applying to ma/phd programs and e-mailing professors?

[edie]

total newbie question:

I'm planning on applying to MA/PhD programs this fall. Is now the time to start e-mailing professors about whether or not they'd like to work with me? What is this formality of applying to MA/PhD programs?

Is this something applicants are expected to do? As in, I'm supposed to e-mail the professor(s) and introduce myself... ? What am I supposed to ask them/tell them?

Just a bit confused about this...

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

[lewin]

You might have more luck in the fall. Now is often too early for profs to know whether they're taking students.

Write something like: Dear Dr. So-and-so. I am a senior at X university and I plan to apply for the PhD program in ABC in Fall 2012. If you know already, will you be taking any new PhD students? I am interested in X and Y, and I especially enjoyed your paper on Z. I would be happy to provide more information on my background if you are interested; if not, please expect to receive my application in a few weeks.

[neuropsych76]

You might have more luck in the fall. Now is often too early for profs to know whether they're taking students.

Write something like: Dear Dr. So-and-so. I am a senior at X university and I plan to apply for the PhD program in ABC in Fall 2012. If you know already, will you be taking any new PhD students? I am interested in X and Y, and I especially enjoyed your paper on Z. I would be happy to provide more information on my background if you are interested; if not, please expect to receive my application in a few weeks.

I agree. It is generally a good idea to email profs ahead of time to see if they are taking students and (if they take time to respond) get to know them better. But it is by no means mandatory for admission.

[lewin]

I agree. It is generally a good idea to email profs ahead of time to see if they are taking students and (if they take time to respond) get to know them better. But it is by no means mandatory for admission.

...and I forgot to add that it will save you application fees if your potential POI isn't taking anybody.

[edie]

...and I forgot to add that it will save you application fees if your potential POI isn't taking anybody.

thank you for your thoughts! is the e-mail necessary for MA programs? or can I just go ahead and apply?

[lewin]

thank you for your thoughts! is the e-mail necessary for MA programs? or can I just go ahead and apply?

It's never "necessary" it's just prudent, saving time and money if your potential advisor isn't taking anybody. And it can be good if the person reviewing your application later has seen your name before (see Mere Exposure).

[Gunner24]

In MA programs, it's not nearly as much about working with a particular "professor of interest". Having a particular professor in mind is much more important in PhD programs. That said, it still won't hurt to contact professors and let them know that you're interested in their research. It's not that important to have one person's research in mind during an MA, but "fit" is still important, and you'll learn about that through emailing professors.