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I asked for a graduate student position from a professor. He replied “welcome”. What does that mean?


How to answer a professor asking “what your masters work is about?” when my thesis is not in English?A faculty member turned me down because of lack of funding. If the university announces funding is available, should I apply anyway?How to get people to reply to emails and what to make of a no response?Offering admission and then no response!How to write a proper subject line for a follow up emailPostdoc application email with PIShould I email or text the professor as a apology if it seems that he is ignoring my emailHow do I reply to a professor's email who wants to chat with you?






.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty
margin-bottom:0;









28


















I emailed a professor, saying I'm looking for a position. I introduced myself and wrote about experiences that I thought would be relevant to his work. I read on his website that he was recruiting students in a few research fields, and I cited the two in which I was interested, and said I would like to know more about them.
After 20 minutes I received this: "welcome". What does that even mean? Should I take it as a simple "no"? How do I reply to this?
I'm interested in his work, but there are also other professors in this school with similar areas of research. Should I move on to them without replying to this professor?



EDIT: I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". However, I find it kind of strange because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this. Any suggestions on how I can proceed?










share|improve this question






















  • 14





    Just email them again asking for clarification in a polite way

    – Ander Biguri
    Sep 10 at 8:36






  • 9





    Are you currently a student enrolled at the same university as the professor?

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:12






  • 11





    Then, in that case, I assume you have to apply to the university and be accepted. If you do so, the professor will be interested in working with you. While professors can advocate on your behalf when you apply, I don't think they can just accept you as a student. (Maybe I'm wrong and they can in your country?) I would take your conversation to mean that the professor wants you to apply and, should you be accepted, they will be able to offer you a position.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:36






  • 15





    If you're using Gmail, those are generated by Gmail. I'm assuming from some sort of neural-net / ai program. No, those are not created by the email originator. (It's also scary how they learn to mimic your style.) It's also possible that the professor in question is using those replies to save time. He may be overwhelmed with emails and using them, even if they're not perfect.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 15:19






  • 14





    I'm reminded of this phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1047

    – ahiijny
    Sep 10 at 19:04

















28


















I emailed a professor, saying I'm looking for a position. I introduced myself and wrote about experiences that I thought would be relevant to his work. I read on his website that he was recruiting students in a few research fields, and I cited the two in which I was interested, and said I would like to know more about them.
After 20 minutes I received this: "welcome". What does that even mean? Should I take it as a simple "no"? How do I reply to this?
I'm interested in his work, but there are also other professors in this school with similar areas of research. Should I move on to them without replying to this professor?



EDIT: I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". However, I find it kind of strange because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this. Any suggestions on how I can proceed?










share|improve this question






















  • 14





    Just email them again asking for clarification in a polite way

    – Ander Biguri
    Sep 10 at 8:36






  • 9





    Are you currently a student enrolled at the same university as the professor?

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:12






  • 11





    Then, in that case, I assume you have to apply to the university and be accepted. If you do so, the professor will be interested in working with you. While professors can advocate on your behalf when you apply, I don't think they can just accept you as a student. (Maybe I'm wrong and they can in your country?) I would take your conversation to mean that the professor wants you to apply and, should you be accepted, they will be able to offer you a position.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:36






  • 15





    If you're using Gmail, those are generated by Gmail. I'm assuming from some sort of neural-net / ai program. No, those are not created by the email originator. (It's also scary how they learn to mimic your style.) It's also possible that the professor in question is using those replies to save time. He may be overwhelmed with emails and using them, even if they're not perfect.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 15:19






  • 14





    I'm reminded of this phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1047

    – ahiijny
    Sep 10 at 19:04













28













28









28


2






I emailed a professor, saying I'm looking for a position. I introduced myself and wrote about experiences that I thought would be relevant to his work. I read on his website that he was recruiting students in a few research fields, and I cited the two in which I was interested, and said I would like to know more about them.
After 20 minutes I received this: "welcome". What does that even mean? Should I take it as a simple "no"? How do I reply to this?
I'm interested in his work, but there are also other professors in this school with similar areas of research. Should I move on to them without replying to this professor?



EDIT: I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". However, I find it kind of strange because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this. Any suggestions on how I can proceed?










share|improve this question
















I emailed a professor, saying I'm looking for a position. I introduced myself and wrote about experiences that I thought would be relevant to his work. I read on his website that he was recruiting students in a few research fields, and I cited the two in which I was interested, and said I would like to know more about them.
After 20 minutes I received this: "welcome". What does that even mean? Should I take it as a simple "no"? How do I reply to this?
I'm interested in his work, but there are also other professors in this school with similar areas of research. Should I move on to them without replying to this professor?



EDIT: I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". However, I find it kind of strange because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this. Any suggestions on how I can proceed?







graduate-admissions application email






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Sep 10 at 21:30









Roboticist

4,4505 gold badges19 silver badges42 bronze badges




4,4505 gold badges19 silver badges42 bronze badges










asked Sep 10 at 8:29









MNazMNaz

4231 gold badge3 silver badges6 bronze badges




4231 gold badge3 silver badges6 bronze badges










  • 14





    Just email them again asking for clarification in a polite way

    – Ander Biguri
    Sep 10 at 8:36






  • 9





    Are you currently a student enrolled at the same university as the professor?

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:12






  • 11





    Then, in that case, I assume you have to apply to the university and be accepted. If you do so, the professor will be interested in working with you. While professors can advocate on your behalf when you apply, I don't think they can just accept you as a student. (Maybe I'm wrong and they can in your country?) I would take your conversation to mean that the professor wants you to apply and, should you be accepted, they will be able to offer you a position.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:36






  • 15





    If you're using Gmail, those are generated by Gmail. I'm assuming from some sort of neural-net / ai program. No, those are not created by the email originator. (It's also scary how they learn to mimic your style.) It's also possible that the professor in question is using those replies to save time. He may be overwhelmed with emails and using them, even if they're not perfect.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 15:19






  • 14





    I'm reminded of this phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1047

    – ahiijny
    Sep 10 at 19:04












  • 14





    Just email them again asking for clarification in a polite way

    – Ander Biguri
    Sep 10 at 8:36






  • 9





    Are you currently a student enrolled at the same university as the professor?

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:12






  • 11





    Then, in that case, I assume you have to apply to the university and be accepted. If you do so, the professor will be interested in working with you. While professors can advocate on your behalf when you apply, I don't think they can just accept you as a student. (Maybe I'm wrong and they can in your country?) I would take your conversation to mean that the professor wants you to apply and, should you be accepted, they will be able to offer you a position.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 14:36






  • 15





    If you're using Gmail, those are generated by Gmail. I'm assuming from some sort of neural-net / ai program. No, those are not created by the email originator. (It's also scary how they learn to mimic your style.) It's also possible that the professor in question is using those replies to save time. He may be overwhelmed with emails and using them, even if they're not perfect.

    – Van
    Sep 10 at 15:19






  • 14





    I'm reminded of this phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1047

    – ahiijny
    Sep 10 at 19:04







14




14





Just email them again asking for clarification in a polite way

– Ander Biguri
Sep 10 at 8:36





Just email them again asking for clarification in a polite way

– Ander Biguri
Sep 10 at 8:36




9




9





Are you currently a student enrolled at the same university as the professor?

– Van
Sep 10 at 14:12





Are you currently a student enrolled at the same university as the professor?

– Van
Sep 10 at 14:12




11




11





Then, in that case, I assume you have to apply to the university and be accepted. If you do so, the professor will be interested in working with you. While professors can advocate on your behalf when you apply, I don't think they can just accept you as a student. (Maybe I'm wrong and they can in your country?) I would take your conversation to mean that the professor wants you to apply and, should you be accepted, they will be able to offer you a position.

– Van
Sep 10 at 14:36





Then, in that case, I assume you have to apply to the university and be accepted. If you do so, the professor will be interested in working with you. While professors can advocate on your behalf when you apply, I don't think they can just accept you as a student. (Maybe I'm wrong and they can in your country?) I would take your conversation to mean that the professor wants you to apply and, should you be accepted, they will be able to offer you a position.

