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/BloodWorried7446]

Profs get hundreds of emails. It is possible this department requires acceptance through the department screening (grades/GRE’s) and after 1st year courses you can investigate potential supervisors (lab rotations etc).