<p>A quick question about protocols in SOPs: I've been referring to the people with whom I want to work as "Professor John Smith" or whatever. In the humanities, Dr. didn't seem quite comfortable (though it's technically correct) because I'd never use the title in the classroom: ? What's appropriate?</p>
<p>In one stretch in one of my current SOPs (the one for the school I currently attend), I use the word Professor so often it's becoming awkward. (It probably feels even more awkward because I'm used to calling the professors by less formal titles: maybe if I didn't know them, it wouldn't seem so weird to me.) It goes like this:</p>
<p>"As I progress in the Ph.D. program, I hope to focus on [topic] in under the guidance of Professor John Smith and Professor John Doe. As a student of Professor James Smith and Professor James Doe, I also plan to pursue my strong secondary interest in [topic]." All names obviously made up. (My current program has several people who work in my area; it's why I want to stay around.)</p>
<p>Does that sound weird to you guys, or is it okay? Suggestions?</p>
<p>Aaaaaaaauuuuuu this process is so stressful that I'm paranoid even about the minutiae. I can't wait to be done.</p>
<p>Congratulations to all those of you who already are, and those who are still writing, positive vibes to you all...</p>