postdoc and haven't supervised one either I'm not the best person for this! But from my knowledge, coursework isn't part of it.

[@user-hq7cc7yg1f]

Thanks for your very helpful videos. I just discovered your channel and I have already watched several of them. I have a question regarding attaching an SoP to my email to a potential PhD advisor though. I read your response to the question about sending a CV/transcripts, but I am wondering about SoPs. Thank you.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Unless they ask for it, you shouldn't be sending an application to a professor before you're actually applying!

[@user-hq7cc7yg1f]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you very much for your response. Of course, I am not going to send my transcripts or similar documents directly to a professor. I was just wondering about attaching an SoP to the email. Seemingly you are not in favor of this.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

​@@user-hq7cc7yg1f I personally would find it strange for a student to send application materials like an SOP directly to me, but have no idea how others might feel.

[@user-hq7cc7yg1f]

I understand. Thank you for your insights.

[@sinabanasaz3311]

Hi Casey, Thanks for sharing good content, Is it necessary to attach a CV or any extra information in the first email?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

In my opinion, not necessary, but I don't know if others might expect it - I can't imagine it hurts. I'd say it's probably about half and half for the emails I get.

[@sinabanasaz3311]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thanks a lot.

[@luisponcevega3027]

Hi, great video, loved the template, but would it be different if I met the faculty member in a conference, and I want to do a follow up?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Sure! You should mention that.

[@emilyzhang8091]

Hi Casey, thank you for this helpful video! I'm wondering what the reason is for suggesting to only follow up once? And not emailing a 3rd time if you don't hear back? Thank you!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I just suspect that if someone doesn’t respond after a reminder, they’re unlikely to respond at all.

[@seejendo3290]

I’m coming from the IT industry, looking to apply for a psychology PhD. There is one specific advisor that I would really like to work with, and she currently has a $4 million grant through NIMH. I’m actually flexible in terms of when I can apply since I’m changing careers. I want to make sure I have time to take some relevant courses, do the GRE psych subject test, and see about getting some research experience. Would it be appropriate to reach out to her, tell her a bit about my background, some of my current plans, and ask her what else I could do to improve my chances of being considered by her? I looked into her current advisees and most of them came up through a traditional path (psych ba to psych PhD, often from her university).

[@sakinahowens]

Hi Dr. Casey, Firstly, thank you for this video! I don’t know if you’ll see this but I will be applying to Biochemistry PhD programs this fall, I haven’t contacted any advisors yet though, I’ve been studying for the GRE, as I will be taking it in August, & working on my personal statements & statements of purpose, but do you recommend to start contacting advisors now, or after I’ve submitted my application?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Probably before your application, but I would say there's probably no need any sooner than a month or two before the deadline unless it's going to heavily impact how you prepare your applications.

[@kostaspampou8197]

Hello Casey, thank you very much for your videos! I would like to ask whether you know any good source with statement of purpose examples that can help me writing my own phd application statement of purpose

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I have a video about statements of purpose. :)

[@Mohammed-qh4eq]

Wow, this is very useful. What's your take on attaching a resume and/or transcripts to such emails?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Transcripts seem very unnecessary. A resume is fine though I personally don’t tend to look at them.

[@Mohammed-qh4eq]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thank you vey much

[@sumaiyaeva5775]

I am sincerely grateful for the videos you upload for the students. However, I have a question regarding the responses from the professors. If someone says 'I will be waiting for your application' in the interview, is it a good sign? Do the professors ever say things directly like "welcome to the department. You will be working with me"? How do the positive responses look like? Could you please enlighten a bit?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

They definitely wouldn't say "welcome to the department" - they haven't even seen your application yet. :) And it's rare that a single professor would make an admissions decisions entirely on their own.

[@sumaiyaeva5775]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks so much for your prompt response. I appreciate it. 😊 During this stressful time of the year (for the Ph.D. applicants), your videos are definitely showing us the right directions.. Thanks once again.