– Van
Sep 10 at 14:36




15




15





If you're using Gmail, those are generated by Gmail. I'm assuming from some sort of neural-net / ai program. No, those are not created by the email originator. (It's also scary how they learn to mimic your style.) It's also possible that the professor in question is using those replies to save time. He may be overwhelmed with emails and using them, even if they're not perfect.

– Van
Sep 10 at 15:19





If you're using Gmail, those are generated by Gmail. I'm assuming from some sort of neural-net / ai program. No, those are not created by the email originator. (It's also scary how they learn to mimic your style.) It's also possible that the professor in question is using those replies to save time. He may be overwhelmed with emails and using them, even if they're not perfect.

– Van
Sep 10 at 15:19




14




14





I'm reminded of this phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1047

– ahiijny
Sep 10 at 19:04





I'm reminded of this phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1047

– ahiijny
Sep 10 at 19:04










12 Answers
12






active

oldest

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55



















I'd be a bit wary of working with this person if this is really them and is really their communication style.



20 minutes is plenty of time to determine a student is not a fit and to politely deny them. 20 minutes is not really enough time to commit to supervising a student.



This level of communication might be typical from some professors, but I think those are the worst to have as advisors:




"What do you think of my research ideas?"




"Good"




"Where should we try to submit this paper?"




"Journal"




"I'm worried I'm not making progress towards my thesis"




"Ok"




I would look at the admissions process for this university. If the process is such that you need to have some professor's sign off to apply, then maybe that's all they are trying to convey: that you get their sign off, and they aren't putting more effort in because the application process tends to winnow students.



In that case, clarify they are willing to sponsor your application, and go ahead and apply, but make sure you get a chance to meet further with this person before you take them as an advisor, and continue to apply elsewhere: you should not take this as a sure thing by any means, nor should you be sure yourself. If there are other people there you are interested in working with, by all means contact them.



Good luck.






share|improve this answer





















  • 16





    Illustration.

    – user21820
    Sep 12 at 4:41






  • 3





    This is my research supervisor and I have come to love it. On the one hand, you get hilariously brief emails. On the other, he is an open book in person. He's 100% descriptive and kind in person, but he's bad at emailing. He doesn't even try

    – kevinkayaks
    Sep 13 at 2:47












  • Even in my short academic career I have encountered or heard from this style of communication rather often... After writing a long and detailed request to a professor to be my thesis supervisor the entire answer I got was: "ok to be your supervisor" (even lacking punctuation). Some profs just hate writing emails.

    – fgysin reinstate Monica
    Sep 16 at 12:13



















30



















It means there was likely human error on the professor's part. The single word doesn't convey any message. Most likely explanations could be the professor replied to the wrong email, or accidentally pressed send before finishing his reply.



I'd suggest writing back and asking for clarification.



Edit: to answer your edit - you've asked for clarification and he comes back with another ambiguous answer. This isn't a good sign. If you're really, really keen to work with him I'd suggest writing back again asking if you should do anything next; otherwise I'd just assume he's not really interested and look elsewhere.






share|improve this answer























  • 4





    I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group and he replied with "yes, you can", which I find kind of strange, because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this.

    – MNaz
    Sep 10 at 13:26






  • 10





    "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?"

    – Captain Emacs
    Sep 10 at 17:42






  • 2





    @CaptainEmacs: "Yes."

    – Henning Makholm
    Sep 12 at 21:51











  • @HenningMakholm "Ok". And move on.

    – Captain Emacs
    Sep 13 at 5:16






  • 1





    I'd avoid mixing open and closed questions like these "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?" Either go with open or with closed. "How shall I proceed?" cannot possibly receive a "Yes' answer or anything else unless the professor really goes out of his way to play a mind game on the student. If you then add a yes or no question you are the one bringing temptation to the table. I'd say with these kind of people the solution is to write equally short emails while minding the etiquette of course.

    – brett
    Sep 13 at 9:01


















21



















I wouldn't read it as a "no". But it might have been an automatic reply, given the timing. It probably has the same meaning as "Thanks for your interest". Your next step should probably be to ask how you can formally apply for a position. You can also explore, separately, the school's admission requirements.



But I would take it as a positive signal, not a negative one.






share|improve this answer

































    15



















    All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail.



    How to proceed: not by e-mail. If it is feasible to visit him in person, that is ideal. If not, you could request a phone call to discuss further. Either way, your response should be very concise. "Great! Could we have a phone call this week to discuss? When would be a good time for you?"



    If you succeed in getting a meeting, you can assess whether he would be a reasonable colleague from there. Conversely, if you cannot get a meeting after a reasonable amount of effort, it's probably better to walk away.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 1





      I wouldn't conclude "All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail. ". Maybe it was an automatically generated email, such as gmail gives you the option. Mistakes happen.

      – john
      Sep 12 at 16:48






    • 1





      Sending ambiguous, automatically-generated responses is entirely consistent with someone who "does not give reasonable responses to e-mail."

      – cag51
      Sep 13 at 1:08



















    10



















    It seems, especially from your comment that "I was hoping that they would advocate my admission", that you were hoping that based on a cold email the professor would go out of his way to help you. You mentioned two research areas and said that "I would like to know more about them." What were you hoping for here? That he would reply with a detailed explanation?



    You asked if you could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". Here's one possible thing it might mean: "If you apply to my university, are accepted, enroll, pass your qualifying exams, and make a positive impression, then I would be happy to take you on as a student."



    It is difficult to guess exactly what the professor meant. My best guess is that he wants to be encouraging, but is trying to steer you to "normal" channels: to apply to his university for admission using whatever standard procedure is in place, to read his papers if you find them interesting, and if you have any questions to ask them more directly.






    share|improve this answer

































      6



















      I think "welcome" means he is happy to welcome you into his group. This is supported by the statement "yes, you can." Perhaps the professor is under the impression that you already have admission into the university and are simply looking for a guide.



      If you want to work with the professor, you should email and ask how to proceed further. How should you apply, where do you get funding etc.






      share|improve this answer

































        6



















        I would say that's a "No", and I would move on because this professor hadn't shown the signals which are sent from a typical "eager" professor to an applicant in whom she is interested. An interested professor often gets into details fast. Namely, she may: ask about the details of your research; show her curiosity about your background (which would be critical for your research) by asking about the related courses you have passed; ask about your potential funding resources to make up her mind about your needs to financial support. This list can be easily continued...



        To my experience, if you look like the "right person" to a professor, she would not give you such kinds of short telegraphic responses encouraging you to pursue the way through official channels (The exception would be the professors affiliated with super famous schools in which the admissions are essentially committee-based). Professors are often competing with each other in attracting good students. So, if a professor finds someone who looks like a great fit to her requirements, she would try to show her interest. In fact some PIs often return to candidates by these kind of short not-so-expressive answers in favor of their institutions! In particular, if a professor is not in need of recruiting someone, she may not explicitly express her point. Instead, those kinds of short answers keep the applicant hopeful for basically nothing. Thus, he applies to that program thinking that those "welcome"s or "yes"s were positive signs toward success. But the whole point would be the application fee paid by the applicant; the money that would not be steered to the university's pocket if that PI had been clear to the applicant about the lack of any interest in his case.






        share|improve this answer



































          4



















          As others have noted, this is ambiguous and somewhat confidence-lowering.



          In your next interaction, be sure to ask an open-ended question, not a polar yes-no one, and get a reply that is satisfying to you. Specifically you should really ask:




          What are the next steps I should take?







          share|improve this answer

































            3




















            1: received gladly into one's presence or companionship
            was always welcome in their home
            2: giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need
            a welcome relief
            3: willingly permitted or admitted
            he was welcome to come and go
            — W. M. Thackeray
            4—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks




            https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welcome



            The fourth definition doesn't fit, as you didn't do anything for them. This leaves the other ones, which all are variations on "received gladly". Given just that response, the professor appears to be is admitting you into the position. It is rather ambiguous, especially since apparently there is more than one position, and it also indicates a low degree of selectivity. You certainly should get more clarification, but it appears to be a positive response.






            share|improve this answer

































              3



















              Back in 2011, my roommate received similar email: 'yes plz aply' (with single p). He was disappointed, but still applied (was not admitted to that university though). I decided not to send any email to professors. We both applied through regular admission processes and got accepted.



              Many years later, after several years in academia, I understand that this response does not mean anything. Well-known professors receive dozens of such emails, and have to save their time.



