This most likely varies greatly by school and even by department. Come to think of it, this will vary per applicant.
I assume they follow the same timelines as most PhD funding, especially if you are being funded as an RA or TA, but I would suggest that you contact the schools directly regarding this...
I wouldn't worry about it too much...most people I know wouldn't mind the e-mail.
Culturally speaking, this differs from East-Coast to West-Coast, even between the South and Midwest...I know here in Texas that is just being "neighborly". Where I attended my UG in the Midwest they might see it as slightly odd, but won't hold it against you.
Honestly, if that is the worst cultural faux pas that you commit you'll have little to no problems.
Good luck!
Could be worse...
"You don't like working here?"
"Why do you need a PhD?"
Of course, I continually get coworkers bugging me about updates to my stuff...
"When are you going to find out?"
"Did you find anything out yet?"
"If you haven't heard back yet, does that mean you got rejected?"
I am not worried as much as some of them!
Was just wondering...
I have about a year and a half of research experience as an undergraduate in primarily Biochemistry related research. Additionally, I taught two years of Physics and Biology.
(I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up so I majored in just about everything that sounded interesting...)
For a STEM-based degree program would the selection committee put more emphasis on the research or the teaching?
Asked professors and friends in differing fields and I am getting conflicting thoughts on the issue...