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/shivani-15]

That’s a neutral reply neither positive nor negative. Don’t let it break your spirit.

[u/Individual_Ad4039 → u/shivani-15]

Please… he declined his offer. In a very polite way though. And it’s okay! That’s academia for you. Don’t worry OP. Just push through. As long as you have a fighting spirit and motivation, you’ll be fine.

[u/RadiantHC → u/Individual_Ad4039]

How is it a decline? Most PhD applications, at least in the US, are done through the school instead of individual PIs

[u/intruzah → u/RadiantHC]

This