<p>I am doing BS in electrical engineering (top 10 school), and am applying for a PhD now. I tried to email one prof I really interested to work with at the university I'm applying to (also top 10). In the email I told the prof I'm really interested in the prof's research, and it matches my research interest well. I also gave an url to my resume, and asked if the prof plans to take new students. </p>
<p>A few weeks later, the prof replied. Prof said that Prof plans to take students, and told me that my preparation/background suits "very well" to research in the group. And Prof told me: "hope we have a chance to talk more soon after the admission process is complete". </p>
<p>I have some uncertainties in interpreting what Prof means by that. My question is:
1. is this the usual "Thanks for your interest, best of luck in your application" type of response?
2. what could possibly Prof mean by 'after the process is complete'? does it mean after I submit my app?</p>
<p>So I submitted my app already, and would like to reply Prof's email to let Prof know about it and would like to ask a few other relevant things.
Any specific advice on how should I proceed from here, such that I dont annoy the prof?</p>
<p>I would say it’s a little more than the standard, as he did say that your background would make you a fit in his research group. He didn’t have to say that, obviously.</p>
<p>But that last line is pretty clear: for anything more substantive, he wants to wait until the applications are on the table and he’s had a chance to review them. So if you reply, just thank him for his time and consideration. The next time you’d talk, presumably, would be an admission interview.</p>
<p>I hope you mentioned that professor contact in your SoP - “I’ve talked with Professor Soandso, who said my background is well-suited for his research group” or something to that effect. Gradcoms like to see that you’ve done your homework on the program - and if you mention a prof, they’ll likely ask him about the contact. If he was suitably interested, you could well have him in your corner.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response. It is clearly insightful. </p>
<p>Yeah, the Prof also said in the email will closely read my app. An EE alumni from my current school (who is now doing PhD in the school that Prof is in) told me that Prof is probably in admission committee this year.</p>
<p>In my second email, I will tell Prof I already submitted my application, and indicate Prof’s name in the SoP. I also want to ask something like this:
“do you mind to briefly let me know a little bit about your (near) future research plans or projects please?”</p>
<p>Is it okay or rude to ask something like that?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t email him again (beyond a “thanks” like polarscribe suggested).</p>
<p>He essentially said to wait until you’re admitted before beginning to talk about a fit. (That’s what he meant by “after the process is complete.”)</p>
<p>**my two cents (from a Berkeley EE Phd)</p>
<p>Don’t ask him to describe his future/current research projects. He’s almost certainly a busy guy.</p>