Reaching out to PIs... worth it at this late stage?

[ee_evanspritchard]

Hey all... recently finished my PhD applications to 10 anthropology programs in the US (I'm a domestic student currently in an anthro MA program at a big ~Ivy~ university). I worked hard on my applications and got good feedback on my documents but with all the chaos of this semester (coursework overload, family issues, attending class on campus for the first time as a commuter student after a year fully online) I was pretty down to the wire, adding and dropping schools at the last minute, rushing some forms and why-I-want-to-go-here statements (not good I know). This is all just to say I haven't really reached out to persons of interest (PIs) yet (of the couple I did, only one wrote back to say she can't take new advisees), and I'm wondering if it's too late or if I should do it now.

Is there a chance reaching out at this late stage would be off-putting to faculty? It's practically Christmas now... would it be better to wait to early January? I was planning to travel during the break to California, where two of my top-choice schools are, but with covid on the rise again I feel a bit weird suggesting in-person meetings, assuming the trip will even happen. Still, I feel like I should at least write to give some indication that I'm a real person with sincere interests, if not the most timely or organized. How would you all approach this? Thanks

[BridgetBB]

I actually made some last minute decisions and wrote to POI's. I thought, well may be the Professors may not have time to respond, or can be putting off , but however decided that I will write to them. Some did respond, very quickly and some did not. If you believe in the merit of your project, may be you should write to them. 

Edited December 23, 2021 by Shanmukham

[smellycat]

I would say go for it but preface that you already applied and hope you are successful this round, but if not, would love to try again next year/help on any current projects with said PI if that is of interest to them. 

[ee_evanspritchard]

Thanks friends... I'll give it a try and let you know if anything interesting happens

[dawer]

This is a hot topic for me right now