Emailing professors

[Jillybean]

Hey everyone,

Has anyone sent an inquiry email to Ph.D. programs/ professors to inquire why they weren't admitted? Ask for some advice for future applications? Is this ok to do? Will this burn bridges? and how did you word it?

Much Thanks!!

[Bumblebee9]

Hey everyone,

Has anyone sent an inquiry email to Ph.D. programs/ professors to inquire why they weren't admitted? Ask for some advice for future applications? Is this ok to do? Will this burn bridges? and how did you word it?

Much Thanks!!

I would not ask why you didn't get admitted to their program unless you know your POI on a personal level. Professors/schools don't have to justify their choices to students/applicants. And sometimes decisions are arbitrary. Let's face it, most people applying at this level are qualified and ready to do the work, so how ad com committees decide on 10 to 20 students out of 300 to 700 applicants is beyond me.

You can, however, ask the program or your POI what you can do next year to make your application more competitive. This is essentially asking the same thing, but it is phrased much more like "please help me improve/stand out" than "why didn't I get into your program" (accusatory). You'll get exactly the same information without possibly burning any bridges. IF you get a response...some POIs/programs don't respond to these inquiries (especially if they note this in your rejection letter).

[Jillybean]

I would not ask why you didn't get admitted to their program unless you know your POI on a personal level. Professors/schools don't have to justify their choices to students/applicants. And sometimes decisions are arbitrary. Let's face it, most people applying at this level are qualified and ready to do the work, so how ad com committees decide on 10 to 20 students out of 300 to 700 applicants is beyond me.

You can, however, ask the program or your POI what you can do next year to make your application more competitive. This is essentially asking the same thing, but it is phrased much more like "please help me improve/stand out" than "why didn't I get into your program" (accusatory). You'll get exactly the same information without possibly burning any bridges. IF you get a response...some POIs/programs don't respond to these inquiries (especially if they note this in your rejection letter).

Hey,

Good advice! thanks!

[Slide568]

I have done this. I applied to the anthropology program and they suggested I move my application over to art history. I called the anthro department and asked them to explain the motives and intensions of doing this. They told me the truth and even offered to reevaluate my app and gave me pointers on why I was moved and what could be done in the future. Emails work well because people can think out what they want to say in response. Phone calls are good too becuase you know you will get a response right then. I would try emailing first and then calling if no response. Seriously. If you didnt get in what do you have to loose anyway, nothing. It will only prove how genuine you are about improving and succeeding. As stated before choose your words wisely and professionally BUT ask exactly what you want to know. If you beat around the bush you may never get the answers that will satisfy you.