              Just apply.






              share|improve this answer

































                2



















                On the basis of your edit, you should double check that you sent the emails to the correct address - confirm this by looking for the contact details of the professor on the department website.



                If the email address on the professor's website and on the departmental website are different, try the other address and let the professor know that there may be an error on their website. If these are the same, there may be a phone number for the professor on the departmental website, which could be worth giving a ring.



                Failing that, try emailing the department secretary (or local equivalent), say that you've been having trouble contacting the professor, and ask for their help, since the other methods of contact haven't worked satisfactorily.






                share|improve this answer





















                • 1





                  The two email addresses are actually different, but they are both in the university domain. His page on the university website include's a link to his website where I got the email address and the signature looks legitimate. The lack of punctuation and capital letters is very off-putting, though. I think it would be pretty awkward if I reach him via the other email address and realize it was in fact him.

                  – MNaz
                  Sep 10 at 14:34







                • 2





                  @MNaz: I wouldn’t treat the lack of punctuation and capitals as a red flag; I know several academics who write many of their emails in that style. It’s mostly a cultural/stylistic holdover from early days of email and the web, when it was a popular style within many online communities and a badge of a certain kind of insiderness.

                  – PLL
                  Sep 10 at 19:20



















                2



















                "What's the next step?"



                Remember that question when interviewing for a "real" job. Don't wait for the professor to make the next move, take the initiative to push the process forward. At some point, you need his offer in writing in some form, I've had people verbally offer me jobs that were more about their wanting to work with me than their authority to hire me.



                In grad school, I was offered 3 assistantships; the prof who gave me a payroll sign up form got me, "This education brought to you by a grant from Exxon Corp." Offers can come in strange forms!






                share|improve this answer



























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                  12 Answers
                  12






                  active

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                  12 Answers
                  12






                  active

                  oldest

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                  active

                  oldest

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                  active

                  oldest

                  votes









                  55



















                  I'd be a bit wary of working with this person if this is really them and is really their communication style.



                  20 minutes is plenty of time to determine a student is not a fit and to politely deny them. 20 minutes is not really enough time to commit to supervising a student.



                  This level of communication might be typical from some professors, but I think those are the worst to have as advisors:




                  "What do you think of my research ideas?"




                  "Good"




                  "Where should we try to submit this paper?"




                  "Journal"




                  "I'm worried I'm not making progress towards my thesis"




                  "Ok"




                  I would look at the admissions process for this university. If the process is such that you need to have some professor's sign off to apply, then maybe that's all they are trying to convey: that you get their sign off, and they aren't putting more effort in because the application process tends to winnow students.



                  In that case, clarify they are willing to sponsor your application, and go ahead and apply, but make sure you get a chance to meet further with this person before you take them as an advisor, and continue to apply elsewhere: you should not take this as a sure thing by any means, nor should you be sure yourself. If there are other people there you are interested in working with, by all means contact them.



                  Good luck.






                  share|improve this answer





















                  • 16





                    Illustration.

                    – user21820
                    Sep 12 at 4:41






                  • 3





                    This is my research supervisor and I have come to love it. On the one hand, you get hilariously brief emails. On the other, he is an open book in person. He's 100% descriptive and kind in person, but he's bad at emailing. He doesn't even try

                    – kevinkayaks
                    Sep 13 at 2:47












                  • Even in my short academic career I have encountered or heard from this style of communication rather often... After writing a long and detailed request to a professor to be my thesis supervisor the entire answer I got was: "ok to be your supervisor" (even lacking punctuation). Some profs just hate writing emails.

                    – fgysin reinstate Monica
                    Sep 16 at 12:13
















                  55



















                  I'd be a bit wary of working with this person if this is really them and is really their communication style.



                  20 minutes is plenty of time to determine a student is not a fit and to politely deny them. 20 minutes is not really enough time to commit to supervising a student.



                  This level of communication might be typical from some professors, but I think those are the worst to have as advisors:




                  "What do you think of my research ideas?"




                  "Good"




                  "Where should we try to submit this paper?"




                  "Journal"




                  "I'm worried I'm not making progress towards my thesis"




                  "Ok"




                  I would look at the admissions process for this university. If the process is such that you need to have some professor's sign off to apply, then maybe that's all they are trying to convey: that you get their sign off, and they aren't putting more effort in because the application process tends to winnow students.



                  In that case, clarify they are willing to sponsor your application, and go ahead and apply, but make sure you get a chance to meet further with this person before you take them as an advisor, and continue to apply elsewhere: you should not take this as a sure thing by any means, nor should you be sure yourself. If there are other people there you are interested in working with, by all means contact them.



                  Good luck.






                  share|improve this answer





















                  • 16





                    Illustration.

                    – user21820
                    Sep 12 at 4:41






                  • 3





                    This is my research supervisor and I have come to love it. On the one hand, you get hilariously brief emails. On the other, he is an open book in person. He's 100% descriptive and kind in person, but he's bad at emailing. He doesn't even try

                    – kevinkayaks
                    Sep 13 at 2:47












                  • Even in my short academic career I have encountered or heard from this style of communication rather often... After writing a long and detailed request to a professor to be my thesis supervisor the entire answer I got was: "ok to be your supervisor" (even lacking punctuation). Some profs just hate writing emails.

                    – fgysin reinstate Monica
                    Sep 16 at 12:13














                  55















                  55











                  55









                  I'd be a bit wary of working with this person if this is really them and is really their communication style.



                  20 minutes is plenty of time to determine a student is not a fit and to politely deny them. 20 minutes is not really enough time to commit to supervising a student.



                  This level of communication might be typical from some professors, but I think those are the worst to have as advisors:




                  "What do you think of my research ideas?"




                  "Good"




                  "Where should we try to submit this paper?"




                  "Journal"




                  "I'm worried I'm not making progress towards my thesis"




                  "Ok"




                  I would look at the admissions process for this university. If the process is such that you need to have some professor's sign off to apply, then maybe that's all they are trying to convey: that you get their sign off, and they aren't putting more effort in because the application process tends to winnow students.



                  In that case, clarify they are willing to sponsor your application, and go ahead and apply, but make sure you get a chance to meet further with this person before you take them as an advisor, and continue to apply elsewhere: you should not take this as a sure thing by any means, nor should you be sure yourself. If there are other people there you are interested in working with, by all means contact them.



                  Good luck.






                  share|improve this answer














                  I'd be a bit wary of working with this person if this is really them and is really their communication style.



                  20 minutes is plenty of time to determine a student is not a fit and to politely deny them. 20 minutes is not really enough time to commit to supervising a student.



                  This level of communication might be typical from some professors, but I think those are the worst to have as advisors:




                  "What do you think of my research ideas?"




                  "Good"




                  "Where should we try to submit this paper?"




                  "Journal"




                  "I'm worried I'm not making progress towards my thesis"




                  "Ok"




                  I would look at the admissions process for this university. If the process is such that you need to have some professor's sign off to apply, then maybe that's all they are trying to convey: that you get their sign off, and they aren't putting more effort in because the application process tends to winnow students.



                  In that case, clarify they are willing to sponsor your application, and go ahead and apply, but make sure you get a chance to meet further with this person before you take them as an advisor, and continue to apply elsewhere: you should not take this as a sure thing by any means, nor should you be sure yourself. If there are other people there you are interested in working with, by all means contact them.



                  Good luck.







                  share|improve this answer













                  share|improve this answer




                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Sep 10 at 15:40









                  Bryan KrauseBryan Krause

                  23.3k6 gold badges75 silver badges93 bronze badges




                  23.3k6 gold badges75 silver badges93 bronze badges










                  • 16





                    Illustration.

                    – user21820
                    Sep 12 at 4:41






                  • 3





                    This is my research supervisor and I have come to love it. On the one hand, you get hilariously brief emails. On the other, he is an open book in person. He's 100% descriptive and kind in person, but he's bad at emailing. He doesn't even try

                    – kevinkayaks
                    Sep 13 at 2:47












                  • Even in my short academic career I have encountered or heard from this style of communication rather often... After writing a long and detailed request to a professor to be my thesis supervisor the entire answer I got was: "ok to be your supervisor" (even lacking punctuation). Some profs just hate writing emails.

