Hello
Can anyone give me advice on the etiquette of PhD applications?
I have just finished a Masters and am hoping to apply for a PhD to start next year. There are three academics I would really like as supervisors:
- my current MA supervisor. I've spoken to her about applying for a PhD and she was v encouraging. However, she has said that she would want me to have a second supervisor (as my area of interest is interdisciplinary) and I'm slightly struggling to identify anyone within the university who might be a good fit. I've written to one chap but no response yet (to be fair, I only emailed yesterday )
- a v distinguished academic at another university- I suspect it might be v hard to get in, but it would be amazing if I could do it. Would not need a second supervisor as his work covers my area of interest exactly. I wrote to him last term and he was encouraging and has invited me for a chat at some point this term.
- a younger chap at another university- less prestigious and probably easier to get in (I don't really understand yet how finding a supervisor who wants to supervise you relates to getting accepted into a department). Again his work covers my area of interest exactly. I have not contacted him yet.
Is it normal and expected to make multiple applications (to different universities) when applying for PhDs, even though in each case I'll also be contacting potential supervisors directly? I am worried about being seen to waste people's time. I am particularly confused as to how to approach this with my current supervisor- I'll have to ask her for a reference if I apply elsewhere but I'll also be applying to stay at my current university with her as my supervisor. I'm really keen to understand whether this is all completely normal or whether I need to tread carefully to avoid annoying people.
Any advice v gratefully received!