[@emanjabadi307]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Hi professor🌹what is a reply showing they're interested in being an advisor for this student?

[@jennifergersch9126]

Regarding how frequently to email a potential advisor: I reached out to two potential advisors in the same department multiple times, and never received a response from either one. I respect your thoughts on still applying to said program. However, potential advisors must understand that applicants are interviewing them just as much--maybe more--as they're interviewing the applicants. If I don't get a reply after even the second email, how can I think you'll be any different once I'm actually in your program?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I don't think there's really any way to know that. It's certainly something you can/should take into account when deciding where to go if you have options!

[@user-cc2fp1ev4t]

Thanks, Casey. Is it OK to send an email to the postdoc before contacting advisors? I am preparing a Ph.D. course in Europe (I am not a European), and there is a postdoc from my country in my dream lab. I want to ask some advice from him because information about European PhDs is hard to find... I am just worrying about that contacting the postdoc before prof. could be minuses.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm not in a field where postdocs running labs is common, so I'm afraid I don't really have any insight here!

[@ahmadsyah3081]

Hello Prof. Casey Thank you for this great video! 1. I was wondering if it is alright to email to more than one faculty members in one department? 2. And in my case, as i am interested in hospitality management research, my principle potential professors are indeed mostly in the hospitality department. However, I also found some really potential "Strategic Management" professors that work specifically on the theoretical development of my research plan for hospitality - which I could not find in the hospitality professors as yet. Hence, can I also cross-email to a different department within similar school (e.g.business school that offers both hospitality & strategic management)? 3. and ethically, is it possible to seek supervision from professor in different concentration? Your advice would be highly appreciated.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Yes, it's generally fine to reach out to more than one professor. Though for your second question, I'm a little confused - are you considering applying to two different PhD programs? That's also fine! But you shouldn't assume that a professor from another department can advise students outside their department.

[@khushbukumari-tm9gs]

Hello @Casey, can you let know how an undergraduate would know if they are interested in research or what should they do to perform a research? Considering undergraduate would like to directly apply for phd rather than going to masters

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Yep i have a video about this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqDEhGOHnK6HkJo

[@DJ-ub4uh]

One of the faculty members i was super interested in hasn’t updated his CV in 5 years. Thought it was weird but still kept my hopes up. Found out the other day from his previous student that he just retired☹️the hunt for advisors is stressful for someone like me who hates the unknown😂

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Oh yeah, that's another reason someone might not be taking on new students - they're retiring soon, or looking for a new job.

[@jdcharlie]

Hi Professor Casey! Thank you for this video. Is it necessary to attach any files, say your CV to this email?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You can if you'd like, but I personally don't think it's necessary. I would say that about half the people who contact me do, though I don't tend to look at them unless the contents of the email suggest I should.

[@ziyangliu6392]

Hi Casey, I’m currently trying to apply for a PhD in maths in UK, and I’ve reached out to some professors and get response like “I do plan on taking some new students and here’re the possible sources of findings… please let me know if you have any questions.” I’m actually pretty confused for what should do next…I actually don’t know what to discuss with them because the level of knowledge I have are so scarce that I can hardly read papers on the area (stochastic analysis)…

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Did they give you papers to read? If not, when they want to know if you have questions they probably don't mean about research, they probably mean about the program, applying, etc.

[@ziyangliu6392]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you so much for the reply. They didn't suggest any materials to read. I'm actually really panicing for not getting any such meetings with potentiail supervisors before the application, since as far as I know people work with their supervisors pretty closely in mathematics...But on the other hand I don't know what to talk about if I get such a chance.

[@Itz_amie]

Thanks Casey When a prospective supervisor suggests another faculty member, Is it okay to reference or copy the former when sending a new email?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I think referencing is fine, but I don't think there's a need to copy!

[@Itz_amie]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Okay Thanks

[@veerendrakumar]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD I wish to find a supervisor like you. You are really great. Greetings from India.