                    – fgysin reinstate Monica
                    Sep 16 at 12:13













                  • 16





                    Illustration.

                    – user21820
                    Sep 12 at 4:41






                  • 3





                    This is my research supervisor and I have come to love it. On the one hand, you get hilariously brief emails. On the other, he is an open book in person. He's 100% descriptive and kind in person, but he's bad at emailing. He doesn't even try

                    – kevinkayaks
                    Sep 13 at 2:47












                  • Even in my short academic career I have encountered or heard from this style of communication rather often... After writing a long and detailed request to a professor to be my thesis supervisor the entire answer I got was: "ok to be your supervisor" (even lacking punctuation). Some profs just hate writing emails.

                    – fgysin reinstate Monica
                    Sep 16 at 12:13








                  16




                  16





                  Illustration.

                  – user21820
                  Sep 12 at 4:41





                  Illustration.

                  – user21820
                  Sep 12 at 4:41




                  3




                  3





                  This is my research supervisor and I have come to love it. On the one hand, you get hilariously brief emails. On the other, he is an open book in person. He's 100% descriptive and kind in person, but he's bad at emailing. He doesn't even try

                  – kevinkayaks
                  Sep 13 at 2:47






                  This is my research supervisor and I have come to love it. On the one hand, you get hilariously brief emails. On the other, he is an open book in person. He's 100% descriptive and kind in person, but he's bad at emailing. He doesn't even try

                  – kevinkayaks
                  Sep 13 at 2:47














                  Even in my short academic career I have encountered or heard from this style of communication rather often... After writing a long and detailed request to a professor to be my thesis supervisor the entire answer I got was: "ok to be your supervisor" (even lacking punctuation). Some profs just hate writing emails.

                  – fgysin reinstate Monica
                  Sep 16 at 12:13






                  Even in my short academic career I have encountered or heard from this style of communication rather often... After writing a long and detailed request to a professor to be my thesis supervisor the entire answer I got was: "ok to be your supervisor" (even lacking punctuation). Some profs just hate writing emails.

                  – fgysin reinstate Monica
                  Sep 16 at 12:13














                  30



















                  It means there was likely human error on the professor's part. The single word doesn't convey any message. Most likely explanations could be the professor replied to the wrong email, or accidentally pressed send before finishing his reply.



                  I'd suggest writing back and asking for clarification.



                  Edit: to answer your edit - you've asked for clarification and he comes back with another ambiguous answer. This isn't a good sign. If you're really, really keen to work with him I'd suggest writing back again asking if you should do anything next; otherwise I'd just assume he's not really interested and look elsewhere.






                  share|improve this answer























                  • 4





                    I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group and he replied with "yes, you can", which I find kind of strange, because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this.

                    – MNaz
                    Sep 10 at 13:26






                  • 10





                    "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?"

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 10 at 17:42






                  • 2





                    @CaptainEmacs: "Yes."

                    – Henning Makholm
                    Sep 12 at 21:51











                  • @HenningMakholm "Ok". And move on.

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 13 at 5:16






                  • 1





                    I'd avoid mixing open and closed questions like these "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?" Either go with open or with closed. "How shall I proceed?" cannot possibly receive a "Yes' answer or anything else unless the professor really goes out of his way to play a mind game on the student. If you then add a yes or no question you are the one bringing temptation to the table. I'd say with these kind of people the solution is to write equally short emails while minding the etiquette of course.

                    – brett
                    Sep 13 at 9:01















                  30



















                  It means there was likely human error on the professor's part. The single word doesn't convey any message. Most likely explanations could be the professor replied to the wrong email, or accidentally pressed send before finishing his reply.



                  I'd suggest writing back and asking for clarification.



                  Edit: to answer your edit - you've asked for clarification and he comes back with another ambiguous answer. This isn't a good sign. If you're really, really keen to work with him I'd suggest writing back again asking if you should do anything next; otherwise I'd just assume he's not really interested and look elsewhere.






                  share|improve this answer























                  • 4





                    I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group and he replied with "yes, you can", which I find kind of strange, because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this.

                    – MNaz
                    Sep 10 at 13:26






                  • 10





                    "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?"

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 10 at 17:42






                  • 2





                    @CaptainEmacs: "Yes."

                    – Henning Makholm
                    Sep 12 at 21:51











                  • @HenningMakholm "Ok". And move on.

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 13 at 5:16






                  • 1





                    I'd avoid mixing open and closed questions like these "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?" Either go with open or with closed. "How shall I proceed?" cannot possibly receive a "Yes' answer or anything else unless the professor really goes out of his way to play a mind game on the student. If you then add a yes or no question you are the one bringing temptation to the table. I'd say with these kind of people the solution is to write equally short emails while minding the etiquette of course.

                    – brett
                    Sep 13 at 9:01













                  30















                  30











                  30









                  It means there was likely human error on the professor's part. The single word doesn't convey any message. Most likely explanations could be the professor replied to the wrong email, or accidentally pressed send before finishing his reply.



                  I'd suggest writing back and asking for clarification.



                  Edit: to answer your edit - you've asked for clarification and he comes back with another ambiguous answer. This isn't a good sign. If you're really, really keen to work with him I'd suggest writing back again asking if you should do anything next; otherwise I'd just assume he's not really interested and look elsewhere.






                  share|improve this answer
















                  It means there was likely human error on the professor's part. The single word doesn't convey any message. Most likely explanations could be the professor replied to the wrong email, or accidentally pressed send before finishing his reply.



                  I'd suggest writing back and asking for clarification.



                  Edit: to answer your edit - you've asked for clarification and he comes back with another ambiguous answer. This isn't a good sign. If you're really, really keen to work with him I'd suggest writing back again asking if you should do anything next; otherwise I'd just assume he's not really interested and look elsewhere.







                  share|improve this answer















                  share|improve this answer




                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Sep 12 at 22:12

























                  answered Sep 10 at 10:31









                  AllureAllure

                  56.1k25 gold badges156 silver badges218 bronze badges




                  56.1k25 gold badges156 silver badges218 bronze badges










                  • 4





                    I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group and he replied with "yes, you can", which I find kind of strange, because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this.

                    – MNaz
                    Sep 10 at 13:26






                  • 10





                    "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?"

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 10 at 17:42






                  • 2





                    @CaptainEmacs: "Yes."

                    – Henning Makholm
                    Sep 12 at 21:51











                  • @HenningMakholm "Ok". And move on.

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 13 at 5:16






                  • 1





                    I'd avoid mixing open and closed questions like these "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?" Either go with open or with closed. "How shall I proceed?" cannot possibly receive a "Yes' answer or anything else unless the professor really goes out of his way to play a mind game on the student. If you then add a yes or no question you are the one bringing temptation to the table. I'd say with these kind of people the solution is to write equally short emails while minding the etiquette of course.

                    – brett
                    Sep 13 at 9:01












                  • 4





                    I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group and he replied with "yes, you can", which I find kind of strange, because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this.

                    – MNaz
                    Sep 10 at 13:26






                  • 10





                    "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?"

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 10 at 17:42






                  • 2





                    @CaptainEmacs: "Yes."

                    – Henning Makholm
                    Sep 12 at 21:51











                  • @HenningMakholm "Ok". And move on.

                    – Captain Emacs
                    Sep 13 at 5:16






                  • 1





                    I'd avoid mixing open and closed questions like these "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?" Either go with open or with closed. "How shall I proceed?" cannot possibly receive a "Yes' answer or anything else unless the professor really goes out of his way to play a mind game on the student. If you then add a yes or no question you are the one bringing temptation to the table. I'd say with these kind of people the solution is to write equally short emails while minding the etiquette of course.

                    – brett
                    Sep 13 at 9:01







                  4




                  4





                  I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group and he replied with "yes, you can", which I find kind of strange, because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this.

                  – MNaz
                  Sep 10 at 13:26





                  I did ask for clarification. I asked if I could look forward to a position in his group and he replied with "yes, you can", which I find kind of strange, because he didn't ask for any additional information or give any instruction. I don't know what I can make of this.

                  – MNaz
                  Sep 10 at 13:26




                  10




                  10





                  "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?"

                  – Captain Emacs
                  Sep 10 at 17:42





                  "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?"

