Is it rude to ask a professor whether or not they recommend the school that they got their PhD from? Someone told me that it would be offensive to ask them that..........what do u think?
2007-01-26 14:16:14 · 13 answers · asked by Howdy 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Yes, I agree with CuriousChica. It might be better to ask the professor outside of class time, so as not to take time away from his planned lesson, but you do make a good case that it is relevant to the actual topic of the course, so I suppose it wouldn't really be out of place to ask during class as well, if you explain why you think it's relevant. If the professor disagrees, then you can always go talk to him further during his office hours. (Professors love it when people actualy show up and discuss things other whining about their grades during office hours!)
2016-05-24 03:59:45 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree, it isn't rude to do that. When I was looking into grad schools one prof talked to me for a very long time in his office and wanted to know exactly what schools i was applying to and why, so he could offer suggestions. I didn't push me, but asked a few times if I looked into the school he got his PhD at. Some profs may not care, but others are very closely tied to their schools and would love to send their best students to those schools. I can't imagine anyone would be upset or offended by asking them about their school. Also, you could ask about a list of 5 or 6 schools and toss theirs in there, then when they mention they went there, act surprised. That should get them talking about the school.
2007-01-26 14:51:33 · answer #2 · answered by Matt 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes a school, especially a graduate program, is a good fit for one person and not a good fit for another, or the program has changed over time, or your concentration is different from theirs. If this is an approachable prof who seems pretty down to earth, I'd ask them if they think that their grad school would be a good fit for you. (after you tell them what you are looking for in or from a program) My grad school advisor doesn't recommend her PhD school to others, because when she went there it was a really good program and now its only so-so. Other profs didn't recommend their programs because they weren't a good fit for the student who was asking. One of my friends is applying to her mentor's school, but its because its a good place for her in a lot of different ways, not because her mentor went there. Good luck on finding the right program for you!
2007-01-26 16:06:27 · answer #3 · answered by pag2809 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think they will love it and you should be prepared for a long speech about how great their school is. I have always had a few profs who will discuss or mention where they got their PhD. I'm sure you have too. Those would probably be good people to go to.
2007-01-26 15:11:19 · answer #4 · answered by bpbjess 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not like you are going to say "Hey, did your school s***?"
You are asking them a question that is very legitimate - you admire them, they seem to have gotten a great education, and you wonder if they think that their school would be a good place to do the study for your career. They will probably be flattered and be happy to have a chat with you about what your interests are and how they would match up with that school.
It is always polite to send the prof an email saying "HI my name is Mary Smith, I was in your Eng 205 class. I wonder if it would be ok for me to stop by during your office hours to ask you about XYZ university?"
Most profs would be happy to have you come in.,
2007-01-26 14:35:49 · answer #5 · answered by matt 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If nothing else, it would impress your professor that you thought enough of them to ask about the college they got their doctorate! I'm sure any professor, even the evil ones, wouldn't hold anything against you if you asked something like that.
2007-01-26 14:26:55 · answer #6 · answered by Kari Grace 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your professor will rightfully suspect your motives, because the educational backgrounds of professors is public, printed knowledge in the Administrator's or Registrar's Office.
2007-01-26 14:25:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
U should go to school here. We have some prof. that tell u EVERY DAY that they graduated with a 4.0 from Yale or Harvard or whatever.. Just to toot their own horn.. I have no problem asking a prof. about his school.. Tell them you are thinking about grad school and wonder what his was like.. (whether it's true or not).. MOst of them will tell u if they think u might continue to grad school
2007-01-26 14:55:07 · answer #8 · answered by chilover 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not at all, professors love it. Go in to office hours
2007-01-26 14:23:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends on how you ask the question and how do u think your professor will respond back? If u know him.......its all on you =]
2007-01-26 14:21:39 · answer #10 · answered by Vin R 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