[@Gathanokos]

Thank you for this video! This does seem like a silly question but should I reply back to a professor who responded with a generic response something like "Thank you for your interest...Leave a note after applying" or "We will talk more after you apply"? Should reply with a "Thank you for your response. I will be sure to get back to you after applying" to be polite or should I just wait until I actually do apply and send an email afterward?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I personally don't think it matters so whatever seems right t you!

[@Gathanokos]

Thank you for the quick response :D

[@shashwatinanda1135]

Dear Professor, Thank you for this wonderful video series. I am applying for a PhD for fall 2023. Because I was occupied with other things, I couldn't send emails to the prof earlier and now I'm approaching the deadline. My question is do I still email when I'm just 2 days away from the deadline or not?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

As I say in this video I think that it's mostly useful as a fact finding mission for you, so the question is whether there's information that would still be helpful for you at this point. But also you should know that there's a VERY small chance they will get back to you in time. For what it's worth I've gotten more emails in the past week than any previous week. :)

[@shashwatinanda1135]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you so much for your response

[@aashishmalik9408]

Hello Casey, I want to apply for Ph.D. in the upcoming fall semester. I have done research work as well and managed to publish paper in journal but all my research work and undergrads are different from the field in which I want to apply for. I am passionate to do research in the field in which I want to apply. Does I stand a chance to get admit. Thanks for posting Ph.D. related videos, there are not many channels available with valuable content for Ph.D. candidates.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

There's no way I can answer that question, but those are all good things, good luck to you!

[@saket5740]

If you reach out with no reply, how long should you wait before bumping your email again? Thanks for the helpful video.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I cover that in this video. :D A week or two!

[@saket5740]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD whoops must have zoned out when you mentioned that, thanks!

[@kartikjoshi772]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Should we reach out to them during the next application cycle if they didn't reply to us multiple times for the current app cycle? Would that be a good idea and what might be a good template in that case? Asking this in case, we got rejects and applying for the next cycle.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@kartikjoshi772 I think that it would probably be fine to reach out during a new application cycle!

[@ukeshkarki9599]

I got response from a professor who I really admire saying " I encourage you to apply" plus he also mentioned that it is likely he gonna expand his graduate group, but I am confuse Did he found me capable or it was simply a generic response? Thank you for all of your video.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Neither you nor I have no way to know this!

[@ukeshkarki9599]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you for reply. I guess there is only way to find out. I am gonna apply there.

[@welcomehome4977]

thanks for your explanation, actually I need to find a supervisor ( EPFL university in Switzerland) for my project as soon as possible ( as it's a crucial part of the requirements to obtain an excellent scholarship that I am willing to apply for) , so I don't really know if I am going to follow a selection process first for the doctoral program or just contact them anyway ? thank you in advance.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to this! If you have a question about process for a specific program, I would recommend contacting them and asking.

[@welcomehome4977]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thank you for your response

[@minwang579]

Dear Casey, could you provide some suggestions for replying to different replies from potential advisors?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm afraid I don't understand your question!

[@kostaspampou8197]

Hello Casey, thank you for your videos. Do you think it would be a good idea to attach my academic CV to the email to the potential supervisor? or add my LinkedIn URL below my name at the end of the email?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I don't really think it matters! Some professors will look at them (or go to a LinkedIn) and some won't. I don't expect that kind of thing when folks email me, but I also wouldn't be put off by it - so I can't think of why it would hurt.

[@mdanisurrahaman26]

Hi Professor Fiesler, Is it necessary or okay to attach my CV in my first emails to the professor?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I personally do not have a preference (and get them initially maybe 50% of the time), but I don't see how it would hurt.

[@VladyslavKL]

🕊

[@tomohak4867]

Dear Professor Casey, Thanks so much for your imformative and useful video. I really get lots of facts that I should follow. I would like to ask about the admission, Prof. If I do not get connected or recommended by a supervisor, would I not be admitted for the admission? I am totally worried about it because I do not still get connect with any professor although I sent the emails. But, I have already applied the university with my awarded scholarship. Thanks so much for your time and reading my comment. Suggest me what I should continue to do, Prof. Thanks.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

If you have applied, then I think you have done all that you can do! I know that waiting is really hard, best of luck.