                  – Captain Emacs
                  Sep 10 at 17:42




                  2




                  2





                  @CaptainEmacs: "Yes."

                  – Henning Makholm
                  Sep 12 at 21:51





                  @CaptainEmacs: "Yes."

                  – Henning Makholm
                  Sep 12 at 21:51













                  @HenningMakholm "Ok". And move on.

                  – Captain Emacs
                  Sep 13 at 5:16





                  @HenningMakholm "Ok". And move on.

                  – Captain Emacs
                  Sep 13 at 5:16




                  1




                  1





                  I'd avoid mixing open and closed questions like these "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?" Either go with open or with closed. "How shall I proceed?" cannot possibly receive a "Yes' answer or anything else unless the professor really goes out of his way to play a mind game on the student. If you then add a yes or no question you are the one bringing temptation to the table. I'd say with these kind of people the solution is to write equally short emails while minding the etiquette of course.

                  – brett
                  Sep 13 at 9:01





                  I'd avoid mixing open and closed questions like these "How shall I proceed? Shall I come to visit you at a suitable time?" Either go with open or with closed. "How shall I proceed?" cannot possibly receive a "Yes' answer or anything else unless the professor really goes out of his way to play a mind game on the student. If you then add a yes or no question you are the one bringing temptation to the table. I'd say with these kind of people the solution is to write equally short emails while minding the etiquette of course.

                  – brett
                  Sep 13 at 9:01











                  21



















                  I wouldn't read it as a "no". But it might have been an automatic reply, given the timing. It probably has the same meaning as "Thanks for your interest". Your next step should probably be to ask how you can formally apply for a position. You can also explore, separately, the school's admission requirements.



                  But I would take it as a positive signal, not a negative one.






                  share|improve this answer






























                    21



















                    I wouldn't read it as a "no". But it might have been an automatic reply, given the timing. It probably has the same meaning as "Thanks for your interest". Your next step should probably be to ask how you can formally apply for a position. You can also explore, separately, the school's admission requirements.



                    But I would take it as a positive signal, not a negative one.






                    share|improve this answer




























                      21















                      21











                      21









                      I wouldn't read it as a "no". But it might have been an automatic reply, given the timing. It probably has the same meaning as "Thanks for your interest". Your next step should probably be to ask how you can formally apply for a position. You can also explore, separately, the school's admission requirements.



                      But I would take it as a positive signal, not a negative one.






                      share|improve this answer














                      I wouldn't read it as a "no". But it might have been an automatic reply, given the timing. It probably has the same meaning as "Thanks for your interest". Your next step should probably be to ask how you can formally apply for a position. You can also explore, separately, the school's admission requirements.



                      But I would take it as a positive signal, not a negative one.







                      share|improve this answer













                      share|improve this answer




                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Sep 10 at 9:22









                      BuffyBuffy

                      95.5k24 gold badges290 silver badges413 bronze badges




                      95.5k24 gold badges290 silver badges413 bronze badges
























                          15



















                          All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail.



                          How to proceed: not by e-mail. If it is feasible to visit him in person, that is ideal. If not, you could request a phone call to discuss further. Either way, your response should be very concise. "Great! Could we have a phone call this week to discuss? When would be a good time for you?"



                          If you succeed in getting a meeting, you can assess whether he would be a reasonable colleague from there. Conversely, if you cannot get a meeting after a reasonable amount of effort, it's probably better to walk away.






                          share|improve this answer





















                          • 1





                            I wouldn't conclude "All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail. ". Maybe it was an automatically generated email, such as gmail gives you the option. Mistakes happen.

                            – john
                            Sep 12 at 16:48






                          • 1





                            Sending ambiguous, automatically-generated responses is entirely consistent with someone who "does not give reasonable responses to e-mail."

                            – cag51
                            Sep 13 at 1:08
















                          15



















                          All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail.



                          How to proceed: not by e-mail. If it is feasible to visit him in person, that is ideal. If not, you could request a phone call to discuss further. Either way, your response should be very concise. "Great! Could we have a phone call this week to discuss? When would be a good time for you?"



                          If you succeed in getting a meeting, you can assess whether he would be a reasonable colleague from there. Conversely, if you cannot get a meeting after a reasonable amount of effort, it's probably better to walk away.






                          share|improve this answer





















                          • 1





                            I wouldn't conclude "All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail. ". Maybe it was an automatically generated email, such as gmail gives you the option. Mistakes happen.

                            – john
                            Sep 12 at 16:48






                          • 1





                            Sending ambiguous, automatically-generated responses is entirely consistent with someone who "does not give reasonable responses to e-mail."

                            – cag51
                            Sep 13 at 1:08














                          15















                          15











                          15









                          All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail.



                          How to proceed: not by e-mail. If it is feasible to visit him in person, that is ideal. If not, you could request a phone call to discuss further. Either way, your response should be very concise. "Great! Could we have a phone call this week to discuss? When would be a good time for you?"



                          If you succeed in getting a meeting, you can assess whether he would be a reasonable colleague from there. Conversely, if you cannot get a meeting after a reasonable amount of effort, it's probably better to walk away.






                          share|improve this answer














                          All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail.



                          How to proceed: not by e-mail. If it is feasible to visit him in person, that is ideal. If not, you could request a phone call to discuss further. Either way, your response should be very concise. "Great! Could we have a phone call this week to discuss? When would be a good time for you?"



                          If you succeed in getting a meeting, you can assess whether he would be a reasonable colleague from there. Conversely, if you cannot get a meeting after a reasonable amount of effort, it's probably better to walk away.







                          share|improve this answer













                          share|improve this answer




                          share|improve this answer










                          answered Sep 10 at 20:04









                          cag51cag51

                          24.6k10 gold badges57 silver badges91 bronze badges




                          24.6k10 gold badges57 silver badges91 bronze badges










                          • 1





                            I wouldn't conclude "All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail. ". Maybe it was an automatically generated email, such as gmail gives you the option. Mistakes happen.

                            – john
                            Sep 12 at 16:48






                          • 1





                            Sending ambiguous, automatically-generated responses is entirely consistent with someone who "does not give reasonable responses to e-mail."

                            – cag51
                            Sep 13 at 1:08













                          • 1





                            I wouldn't conclude "All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail. ". Maybe it was an automatically generated email, such as gmail gives you the option. Mistakes happen.

                            – john
                            Sep 12 at 16:48






                          • 1





                            Sending ambiguous, automatically-generated responses is entirely consistent with someone who "does not give reasonable responses to e-mail."

                            – cag51
                            Sep 13 at 1:08








                          1




                          1





                          I wouldn't conclude "All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail. ". Maybe it was an automatically generated email, such as gmail gives you the option. Mistakes happen.

                          – john
                          Sep 12 at 16:48





                          I wouldn't conclude "All you can conclude from this is that this professor does not give reasonable responses to e-mail. ". Maybe it was an automatically generated email, such as gmail gives you the option. Mistakes happen.

                          – john
                          Sep 12 at 16:48




                          1




                          1





                          Sending ambiguous, automatically-generated responses is entirely consistent with someone who "does not give reasonable responses to e-mail."

                          – cag51
                          Sep 13 at 1:08






                          Sending ambiguous, automatically-generated responses is entirely consistent with someone who "does not give reasonable responses to e-mail."

                          – cag51
                          Sep 13 at 1:08












                          10



















                          It seems, especially from your comment that "I was hoping that they would advocate my admission", that you were hoping that based on a cold email the professor would go out of his way to help you. You mentioned two research areas and said that "I would like to know more about them." What were you hoping for here? That he would reply with a detailed explanation?



                          You asked if you could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". Here's one possible thing it might mean: "If you apply to my university, are accepted, enroll, pass your qualifying exams, and make a positive impression, then I would be happy to take you on as a student."



                          It is difficult to guess exactly what the professor meant. My best guess is that he wants to be encouraging, but is trying to steer you to "normal" channels: to apply to his university for admission using whatever standard procedure is in place, to read his papers if you find them interesting, and if you have any questions to ask them more directly.






                          share|improve this answer






























                            10



















                            It seems, especially from your comment that "I was hoping that they would advocate my admission", that you were hoping that based on a cold email the professor would go out of his way to help you. You mentioned two research areas and said that "I would like to know more about them." What were you hoping for here? That he would reply with a detailed explanation?



