I need to do a thesis for my program (bio-psych) and I had contacted a bunch of professors and listed my top ones in the ballot for the psych department thesis. However, I didn't get a supervisor through the ballot. I've also emailed several other profs (internal and external) about doing a thesis and most have told me they're not accepting students or haven't replied at all. Is it too late to get a supervisor? I know I meet all the requirements (GPA and prereqs) for it and I asked the psych academic advisor about it and she basically told me to keep trying. But I've emailed everyone who I'd like to work with and nothing so far... I planned to do an extra year specifically to do a thesis so it kind of sucks if I don't end up with a supervisor and end up doing an extra year only to have to pick bio or psych to graduate with.

I have a friend in Biopsych. She said because a thesis is a required course, even if you can't find one, the department will help you to eventually get one. So contact your department head again..

Originally Posted by jezebel

I need to do a thesis for my program (bio-psych) and I had contacted a bunch of professors and listed my top ones in the ballot for the psych department thesis. However, I didn't get a supervisor through the ballot. I've also emailed several other profs (internal and external) about doing a thesis and most have told me they're not accepting students or haven't replied at all. Is it too late to get a supervisor? I know I meet all the requirements (GPA and prereqs) for it and I asked the psych academic advisor about it and she basically told me to keep trying. But I've emailed everyone who I'd like to work with and nothing so far... I planned to do an extra year specifically to do a thesis so it kind of sucks if I don't end up with a supervisor and end up doing an extra year only to have to pick bio or psych to graduate with.

I have no idea what this ballot thing you're talking about is, but I know most departments where a thesis is required will find SOMEONE for you to do it with. However, as you're in biopsych, this does include bio profs, and you can do a biology-based thesis. This may not be your top choice, but if they're guaranteeing all eligible students will do a thesis, then they really can't guarantee you'll get the prof/project you want. I think at this point your best bet is to branch out a bit, especially if the advisor isn't being any help.

Honestly, your best bet is to keep trying. I know for co-op, a few friends sent out 100s of emails before they got an interview, let alone a position. Just email everyone possible, even if its not your first choice.

Originally Posted by nerual

I have no idea what this ballot thing you're talking about is, but I know most departments where a thesis is required will find SOMEONE for you to do it with. However, as you're in biopsych, this does include bio profs, and you can do a biology-based thesis. This may not be your top choice, but if they're guaranteeing all eligible students will do a thesis, then they really can't guarantee you'll get the prof/project you want. I think at this point your best bet is to branch out a bit, especially if the advisor isn't being any help.

Psych has so many students that its not feasible for them to arrange thesis supervisors the way we do.

@OP: try looking at profs in other departments. You never know what you might find.
eg. somebody in ChemBio is doing a thesis with a prof in Chem eng

Originally Posted by djRAIN

Psych has so many students that its not feasible for them to arrange thesis supervisors the way we do.

@OP: try looking at profs in other departments. You never know what you might find.
eg. somebody in ChemBio is doing a thesis with a prof in Chem eng

It's biopsych, not general psych. They're required to do a thesis, and there's not that many in the actual biopsych program, especially when you consider they have both the psych and bio depts to choose from in terms of supervisors.

Originally Posted by djRAIN

Psych has so many students that its not feasible for them to arrange thesis supervisors the way we do.

@OP: try looking at profs in other departments. You never know what you might find.
eg. somebody in ChemBio is doing a thesis with a prof in Chem eng

A lot of the polymer labs in the chem eng department would actually be great for chemistry students or students with strong organic chemistry skills. Just something to think about for all you chemistry students out there.

Also, I'm surprised nobody wants OP in their lab. I'd think professors would like smart capable fourth years to do a thesis especially since it is free labour.

Originally Posted by muons

A lot of the polymer labs in the chem eng department would actually be great for chemistry students or students with strong organic chemistry skills. Just something to think about for all you chemistry students out there.

Also, I'm surprised nobody wants OP in their lab. I'd think professors would like smart capable fourth years to do a thesis especially since it is free labour.

It's free labour, and I believe profs also receive a stipend for each student they take, but it takes time to teach the student, there needs to be funding for the project itself, etc. Some labs can't afford to fund the student's project, even though they aren't paying the student themselves. Some labs just don't have enough room, etc.