Every year, I read applications for my department’s Ph.D. program at Brown University. The ones I usually see are from people who might want to work with me either as their primary or additional adviser. Reading each application, I always start by asking myself one question: If admitted — given their experience, skills, and interests — what would this student work on? If I can guess at an answer, I ask more questions:
- Does this applicant seem to understand what’s involved in doctoral study?
- Would I be able to help with this work, or is it too far outside of my expertise?
- Would I be interested in spending several years working on and thinking about these issues?
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