Should I ask current lab members how often they meet their supervisor?
Yes, this is a useful question to ask. Meeting frequency can differ by laboratory, supervisor, year of study, and research stage. Ask current students not only about the interval between scheduled meetings, but also how easy it is to seek advice, how urgent questions are handled, and how individual meetings differ from group meetings. For confirmation, also check official information or ask the supervisor.
Key points
- Ask about the frequency and approximate length of scheduled meetings.
- Check whether students can seek advice when needed, including how they communicate and how responses are handled.
- Distinguish between individual meetings, whole-lab meetings, and guidance for students at different stages.
Things to check
- What current students report reflects their individual experience and may differ by year of study or research stage.