What should I do when I am approaching a faculty member as a potential supervisor?

Remember that faculty members receive multiple requests. Make sure your request stand out. Instead of a generic request, personalize the approach.

Things to consider in your request and interactions with potential supervisor:

1. Highlight your strength and accomplishments in a cover email or letter.
2. Send the faculty member a copy of your curriculum vitae and grades. This component is important so that the potential supervisor can be confident that you meet the minimum criteria for admission.
3. Ascertain that you and the faculty member match in terms of research interests. A telephone conversation or in person meeting may help establish this.
4. Make sure the faculty’s style matches your own. It is highly recommended that you ask the faculty to put you in touch with their other trainees that currently work or have worked closely with him/her.
5. Consider sharing some of your scientific writing with the faculty.
6. Work with the faculty to apply for funding.