[@tomohak4867]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks so much, Professor.

[@manshuolin3920]

What is a suitable title for this kind of emails? should I write something like "From xxx, asking for possible positions in your group" ?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You don't need the from since it will come from your email address. :) I don't think that it really matters, but more clear would probably just be something like "inquiry from a PhD applicant"

[@manshuolin3920]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you!! That is really helpful, I am also so glad that I find your channel :D

[@lakshmanjayawardana3528]

Hi professor, I have a question about advisors and the department. Currently, I am wrapping up my masters and looking for PhD opportunities in Human-Computer Interactions (HCI). My current advisor is really good and he has publications in top journals and conferences like CHI. But I have few concerns about the university and the department. First, my university is not highly ranked, but classified as R1 Doctoral University. Second, our department isn't well known for HCI, but faculty members who do research in HCI have a good reputation and they have great publications. In this situation, I am currently in a dilemma, whether apply for a PhD in my university with the same advisor or look for other potential advisors in other universities. I have been looking for potential advisors in other universities, but it's challenging to find a professor on par with the current advisor. I was wondering if you could shed more light in to choosing PhD advisors based on your experience, especially in this type of situation. Thank you

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Here is my video on choosing advisors! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGSspWalh756g7c And it sounds like you're not 100% sure you want to stay at your university, so my advice is: both. Apply to your university and to others, and then make a decision if you're accepted to multiple places.

[@alimharise3276]

Hello professor, could you please tell me when to email the advisor.? Before the application or after that...?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Before, for all the reasons stated in this video (because it's mostly helpful forr YOU in fact finding) - but you should also find out what the norm is in your field.

[@endrudaud]

Your video is really helping. Do have any advice on how to approach a potential Ph.D. Advisors who already broadcast a specific Ph.D. Topic and I want to apply to that particular topic. and, do we have to send a research proposal in the first email? if we already have one. And do you have any suggestion on how to write the best research proposal to a potential Ph.D. advisor.. thank you

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm assuming you're applying to PhD programs outside the U.S.! Since we don't do research proposals as part of PhD applications here, I'm afraid I don't have specific advice on that. Applying for specific topics is also much less common, but yes, I would assume you should mention that when you reach out!

[@endrudaud]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD yes.. in the UK, this university published some PHD Topic and the contact of the profesor in charge. I am curious about how I have to approach the profesor, since the topic is published with less detail information. Do i need tell my detail specification that match the topic or just tell that i am interested in the topic and a little info why I can work with that topic. Anyway thank you for the reply.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@endrudaud Unfortunately I don't have any experience with that so am not familiar with what the norms might be.

[@Bio-explains]

If I already published a scientific article, should I put it with the email as attachment, or should I just mention that I have experience in research.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I wouldn't recommend having an attachment, but you can always include the citation and/or a link.

[@emmanueluejike]

Hi Casey, thanks for the eye opener, how do I frame an email in response to a recruitment call by a professor on Twitter(its becoming a norm), do I use same format? Do professors actually discuss potenti candidates with one another? Also, this video was made 2 years ago, have anything changed for STEM applications What are the reasons why potential advisors don't reply to cold emails, is Google marking an email as spam or is my subject generic, could there be other issues?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

(1) My suggested format here is just an example, you certainly don't have to use it exactly! (2) Do you mean within the same department? I'd certainly hope so, since an admissions decision shouldn't be on a single person! (3) I can't imagine any reason that things would have changed. (4) There are a hundred different reasons you might not get a response. Don't read too much into it! Good luck!

