E-Mailing POIs?

[university99]

The schools I'm applying to for the PhD program don't require me to identify any POIs, so is it a good idea to contact them anyway? I'm very sure these schools are accepting students, since the numbers are about the same for each year.

[anthropologygeek]

It really depends on your field. All I can say without knowing your field is it can't hurt.

[digits2006]

I emailed all my POIs because most of my programs the POI accepted the student. It would still be nice to contact them and let them know you are interested. When they look at your application, they will remember your name more than other candidates who never contacted them.