How advisors are assigned to new enrolled PhDs?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Ohio State University
1

Hi,

I just received an offer of PhD degree in CSE department, OSU. I am really confused about the research advisor assigning process because when I asked the admission coordinator about how advisors are assigned, the only answer I got is “one will be assigned this summer”. The answer is confusing. When I replied back asking further details, the coordinator refused to say something more.

So I am wondering how can I choose an advisor? Based on the coordinator’s short reply, one will be assigned before the enrollment. But is that based on a mutual selection? Shouldn’t a professor be chosen by having his/her course and getting to know each better? I am really confused and this is an important issue.

By the way, I referred a professor whose research I am interested in and talked about his research in my purpose statement for the application. How much is the possibility that that professor will be the one who recommends me to be admitted in the admission committee and I will be advised by him/her after enrollment? If I want to work on fields other than that professor’s, is that possible?

Great thanks to anyone who can help!

2

If you are going to the department as a TA or Fellow, you are just assigned an initial advisor by the department and you can choose your final research advisor in your first year. PM me if you will like more details.

3

Thanks. I did get a TA(GTA) and it seems like I can choose my research advisor by the first year? Then, that’s quite good.