[@emmanueluejike]

Thank you, my concerns have been addressed

[@thecrazysharma]

Hey Casey. I am planning to come to US for phd in 2023. Is it a good idea to contact advisors as soon as possible and ask them about what all is required of me so that I can get a definite Phd acceptance ? Or should I wait for some time?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

It’s currently admissions season for 2022 so I’m not sure what you could find out at this point that would be helpful! Though you can reach out if you like. But there’s nothing they can tell you that will guarantee acceptance regardless.

[@thecrazysharma]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD I could ask the the advisors about the research experience I should get in order to increase my chances. Also, how low can grades be to not be balanced out by research experience?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@thecrazysharma I don't think that either of those questions can really be answered!

[@shakir_adamm]

Hello professor. I hope you are doing well. I need to ask you a few questions regarding these cold emails. I got several replies from different professors, most of them suggested to me applying for the positions and they would review the application. Some of them even said they were looking forward to reviewing it. Now I m confused 😮Whether it is a green signal or just a positive response everyone gets. Concerning the application fees required, I need to make sure... thank u

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Unfortunately there’s no way to know! Will vary by person.

[@heavenlibound1984]

How can I find the current grant funding, if it not listed on the department's page?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Their personal website and CV. Or if they're one of those profs that only updates every 10 years, you could always search common grant agencies - e.g. the National Science Foundation has a search function. And if none of those... then shrug, sometimes you just can't know.

[@heavenlibound1984]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD I have come across some faculty that haven't posted their present research since 2017 or earlier. I've always been concerned about it. I've not been sure if the Univ has not updated anything about their status(retired, sabbatical, etc.) or something more serious has happened to them. It's always been a concern when I see it like that.

[@melamela2247]

Can you say my research interests will revolve around... and you mention 6 areas. Its it much. Please advise.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Hard to say! Seems like a lot, but you also might consider what they're an example of.

[@ziyuwang4075]

Do you think it would be ok if I resend a new email to my perspective advisor after a week with no responses?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I think it’s perfectly fine (a good idea, actually) to follow up once, after a couple of weeks.

[@achieverhere3369]

Hi, how long should we take to send a follow-up email to the professor for supervision? And can we send mail during weekends too?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I would say waiting a week or two to follow up is appropriate, but possibly longer int he summer (since folks may be on vacation). If you send emails on the weekends (or actually, any time!) just don't expect a response right away.

[@achieverhere3369]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you ! Can you provide me the list of countries having professor scholarship?

[@awsaf49]

Thank you for the video, Professor Fiesler. How long should an email be? Usually, my emails reach 300+ words because I include details about my research and professional experience, trying to make a good first impression. I also attempt to analyze her papers and offer suggestions for improvement to demonstrate my genuine interest in and understanding of her work. But is 300+ words too lengthy? If yes, how should I make it shorter?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

My first reaction to this is that you are probably putting too much effort into this email. It isn't an application, and it sounds as if you're writing a statement of purpose into an email. I don't know that this level of detail will necessarily hurt you, but I think it unnecessary, and it's possible that someone will not read it all. Second, if this part was serious: Absolutely do not "offer suggestions for improvement" to someone's research! Oh my gosh. There are far better ways to indicate interest.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

And to clarify re: that last point, there is a time and place for such conversations, especially if you're careful (as you should always be!) about how you're offering criticism. But *leading* with that when your explicit goal is that you want to learn from this person, is probably not the best idea.

[@awsaf49]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thank you for your detailed answer

[@vasilikitsakiridou7370]

At the university I want to apply in Finland (phd in music therapy), it is mandatory to find a supervisor first and if a supervisor interested in you, then you can apply. He/she even takes a look at the research plan before submit it. Right now, I'm waiting to find a potential supervisor!! I suspect that, it such cases, if you find a supervisor, the application is typical and you have already been accepted. Otherwise, why a supervisor spend time for you? Do you or someone else knows more about this?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with how admissions work in Finland, so I can't answer this for you! But I do typically think that it's good not to *assume* you've been accepted until you get an acceptance, though it's nice to be very optimistic!

