Hi,

I'm currently looking at applying for PhDs, but am a little confused by some of the ads which ask you to submit your own proposal. How much depth are they expecting, and do you actually ever end up doing what you propose, or is it just meant as a starting point to show your interest? I just don't see how I could put together a better proposal than a supervisor, considering I would know relatively little about the area!
Any advice gratefully received!