Reaching out to faculty prior to applying

[cbsag123]

Hi all,

 

I was wondering if you'd recommend reaching out to faculty at a given institution before applying there? My recommenders all said that that wasn't necessary, but now, a few weeks before apps are due, I'm freaking out thinking I should have reached out long ago. If you do think it's important to reach out to faculty beforehand, do you think it's too late to do so now? My applications are due between Dec. 1st and January 15th.

[Theory007]

3 hours ago, cbsag123 said:

Hi all,

 

I was wondering if you'd recommend reaching out to faculty at a given institution before applying there? My recommenders all said that that wasn't necessary, but now, a few weeks before apps are due, I'm freaking out thinking I should have reached out long ago. If you do think it's important to reach out to faculty beforehand, do you think it's too late to do so now? My applications are due between Dec. 1st and January 15th.

I dont think it matters for the success of your applications that you reach out to professors beforehand. And yes it is too late either way - it will (I think) seem a bit insincere that you reach out last minute at least for the December applications.

[cbsag123]

15 hours ago, Theory007 said:

I dont think it matters for the success of your applications that you reach out to professors beforehand. And yes it is too late either way - it will (I think) seem a bit insincere that you reach out last minute at least for the December applications.

Thanks, that makes me feel better. I'm losing my mind over the tiniest things lol

[smaug]

Faculty member here. I get maybe a dozen or so emails from prospective students each cycle. Doing so doesn't help or hurt. IIRC in the last couple cycles none of the people who reached out to me in the fall have been admitted. Go figure. This is likely just random chance.