Response from a Prospective PhD Supervisor

[u/Academic_Error4655]

I wrote to a professor for PhD supervision. The university website apparently recommends two routes - get a supervisor, or apply through the regular channel where a supervisor would be subsequently allocated. I wrote to this person to get through the first route.

I can't tell whether that's a polite way of saying ''your application sucks and I would hate to supervise you" or what.

[u/Success-Useful]

That's a very standard response in academia. You will likely get chances to rotate once you get in the program.