> ----------
> From: Stephen Black[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Thursday, September 02, 1999 8:47 AM
> To: TIPS
> Subject: Re: Getting in to graduate school
>
>
> This raises an interesting issue I would like to know more about. Do
> graduate schools expect applying students to make preliminary contact
> with a potential advisor beforehand, or is this usually arranged after
> acceptance?
>
> I agree, though, that whether or not this is routine, it's probably a
> good idea if the student can manage it.
>
> -Stephen
>
My experience on grad committees has been that most people prefer
students who want to work specifically with them, in their area. I think I'm
in the minority, but I would rather work with the bright, motivated student
who doesn't know exactly what they want to do yet. I don't think it's
particularly healthy to have a fixed idea about your career goals by the age
of 21,22, 23 or whatever (geez, that sounds Eriksonian).
Marty Bourgeois
University of Wyoming
