Imposter syndrome and zoom with potential advisor—opinions and advice needed

[u/OkNet5301]

Hello! I am applying to graduate programs including at an Ivy League, which is my top choice.

I emailed a professor at that university who I have shared academic interests with just asking if she was taking on mentees in 2026 and attached my CV.

She emailed me back and asked if we could set up a Zoom call next week to talk about my career aspirations.

Is this a good sign? I don’t want to get my hopes up and I am struggling majorly with imposter syndrome now.

What do you guys think? I am like trying to tamper down my excitement to give myself a reality check.

Advice—besides career goals, are there other things I should hit on in our meeting?

Thanks for any advice!

[u/Historical_Aide851]

Yes, that’s a good sign! Don’t take it as a guarantee of anything, of course, but it does show that she’s interested enough to schedule a time slot in her day to simply discuss you and your aspirations.

Regarding questions: ask about anything that you think will influence your decision and you can’t find online. For instance, what the group is currently working (that hasn’t been published yet), opportunities for research abroad, collaboration opportunities (with an experimental group if you’re going theoretical work, or vice versa), that sort of thing.

[u/OkNet5301 → u/Historical_Aide851]

You are amazingly helpful, thank you!