@Falcon1 the wording was quite ambiguous but centered around the premise that it’s too early to know his summer plans and that he isn’t sure if he’ll be absent during the program. He somewhat implied that he would be my mentor if I am accepted and he’s available, but that it was too early to make arrangements.
I don’t know what to tell you. You’ll need a signed commitment letter from him for you to say he will be your mentor. Otherwise, you can mention that you’ve had discussions with him and if you’re accepted he would likely mentor you if he’s available. That’s not the same as a firm commitment, however.
I think the thing to do is tell him that you are finishing up your application and ask him if would be willing to give you a commitment letter that application asks for. If not, try finding another professor who will. If you can’t find someone than just use some variation of the wording above and hope for the best. Many kids get in without a prearranged mentor and some get turned down who have lined up mentors, so there’s really no guarantees.
Ok thanks so much @Falcon1 , I will do just that.
@coffeeaddicted lol I got the same email you described, I’m assuming from the same guy given the research area. I personally wouldn’t ask for a commitment, because he seemed noncommittal, and I’d be worried about vexing him before selections are made. I think @Falcon1 is right: having a mentor is not a guarantee of acceptance, and will not make or break an application. I’ve emailed several professors and haven’t heard from all of them. From what I can tell, a lot of professors do not commit to the program until later, and they want to see all of the potential students before they choose one (don’t know if they have input in the admissions process). The commitment letter is probably more geared towards local students who are already working with Stony Brook professors so they can continue their research as part of the program.
I don’t know. At this point, I’m kind of in my zen place. My application is finished. I could try to contact more professors, but I really don’t think they’re willing to commit before students are accepted. I’ve given it my all, and Simons either takes me or it doesn’t. Worst case scenario, I’ll submit my nanowire research to Intel/ Siemens.
@17isands ok thanks. That makes a lot of sense. I may email another professor but it clearly isn’t that big of a deal considering the nature of the program/the program’s partiality to local applicants.
@coffeeaddicted @17isands I got the same type of response from a professor I emailed.
@17isands @picats3141 they’re probably unwilling to commit because, at least for physics/astronomy, there are so few applicants compared to a field like molecular biology or something (that’s my guess lol) and we probably all have similar stats so they’d rather wait until there are actually students in that field accepted to the program.
Meanwhile, it’s time I actually write the essay. I’m thinking I’ll just condense one of my RSI essays LOL
@Falcon1 I just got my mentor confirmed today over phone (contingent on my acceptance). What is it you were saying about the mentor signing a letter? My mentor mentioned it over the phone too but I was a bit confused.
It’s in the application.
@Falcon1 Where? Are you talking about the 2 teacher recommendations and 1 outside (optional) recommendation?
It’s in red on the application form!
@Falcon1 Which application form? I can’t find it on Part 1, Part 2, or the nomination.
Is it something on the Google Form that comes up after you submit?
OH there it is xD
Thanks, I just saw it on Part 2
by the way, can this commitment just be an email from the mentor to Mrs. Kernan, the program head?
does it specifically say it has to be an official signed letter?
The professor that I emailed to ask to be my mentor hasn’t responded. Should I send a follow up email or contact another professor?
I would recommend following up and also contacting someone else just in case.
Also, how are you all entering your PSAT scores? The application is set up like the old PSAT with 3 sections. And what did you guys get?
@runna67 Thank you for your advice! I got a 1410. I’m not sure how to put in that score either