Advice Needed RE: Professor of Interest

[andes]

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I would be most appreciative for some advice regarding the following situation. I am currently preparing my application for a doctoral program in clinical psych (well, many actually, but this question only pertains to one program).

In October, I wrote to the professor (Professor #1) with whom I am most interested in working. Professor #1 wrote back saying that I seemed like a perfect fit, but that s/he was "almost certainly sure" that s/he would not be taking any students this year given that s/he had taken more than one last year. However, Professor #1 encouraged me to apply in next year's cycle if I was still on the market.

However... I am also very interested in working with another professor (Professor #2) in the same program, and I know for a fact (listed on webpage) that Professor #2 will definitely be accepting a new student this cycle.

While Professor #1 fits slightly better with my interests and background, I am also very interested in working with Professor #2. Furthermore, I could make a very compelling argument for how my background and interests fit well w/ Professor #2.

My question is this: would it be too transparent if after contacting Professor #1 and sharing how s/he would be ideal for me, all of a sudden I list Professor #2 as my POI on my application and essays? Would it seem like I was just trying to get into the program instead of having a great reason for working with a specific Professor?

My MAIN question for which I would like your input is this: should I play Russian Roulette and just write about how Professor #1 would be a great match for me and pray that there is a twist of fate and s/he gets funding to take a student?

OR

Should I list Professor #2 as my POI and see what happens, given that I know for a fact that Professor #2 will be taking a student?

Note that this is one of the most competitive clinical programs out there... we're talking about 2-3% acceptance rate to start out with.

Thanks!

 

[Wildcat06]

Put both. List them in order of who you think you have the better match with (#1 then #2). I didn't contact my advisor when I applied last year and I listed another person first in my statement of purpose (I had contacted a different professor and put her first). But I ended up with my current advisor because he was taking a student and it's ended up being a great experience and we are a great fit.

 

[researchgirl]

Put both and make your case (briefly) as to why both are good fits. I'd assume their interests overlap if you want to work with both of them, so it wouldn't be strange at all from the perspective of the admissions committee/those professors

 

[andes]

I like that solution! Seems pretty straightforward. Thanks for the advice.

 

[buzzworm]

Put both. List them in order of who you think you have the better match with (#1 then #2). I didn't contact my advisor when I applied last year and I listed another person first in my statement of purpose (I had contacted a different professor and put her first). But I ended up with my current advisor because he was taking a student and it's ended up being a great experience and we are a great fit.

I'm in exactly the same situation with one of the schools I'm applying to, and this is how I'm handling it. The school in question actually asks you to list multiple people, but from what I've heard -- and from what the Insider's Guide says -- it's standard to do that even when the school doesn't specifically say so.

 

[Wildcat06]

I'm in exactly the same situation with one of the schools I'm applying to, and this is how I'm handling it. The school in question actually asks you to list multiple people, but from what I've heard -- and from what the Insider's Guide says -- it's standard to do that even when the school doesn't specifically say so.

Yeah, it's a good idea to list more than one if for no other reason than to leave your options open. Most schools have unofficial sub-specialties where several faculty members are working in the same area, so it is common for some of them to be lumped together on applications.

Academics are known for their egos, but I have yet to meet one who I think would turn down an application because (gasp) it listed someone other than them. 😉