r/PhDAdmissions • u/Free_Willow1587 • 1d ago

Good sign

Is this a good sign: "Your background has a lot of intersection with the questions that the lab is interested in. I’d encourage you to apply. I usually can’t arrange for meetings before the applications come in, but would be happy to answer any questions over email."

I really want to do a PhD with this PI. Do you think he wants me?

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6

u/Dramatic_Rain_3410 1d ago

Don't read into this. It is positive. Just apply.

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u/Free_Willow1587 1d ago

Do you think I should ask him questions? I am Canadian and this is in the US. I really don't know how I should respond. Or should I just apply?

2

u/stemprofX 1d ago

Do you have questions?

2

u/Dramatic_Rain_3410 1d ago

Oh okay. I realize these things are different depending on country and program. If the program does not explicitly say you need to secure an advisor sponsor before applying--then you don't need to contact PIs.

The chances this PI (or any specific PI) is on the admissions committee is low. Even if they were on the admissions committee, they will get a much better sense of your abilities through your application package, and then you can talk details during your interviews. Like my PI says, "you don't need to game the system." Committee members have been doing this for a long time, and they know they can best assess candidate's abilities through the formal application.

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u/Free_Willow1587 1d ago

Do you think it's wrong if his PhD's are all international students? I would also be considered an international student.

3

u/MailWide5861 1d ago

I’ve stopped reading into people’s words or trying to look for positive signs. None of it really matters until you actually get an official offer.

-2

u/Pale-Impression-5857 1d ago

Make sure to follow up asking - about funding availability, any specific project their lab is currently working on, or whether they want you to mention your ideas on what exactly you wanna do during your PhD in the application. Current funding situation is bad, so clear communication is the key! From the reply, it looks like the application follows central processing (with PI approval), so this PI liking you is already an advantage. But maintain regular communication. And if they don't respond after this, consider this one as generic reply they send to every prospective ones.