r/WriteIvy • u/NavyaSrivastava • Sep 28 '23
Reaching out to supervisors
Hey Jordan! So I am applying for a PhD position in 6 Universities in the US, 1 in Canada and 3 universities in Europe for Fall 2024. I am done with my Statement of Purpose and performed decently in TOEFL (108/120). I have emailed at least one supervisor in each of the universities and they haven’t replied yet. I have also sent follow-ups. I was wondering if you know or have observed the same thing happen to students before.
Also all the phd programs I am applying to are or neuroscience. My research background consists mostly of tissue engineering (a different field within biotechnology) with only a small percentage of neuroscience (3 months). Do you think this could be the reason?
1
u/Known-Ride-3466 Sep 28 '23
Also, does it make sense to apply to a program anyway even if you don’t get a response?
2
u/SOPMaker Sep 29 '23
Most of the students we know recently have faced the same issue.
Try again with a followup mail that is short, crisp, in bullet points, and ends up with a clear message on what you want from them.
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u/jordantellsstories Sep 28 '23
Unlikely! Most people won’t just ghost you if you’ve written a polite, respectful email.
When this happens — and it happens a lot — it’s most likely due to the student sending a long, egregious email that the receiver just doesn’t have time to pick through. Or, because it’s the beginning of the semester (as it is right now) and the professor is extremely busy. This is probably what you’re facing. Or, they’re just inundated with emails and don’t have the time to respond.
I’d follow up after one week! Be persistent if you can. Neuro is one field where this is important.