Supervisor student relationship

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of the supervisor-student relationship in a graduate physics program, particularly focusing on the implications of a supervisor's inquiries about other programs the student applied to and the context of the student's admission. The conversation touches on themes of mentorship, motivation, and the expectations within academic relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is common for supervisors to ask about other programs the student applied to, suggesting it may be a way for the supervisor to understand the student's plans for better guidance.
  • Another participant argues that the question is not strange, especially in the context of funding competition between institutions, indicating that the supervisor may want to tailor their offer based on this information.
  • A participant shares their experience of being informed by their supervisor that they were fortunate to be admitted, as the supervisor had not intended to take on another student and only did so due to specific criteria being met.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of the supervisor's motivations, with one participant suggesting that the student should inquire about the supervisor's genuine interest in mentoring them, as obligation may not lead to effective guidance.
  • Another participant counters this concern, suggesting that a supervisor's initial reluctance does not preclude them from being a supportive mentor once the relationship is established, emphasizing the importance of mutual effort in the student-advisor dynamic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the supervisor's motivations and the nature of the student-supervisor relationship. There is no consensus on whether the supervisor's initial lack of enthusiasm is a cause for concern or if it can evolve positively with the student's efforts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexities of academic relationships, including the influence of external factors such as funding and departmental dynamics, which may affect the supervisor's approach and the student's experience.

tukra sukra
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Hi, I got admitted into a graduate program in physics. My prospective supervisor pulled through my application and got me admitted.

I was asked later by my supervisor which other programs I got admitted into?

Is this a common question for a supervisor to ask?
 
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What's wrong in it. He just wants to know in detail about your plan such that he can guide you.
 
No, it's not strange at all, especially if you don't yet have funding information. If they're competing against Princeton for you, their funding offer will be much better than if they're competing against the University of NoName.
 
I'm already two months into the program, and my supervisor knows me well enough.

He also pointed out that I was lucky enough to be admitted in the department, because he had no intentions of taking on a second student (he admitted one other student early in the year) and that the only reason I got in was because he was continually being emailed by the graduate secretary if he had some applicant that met the criteria of some bursary that was not being taken up by anyone else.

So, he basically scanned his list of applicants for students who met the criteria and I happened to be one of two students who met the criteria. He ended by mentioning that I was very lucky to be admitted in the department.
 
tukra sukra said:
He also pointed out that I was lucky enough to be admitted in the department, because he had no intentions of taking on a second student (he admitted one other student early in the year) and that the only reason I got in was because he was continually being emailed by the graduate secretary if he had some applicant that met the criteria of some bursary that was not being taken up by anyone else.

So, he basically scanned his list of applicants for students who met the criteria and I happened to be one of two students who met the criteria. He ended by mentioning that I was very lucky to be admitted in the department.

Jee, that must have been motivating to hear.

I would ask him (politely, kindly) whether he is actually interested in being your supervisor. A supervisor that does his job mostly because of obligation may not be very helpful.
 
Krylov said:
Jee, that must have been motivating to hear.

I would ask him (politely, kindly) whether he is actually interested in being your supervisor. A supervisor that does his job mostly because of obligation may not be very helpful.

I disagree. Just because a supervisor wasn't keen on beginning a relationship doesn't mean he won't do the right thing once he's in it.

It's fairly universal for advisers to warm up to students who work hard and follow advice, but grow cooler toward students who don't seem to work hard or follow advice.

I tend to look at relationships from both sides: you get out of relationships what you put into them. In scientific collaborations, both students and advisers should work hard and try and pull more than their weight. Sometime you have to make a pest of yourself to get an opportunity, but once the door is open, it's up to you to make good on it. Apparently the secretary was pestering him on your behalf. Be encouraged. Your hard work will likely be rewarded.
 

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