[@Brexit12345]

If a professor doesnt answer after the follow up, do you recommend sending an email to someone else?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

If there is another professor you might be interested in working with, you may as well email them regardless!

[@darshanshetty7065]

hey prof casey i just had a quick question for you, would it be okay to email more than one professor from the same university while applying?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Yep!

[@darshanshetty7065]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thankyou

[@sciencetechnologyeducation9560]

Hi I want to take admission in PhD chemistry can you please guide me

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I hope you find my videos useful, good luck! I also recommend talking to people in your field.

[@pastorjude8471]

Hello. Professor Casey, thank you for your video it's so educative, please can you connect me to an advisor in Economics PhD program.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I cannot! But I have a video on finding programs to apply to that might have some helpful ideas for finding potential advisors.

[@rathodbaldev505]

I'm Just curious to know that , what if we don't have University email I'd. Just we have personal email I'd, in this case , email gonna be into spam. Then exactly what happens ! Do they check spam , personally u do check !!!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I don't think it's a given that non-university email goes to spam! I get emails from private email addresses all thee time.

[@bikashbhagat8413]

I have applied for phd physics program in some universities in USA for fall 2024. My application is under review. Will it help, if I email the professors after i have completed my application?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

As I say in the video, I think that reaching out to prospective faculty is mostly helpful for YOU re: putting together your application materials.

[@IssoufBa42]

But is it actually wise to ask recommendations from a potential supervisor though? He'd think that if you're as brilliant as you think you'd have done enough research on other potential supervisors instead of lazily asking him...

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I can't imagine interpreting it that way, but sure I suppose someone might.

[@jideikete2102]

Thanks Casey Can I give the email a subject like " request for a project advisor ".

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Are you already in the PhD program or are you reaching out because you're applying?

[@jideikete2102]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks for your response. I am reaching out because I am applying for an M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

@@jideikete2102 Hmmm I'm not sure what your ask is, then - why would you need a project advisor before you are in the program? Maybe I just don't know how that kind of program works though!

[@jideikete2102]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks for your kind reply. Well the school(University of Manitoba precisely) requires that applicants for any research or thesis based program must contact a faculty member for a potential project advisor prior to application.

[@garlicflowerzzz]

So I accidentally sent my potential advisor a 3rd email because I didn’t know it was bad and I’m very interested in working with him and I know he’s extremely busy. Am I screwed? I was very polite

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

In all honesty if someone reacted so badly to a follow up email that it impacted your chances, that is a giant red flag and you wouldn’t want to work with them anyway.

[@jennifergersch9126]

How important is this for an MFA program?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I'm afraid I don't know anything about MFA programs!

[@lemonsrx]

What if you get a response suggesting that your background seems to fit with another? I am trying to apply to social psych which is my dream- I have 6 years of research experience within various social science fields and want to return to psychology. With that said, I have so far received a couple of replies from faculty encouraging me to apply. There was on response that irked me a bit saying I'd fit better with Sociology however, I do not want to embark on Sociology. I made that mistake years ago. Should I respond?? I don't even know what to say... this is one faculty out of the four I am seeking to reach out to. I feel so defeated.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

They were likely just trying to be helpful; I wouldn’t take it as discouragement.

[@lemonsrx]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thank you Casey!

[@NB-zj4yv]

Is it OK to email multiple professors from the same department?

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Yep!

[@NB-zj4yv]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you Dr. Fiesler. A friend of mine, told me that sending emails to multiple professors from the same department might put a bad impression that I am actually not interested in a particular professor, but just want to take admission.

[@akhigbeisaac884]

Thank you Casey, your videos have been highly educative. Please is it necessary to include a CV or transcript when sending an email to a potential supervisor

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I don't have a strong opinion on whether to include a CV or not! I think it's fine - when students reach out to me they often do. I would not recommend sending a transcript though.

[@akhigbeisaac884]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD thank you, very helpful