                            You asked if you could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". Here's one possible thing it might mean: "If you apply to my university, are accepted, enroll, pass your qualifying exams, and make a positive impression, then I would be happy to take you on as a student."



                            It is difficult to guess exactly what the professor meant. My best guess is that he wants to be encouraging, but is trying to steer you to "normal" channels: to apply to his university for admission using whatever standard procedure is in place, to read his papers if you find them interesting, and if you have any questions to ask them more directly.






                            share|improve this answer




























                              10















                              10











                              10









                              It seems, especially from your comment that "I was hoping that they would advocate my admission", that you were hoping that based on a cold email the professor would go out of his way to help you. You mentioned two research areas and said that "I would like to know more about them." What were you hoping for here? That he would reply with a detailed explanation?



                              You asked if you could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". Here's one possible thing it might mean: "If you apply to my university, are accepted, enroll, pass your qualifying exams, and make a positive impression, then I would be happy to take you on as a student."



                              It is difficult to guess exactly what the professor meant. My best guess is that he wants to be encouraging, but is trying to steer you to "normal" channels: to apply to his university for admission using whatever standard procedure is in place, to read his papers if you find them interesting, and if you have any questions to ask them more directly.






                              share|improve this answer














                              It seems, especially from your comment that "I was hoping that they would advocate my admission", that you were hoping that based on a cold email the professor would go out of his way to help you. You mentioned two research areas and said that "I would like to know more about them." What were you hoping for here? That he would reply with a detailed explanation?



                              You asked if you could look forward to a position in his group, and he replied with "yes, you can". Here's one possible thing it might mean: "If you apply to my university, are accepted, enroll, pass your qualifying exams, and make a positive impression, then I would be happy to take you on as a student."



                              It is difficult to guess exactly what the professor meant. My best guess is that he wants to be encouraging, but is trying to steer you to "normal" channels: to apply to his university for admission using whatever standard procedure is in place, to read his papers if you find them interesting, and if you have any questions to ask them more directly.







                              share|improve this answer













                              share|improve this answer




                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Sep 10 at 20:01









                              academicacademic

                              2,37111 silver badges15 bronze badges




                              2,37111 silver badges15 bronze badges
























                                  6



















                                  I think "welcome" means he is happy to welcome you into his group. This is supported by the statement "yes, you can." Perhaps the professor is under the impression that you already have admission into the university and are simply looking for a guide.



                                  If you want to work with the professor, you should email and ask how to proceed further. How should you apply, where do you get funding etc.






                                  share|improve this answer






























                                    6



















                                    I think "welcome" means he is happy to welcome you into his group. This is supported by the statement "yes, you can." Perhaps the professor is under the impression that you already have admission into the university and are simply looking for a guide.



                                    If you want to work with the professor, you should email and ask how to proceed further. How should you apply, where do you get funding etc.






                                    share|improve this answer




























                                      6















                                      6











                                      6









                                      I think "welcome" means he is happy to welcome you into his group. This is supported by the statement "yes, you can." Perhaps the professor is under the impression that you already have admission into the university and are simply looking for a guide.



                                      If you want to work with the professor, you should email and ask how to proceed further. How should you apply, where do you get funding etc.






                                      share|improve this answer














                                      I think "welcome" means he is happy to welcome you into his group. This is supported by the statement "yes, you can." Perhaps the professor is under the impression that you already have admission into the university and are simply looking for a guide.



                                      If you want to work with the professor, you should email and ask how to proceed further. How should you apply, where do you get funding etc.







                                      share|improve this answer













                                      share|improve this answer




                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered Sep 11 at 7:00









                                      anonanon

                                      611 bronze badge




                                      611 bronze badge
























                                          6



















                                          I would say that's a "No", and I would move on because this professor hadn't shown the signals which are sent from a typical "eager" professor to an applicant in whom she is interested. An interested professor often gets into details fast. Namely, she may: ask about the details of your research; show her curiosity about your background (which would be critical for your research) by asking about the related courses you have passed; ask about your potential funding resources to make up her mind about your needs to financial support. This list can be easily continued...



                                          To my experience, if you look like the "right person" to a professor, she would not give you such kinds of short telegraphic responses encouraging you to pursue the way through official channels (The exception would be the professors affiliated with super famous schools in which the admissions are essentially committee-based). Professors are often competing with each other in attracting good students. So, if a professor finds someone who looks like a great fit to her requirements, she would try to show her interest. In fact some PIs often return to candidates by these kind of short not-so-expressive answers in favor of their institutions! In particular, if a professor is not in need of recruiting someone, she may not explicitly express her point. Instead, those kinds of short answers keep the applicant hopeful for basically nothing. Thus, he applies to that program thinking that those "welcome"s or "yes"s were positive signs toward success. But the whole point would be the application fee paid by the applicant; the money that would not be steered to the university's pocket if that PI had been clear to the applicant about the lack of any interest in his case.






                                          share|improve this answer
































                                            6



















                                            I would say that's a "No", and I would move on because this professor hadn't shown the signals which are sent from a typical "eager" professor to an applicant in whom she is interested. An interested professor often gets into details fast. Namely, she may: ask about the details of your research; show her curiosity about your background (which would be critical for your research) by asking about the related courses you have passed; ask about your potential funding resources to make up her mind about your needs to financial support. This list can be easily continued...



                                            To my experience, if you look like the "right person" to a professor, she would not give you such kinds of short telegraphic responses encouraging you to pursue the way through official channels (The exception would be the professors affiliated with super famous schools in which the admissions are essentially committee-based). Professors are often competing with each other in attracting good students. So, if a professor finds someone who looks like a great fit to her requirements, she would try to show her interest. In fact some PIs often return to candidates by these kind of short not-so-expressive answers in favor of their institutions! In particular, if a professor is not in need of recruiting someone, she may not explicitly express her point. Instead, those kinds of short answers keep the applicant hopeful for basically nothing. Thus, he applies to that program thinking that those "welcome"s or "yes"s were positive signs toward success. But the whole point would be the application fee paid by the applicant; the money that would not be steered to the university's pocket if that PI had been clear to the applicant about the lack of any interest in his case.






                                            share|improve this answer






























                                              6















                                              6











                                              6









                                              I would say that's a "No", and I would move on because this professor hadn't shown the signals which are sent from a typical "eager" professor to an applicant in whom she is interested. An interested professor often gets into details fast. Namely, she may: ask about the details of your research; show her curiosity about your background (which would be critical for your research) by asking about the related courses you have passed; ask about your potential funding resources to make up her mind about your needs to financial support. This list can be easily continued...



                                              To my experience, if you look like the "right person" to a professor, she would not give you such kinds of short telegraphic responses encouraging you to pursue the way through official channels (The exception would be the professors affiliated with super famous schools in which the admissions are essentially committee-based). Professors are often competing with each other in attracting good students. So, if a professor finds someone who looks like a great fit to her requirements, she would try to show her interest. In fact some PIs often return to candidates by these kind of short not-so-expressive answers in favor of their institutions! In particular, if a professor is not in need of recruiting someone, she may not explicitly express her point. Instead, those kinds of short answers keep the applicant hopeful for basically nothing. Thus, he applies to that program thinking that those "welcome"s or "yes"s were positive signs toward success. But the whole point would be the application fee paid by the applicant; the money that would not be steered to the university's pocket if that PI had been clear to the applicant about the lack of any interest in his case.






                                              share|improve this answer
















                                              I would say that's a "No", and I would move on because this professor hadn't shown the signals which are sent from a typical "eager" professor to an applicant in whom she is interested. An interested professor often gets into details fast. Namely, she may: ask about the details of your research; show her curiosity about your background (which would be critical for your research) by asking about the related courses you have passed; ask about your potential funding resources to make up her mind about your needs to financial support. This list can be easily continued...



