When applying to grad school, is it wise to contact professors at potential schools?

Question

I've asked my professors about this, and they are split on the issue. Some have advised me to research (via the school's web site) the departments I'm applying to and email professors whose research interests match mine. I've done this research and identified several professors, but I'm concerned that such an email may be seen as my trying to ingratiate myself with that professor, and thus actually hurt (not help) my chances. I'm afraid I will come off as lame, with the professor thinking, "What kind of person does this!"

Is this something that is acceptable to do during the application process? Are profs ok with this, or do they resent the email intrusion? Should I instead contact the graduate dept head and ask for advice/permission?

Also, if I should contact them, is a simple introduction that I'm applying to their grad program and these are my current research interests enough? What are some things I should ask (almost all of the general program details are online)?

Answer 1

It's totally okay to get in contact with professors beforehand. When I was applying to grad school, I checked out all the departments and looked at people who shared my research interests. Then I picked one person from each school to email - just a brief little thing about what my reseach interests were and why I was thinking of applying to that school, followed by an inquiry as to whether they thought I would be a good fit for their program. The professors that I contacted were very friendly and I actually established a good contact base at various schools this way. There is a section on grad school applications that even asks you which professors you have been talking to, so I think it looks better to have a name to put down rather than leaving the section blank.

I think the big thing would be to keep the email messages brief. Professors are busy and they don't want to read a lot of stuff that they don't have to. If they don't like being emailed, chances are they'll just delete your message and forget all about you.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

Answer 2

First, just because the professor has a field you're interested in doesn't mean they have a spot for you. My major professor only took new students based on research funding, and then he was looking for people to convince him that you were worth his time. Often, you can run up against things like sabbaticals. I see nothing wrong with a short, inquiring email - something like "Hello, I'm interested in applying to graduate school. Your research sounds like something I'm really excited about. Are you interested in taking on a new student? I just thought I'd ask before I went through the application process. Thanks for your time." More than that, and yes, maybe it might be counter-productive, but why even consider a relationship that is really in part a mentorship if the interested party is already booked up? Send that (short) email.

Answer 3

A couple of things: (1) The Dean has no bearing on graduate Admissions. (2) Graduate Admissions is decided solely by the Graduate Committee which consists of Graduate Faculty and, at some schools, a Senior Graduate Student. Its OK to contact faculty, but you should be careful about the questions you ask. General questions about the program should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The DGS is ultimately responsible for your admission, progress and student well being. He (most likely) designed the current structure of the program and manages the department fellowship money. Unless you are interested in the research of the DGS, do not ask him questions about research, except to ask him about the MYD (Median Years to Degree). The first response gave you a good template for an email to a prospective advisor. But I'd add that you should first make sure that the faculty member is still active by looking at his research dossier. If he hasn't done anything since -say - 1988, then, in all likelihood, he is buying time until retirement or he is a smelly weirdo that no one wants to work with. In either case he'd be a neutral vote on the Admissions committee or is not a member of the graduate faculty.

Answer 4

Each graduate program has a DGS (Director of Graduate Studies). You should absolutely contact this person and ask them about contacting other professors. Definitely mention your current research interests.

It is our job as DGS to set up contact and/or in-person meetings with professors in our departments -- take advantage, we'll help!

And here's a question to ask the DGS:
Ask about a campus visit. The DGS may be able to help defray some of your expenses. I do this all the time for prospective students.

And just to clear up a misconception above -- I am also a professor, and so are all DGS.

Answer 5

I am applying right now, and actually I requested a meeting with some of the professors. I also e-mailed them before requesting a meeting. I introduced myself and then asked if I could meet. I think if you meet with them, it shows them that you are serious about your decision to join their department. It will make you stand out as an applicant. However it depends to what size school you are applying. In small schools they love student-professor interaction. In larger schools professors might not have time for you. For example, at Rutgers University one of the professors did not show up to our meeting. Oh well!
Good luck to you!!!
;-)

Answer 6

I'd go ahead and email them, so long as you have specific questions about their research and how you might fit in. If they never email you back or if they send you a nasty email back, then I'd think twice about wanting to go to that school! Every school (and every professor) is different, of course, but for me, having friendly professors in grad school was very important to me - if they were all snooty and full of themselves I would have left very quickly!

Answer 7

I would recommend contacting the program manager - someone who helps with the recruitment but is NOT a professor. Ask them which professor(s) in their department they would recommend you contacting to find out more information. This way you'll have a way to introduce yourself. "I was referred to you by the program manager". Good luck!