                                              To my experience, if you look like the "right person" to a professor, she would not give you such kinds of short telegraphic responses encouraging you to pursue the way through official channels (The exception would be the professors affiliated with super famous schools in which the admissions are essentially committee-based). Professors are often competing with each other in attracting good students. So, if a professor finds someone who looks like a great fit to her requirements, she would try to show her interest. In fact some PIs often return to candidates by these kind of short not-so-expressive answers in favor of their institutions! In particular, if a professor is not in need of recruiting someone, she may not explicitly express her point. Instead, those kinds of short answers keep the applicant hopeful for basically nothing. Thus, he applies to that program thinking that those "welcome"s or "yes"s were positive signs toward success. But the whole point would be the application fee paid by the applicant; the money that would not be steered to the university's pocket if that PI had been clear to the applicant about the lack of any interest in his case.







                                              share|improve this answer















                                              share|improve this answer




                                              share|improve this answer








                                              edited Sep 13 at 10:58

























                                              answered Sep 10 at 21:58









                                              RoboticistRoboticist

                                              4,4505 gold badges19 silver badges42 bronze badges




                                              4,4505 gold badges19 silver badges42 bronze badges
























                                                  4



















                                                  As others have noted, this is ambiguous and somewhat confidence-lowering.



                                                  In your next interaction, be sure to ask an open-ended question, not a polar yes-no one, and get a reply that is satisfying to you. Specifically you should really ask:




                                                  What are the next steps I should take?







                                                  share|improve this answer






























                                                    4



















                                                    As others have noted, this is ambiguous and somewhat confidence-lowering.



                                                    In your next interaction, be sure to ask an open-ended question, not a polar yes-no one, and get a reply that is satisfying to you. Specifically you should really ask:




                                                    What are the next steps I should take?







                                                    share|improve this answer




























                                                      4















                                                      4











                                                      4









                                                      As others have noted, this is ambiguous and somewhat confidence-lowering.



                                                      In your next interaction, be sure to ask an open-ended question, not a polar yes-no one, and get a reply that is satisfying to you. Specifically you should really ask:




                                                      What are the next steps I should take?







                                                      share|improve this answer














                                                      As others have noted, this is ambiguous and somewhat confidence-lowering.



                                                      In your next interaction, be sure to ask an open-ended question, not a polar yes-no one, and get a reply that is satisfying to you. Specifically you should really ask:




                                                      What are the next steps I should take?








                                                      share|improve this answer













                                                      share|improve this answer




                                                      share|improve this answer










                                                      answered Sep 11 at 13:13









                                                      Daniel R. CollinsDaniel R. Collins

                                                      20.2k6 gold badges53 silver badges82 bronze badges




                                                      20.2k6 gold badges53 silver badges82 bronze badges
























                                                          3




















                                                          1: received gladly into one's presence or companionship
                                                          was always welcome in their home
                                                          2: giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need
                                                          a welcome relief
                                                          3: willingly permitted or admitted
                                                          he was welcome to come and go
                                                          — W. M. Thackeray
                                                          4—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks




                                                          https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welcome



                                                          The fourth definition doesn't fit, as you didn't do anything for them. This leaves the other ones, which all are variations on "received gladly". Given just that response, the professor appears to be is admitting you into the position. It is rather ambiguous, especially since apparently there is more than one position, and it also indicates a low degree of selectivity. You certainly should get more clarification, but it appears to be a positive response.






                                                          share|improve this answer






























                                                            3




















                                                            1: received gladly into one's presence or companionship
                                                            was always welcome in their home
                                                            2: giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need
                                                            a welcome relief
                                                            3: willingly permitted or admitted
                                                            he was welcome to come and go
                                                            — W. M. Thackeray
                                                            4—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks




                                                            https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welcome



                                                            The fourth definition doesn't fit, as you didn't do anything for them. This leaves the other ones, which all are variations on "received gladly". Given just that response, the professor appears to be is admitting you into the position. It is rather ambiguous, especially since apparently there is more than one position, and it also indicates a low degree of selectivity. You certainly should get more clarification, but it appears to be a positive response.






                                                            share|improve this answer




























                                                              3















                                                              3











                                                              3










                                                              1: received gladly into one's presence or companionship
                                                              was always welcome in their home
                                                              2: giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need
                                                              a welcome relief
                                                              3: willingly permitted or admitted
                                                              he was welcome to come and go
                                                              — W. M. Thackeray
                                                              4—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks




                                                              https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welcome



                                                              The fourth definition doesn't fit, as you didn't do anything for them. This leaves the other ones, which all are variations on "received gladly". Given just that response, the professor appears to be is admitting you into the position. It is rather ambiguous, especially since apparently there is more than one position, and it also indicates a low degree of selectivity. You certainly should get more clarification, but it appears to be a positive response.






                                                              share|improve this answer















                                                              1: received gladly into one's presence or companionship
                                                              was always welcome in their home
                                                              2: giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need
                                                              a welcome relief
                                                              3: willingly permitted or admitted
                                                              he was welcome to come and go
                                                              — W. M. Thackeray
                                                              4—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks




                                                              https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welcome



                                                              The fourth definition doesn't fit, as you didn't do anything for them. This leaves the other ones, which all are variations on "received gladly". Given just that response, the professor appears to be is admitting you into the position. It is rather ambiguous, especially since apparently there is more than one position, and it also indicates a low degree of selectivity. You certainly should get more clarification, but it appears to be a positive response.







                                                              share|improve this answer













                                                              share|improve this answer




                                                              share|improve this answer










                                                              answered Sep 10 at 19:30









                                                              AcccumulationAcccumulation

                                                              1,5695 silver badges9 bronze badges




                                                              1,5695 silver badges9 bronze badges
























                                                                  3



















                                                                  Back in 2011, my roommate received similar email: 'yes plz aply' (with single p). He was disappointed, but still applied (was not admitted to that university though). I decided not to send any email to professors. We both applied through regular admission processes and got accepted.



                                                                  Many years later, after several years in academia, I understand that this response does not mean anything. Well-known professors receive dozens of such emails, and have to save their time.



                                                                  Just apply.






                                                                  share|improve this answer






























                                                                    3



















                                                                    Back in 2011, my roommate received similar email: 'yes plz aply' (with single p). He was disappointed, but still applied (was not admitted to that university though). I decided not to send any email to professors. We both applied through regular admission processes and got accepted.



                                                                    Many years later, after several years in academia, I understand that this response does not mean anything. Well-known professors receive dozens of such emails, and have to save their time.



                                                                    Just apply.






                                                                    share|improve this answer




























                                                                      3















                                                                      3











                                                                      3









                                                                      Back in 2011, my roommate received similar email: 'yes plz aply' (with single p). He was disappointed, but still applied (was not admitted to that university though). I decided not to send any email to professors. We both applied through regular admission processes and got accepted.



                                                                      Many years later, after several years in academia, I understand that this response does not mean anything. Well-known professors receive dozens of such emails, and have to save their time.



                                                                      Just apply.






                                                                      share|improve this answer














                                                                      Back in 2011, my roommate received similar email: 'yes plz aply' (with single p). He was disappointed, but still applied (was not admitted to that university though). I decided not to send any email to professors. We both applied through regular admission processes and got accepted.



                                                                      Many years later, after several years in academia, I understand that this response does not mean anything. Well-known professors receive dozens of such emails, and have to save their time.



                                                                      Just apply.







                                                                      share|improve this answer













                                                                      share|improve this answer




                                                                      share|improve this answer










                                                                      answered Sep 12 at 16:14









                                                                      user113994user113994

                                                                      311 bronze badge




                                                                      311 bronze badge
























                                                                          2



















                                                                          On the basis of your edit, you should double check that you sent the emails to the correct address - confirm this by looking for the contact details of the professor on the department website.



                                                                          If the email address on the professor's website and on the departmental website are different, try the other address and let the professor know that there may be an error on their website. If these are the same, there may be a phone number for the professor on the departmental website, which could be worth giving a ring.



                                                                          Failing that, try emailing the department secretary (or local equivalent), say that you've been having trouble contacting the professor, and ask for their help, since the other methods of contact haven't worked satisfactorily.






                                                                          share|improve this answer





















                                                                          • 1





                                                                            The two email addresses are actually different, but they are both in the university domain. His page on the university website include's a link to his website where I got the email address and the signature looks legitimate. The lack of punctuation and capital letters is very off-putting, though. I think it would be pretty awkward if I reach him via the other email address and realize it was in fact him.

                                                                            – MNaz
                                                                            Sep 10 at 14:34







                                                                          • 2





                                                                            @MNaz: I wouldn’t treat the lack of punctuation and capitals as a red flag; I know several academics who write many of their emails in that style. It’s mostly a cultural/stylistic holdover from early days of email and the web, when it was a popular style within many online communities and a badge of a certain kind of insiderness.

                                                                            – PLL
                                                                            Sep 10 at 19:20
















                                                                          2



















                                                                          On the basis of your edit, you should double check that you sent the emails to the correct address - confirm this by looking for the contact details of the professor on the department website.



                                                                          If the email address on the professor's website and on the departmental website are different, try the other address and let the professor know that there may be an error on their website. If these are the same, there may be a phone number for the professor on the departmental website, which could be worth giving a ring.



                                                                          Failing that, try emailing the department secretary (or local equivalent), say that you've been having trouble contacting the professor, and ask for their help, since the other methods of contact haven't worked satisfactorily.






                                                                          share|improve this answer





















                                                                          • 1





                                                                            The two email addresses are actually different, but they are both in the university domain. His page on the university website include's a link to his website where I got the email address and the signature looks legitimate. The lack of punctuation and capital letters is very off-putting, though. I think it would be pretty awkward if I reach him via the other email address and realize it was in fact him.

                                                                            – MNaz
                                                                            Sep 10 at 14:34







                                                                          • 2





                                                                            @MNaz: I wouldn’t treat the lack of punctuation and capitals as a red flag; I know several academics who write many of their emails in that style. It’s mostly a cultural/stylistic holdover from early days of email and the web, when it was a popular style within many online communities and a badge of a certain kind of insiderness.

                                                                            – PLL
                                                                            Sep 10 at 19:20














                                                                          2















                                                                          2











                                                                          2









                                                                          On the basis of your edit, you should double check that you sent the emails to the correct address - confirm this by looking for the contact details of the professor on the department website.



                                                                          If the email address on the professor's website and on the departmental website are different, try the other address and let the professor know that there may be an error on their website. If these are the same, there may be a phone number for the professor on the departmental website, which could be worth giving a ring.



                                                                          Failing that, try emailing the department secretary (or local equivalent), say that you've been having trouble contacting the professor, and ask for their help, since the other methods of contact haven't worked satisfactorily.






                                                                          share|improve this answer














                                                                          On the basis of your edit, you should double check that you sent the emails to the correct address - confirm this by looking for the contact details of the professor on the department website.



                                                                          If the email address on the professor's website and on the departmental website are different, try the other address and let the professor know that there may be an error on their website. If these are the same, there may be a phone number for the professor on the departmental website, which could be worth giving a ring.



                                                                          Failing that, try emailing the department secretary (or local equivalent), say that you've been having trouble contacting the professor, and ask for their help, since the other methods of contact haven't worked satisfactorily.







                                                                          share|improve this answer













                                                                          share|improve this answer




                                                                          share|improve this answer










                                                                          answered Sep 10 at 14:04









                                                                          EmmaEmma

                                                                          1,0681 gold badge2 silver badges14 bronze badges




                                                                          1,0681 gold badge2 silver badges14 bronze badges










                                                                          • 1





                                                                            The two email addresses are actually different, but they are both in the university domain. His page on the university website include's a link to his website where I got the email address and the signature looks legitimate. The lack of punctuation and capital letters is very off-putting, though. I think it would be pretty awkward if I reach him via the other email address and realize it was in fact him.

                                                                            – MNaz
                                                                            Sep 10 at 14:34







                                                                          • 2





                                                                            @MNaz: I wouldn’t treat the lack of punctuation and capitals as a red flag; I know several academics who write many of their emails in that style. It’s mostly a cultural/stylistic holdover from early days of email and the web, when it was a popular style within many online communities and a badge of a certain kind of insiderness.

                                                                            – PLL
                                                                            Sep 10 at 19:20













                                                                          • 1





                                                                            The two email addresses are actually different, but they are both in the university domain. His page on the university website include's a link to his website where I got the email address and the signature looks legitimate. The lack of punctuation and capital letters is very off-putting, though. I think it would be pretty awkward if I reach him via the other email address and realize it was in fact him.

                                                                            – MNaz
                                                                            Sep 10 at 14:34







                                                                          • 2





                                                                            @MNaz: I wouldn’t treat the lack of punctuation and capitals as a red flag; I know several academics who write many of their emails in that style. It’s mostly a cultural/stylistic holdover from early days of email and the web, when it was a popular style within many online communities and a badge of a certain kind of insiderness.

                                                                            – PLL
                                                                            Sep 10 at 19:20








                                                                          1




                                                                          1





                                                                          The two email addresses are actually different, but they are both in the university domain. His page on the university website include's a link to his website where I got the email address and the signature looks legitimate. The lack of punctuation and capital letters is very off-putting, though. I think it would be pretty awkward if I reach him via the other email address and realize it was in fact him.

                                                                          – MNaz
                                                                          Sep 10 at 14:34






                                                                          The two email addresses are actually different, but they are both in the university domain. His page on the university website include's a link to his website where I got the email address and the signature looks legitimate. The lack of punctuation and capital letters is very off-putting, though. I think it would be pretty awkward if I reach him via the other email address and realize it was in fact him.

                                                                          – MNaz
                                                                          Sep 10 at 14:34





                                                                          2




                                                                          2





                                                                          @MNaz: I wouldn’t treat the lack of punctuation and capitals as a red flag; I know several academics who write many of their emails in that style. It’s mostly a cultural/stylistic holdover from early days of email and the web, when it was a popular style within many online communities and a badge of a certain kind of insiderness.

                                                                          – PLL
                                                                          Sep 10 at 19:20






                                                                          @MNaz: I wouldn’t treat the lack of punctuation and capitals as a red flag; I know several academics who write many of their emails in that style. It’s mostly a cultural/stylistic holdover from early days of email and the web, when it was a popular style within many online communities and a badge of a certain kind of insiderness.

                                                                          – PLL
                                                                          Sep 10 at 19:20












                                                                          2



















                                                                          "What's the next step?"



                                                                          Remember that question when interviewing for a "real" job. Don't wait for the professor to make the next move, take the initiative to push the process forward. At some point, you need his offer in writing in some form, I've had people verbally offer me jobs that were more about their wanting to work with me than their authority to hire me.



                                                                          In grad school, I was offered 3 assistantships; the prof who gave me a payroll sign up form got me, "This education brought to you by a grant from Exxon Corp." Offers can come in strange forms!






                                                                          share|improve this answer






























                                                                            2



















                                                                            "What's the next step?"



                                                                            Remember that question when interviewing for a "real" job. Don't wait for the professor to make the next move, take the initiative to push the process forward. At some point, you need his offer in writing in some form, I've had people verbally offer me jobs that were more about their wanting to work with me than their authority to hire me.



                                                                            In grad school, I was offered 3 assistantships; the prof who gave me a payroll sign up form got me, "This education brought to you by a grant from Exxon Corp." Offers can come in strange forms!






                                                                            share|improve this answer




























                                                                              2















                                                                              2











                                                                              2









                                                                              "What's the next step?"



                                                                              Remember that question when interviewing for a "real" job. Don't wait for the professor to make the next move, take the initiative to push the process forward. At some point, you need his offer in writing in some form, I've had people verbally offer me jobs that were more about their wanting to work with me than their authority to hire me.



                                                                              In grad school, I was offered 3 assistantships; the prof who gave me a payroll sign up form got me, "This education brought to you by a grant from Exxon Corp." Offers can come in strange forms!






                                                                              share|improve this answer














                                                                              "What's the next step?"



                                                                              Remember that question when interviewing for a "real" job. Don't wait for the professor to make the next move, take the initiative to push the process forward. At some point, you need his offer in writing in some form, I've had people verbally offer me jobs that were more about their wanting to work with me than their authority to hire me.



                                                                              In grad school, I was offered 3 assistantships; the prof who gave me a payroll sign up form got me, "This education brought to you by a grant from Exxon Corp." Offers can come in strange forms!







                                                                              share|improve this answer













                                                                              share|improve this answer




                                                                              share|improve this answer










                                                                              answered Sep 13 at 2:04









                                                                              SCooleySCooley

                                                                              211 bronze badge




                                                                              211 bronze badge































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