SOP Question - POIs

[CageFree]

There are two professors that I emailed back and forth with earlier this year. They both seemed interested in me, asked some questions (basic stuff)... and after I replied, I never heard back. I sent a polite follow-up e-mail to each of them but I got no reply.

One of them is on maternity leave so I understand she's really busy - she was apologetic after not getting back to me quickly the first time. The other one... I'm completely puzzled. She contacted me after she was copied on my original email to another POI (who is not taking grad students); she asked some questions, I replied, and she said she wanted to meet with me over coffee (the school is about 2 hours away). I said I'd love to.... and that I'd want to schedule a tour while I'm at it on that day since I have not been on that campus... and that was it. I'm hoping she didn't think that I was asking HER to give me a tour... the school offers tours daily.

I already sent GRE scores to this school, which is in my top 3 choices, period. Should I just save myself the app fee and not apply, or would you try anyway?

[Safferz]

I wouldn't let that discourage you from applying to a top choice, and her silence is unlikely to be anything personal (probably just a busy semester!). I don't think communicating with a POI is too important beyond establishing whether the professor is taking on new students in the fall. If you know that she's accepting students and you know that the school is a great fit for your research interests, go for it!

[Hopin'-n-Prayin']

^{I agree with Safferz...its so natural to read into the silence (most of us would react the same way), and yet so irrational (because our conclusions are not supported by any objective basis- just fears and doubts). I've already 'awfulized' half of my POI experiences, and applied to those schools anyway.}

^{As far as the issue of the tour is concerned, its safe to assume that the POI will reason that any prospective student who is saavy (sav vy?) enough to e-mail her, will know better than to angle for a personally guided tour...but it is great awfullization on your part}

[Safferz]

^{I agree with Safferz...its so natural to read into the silence (most of us would react the same way), and yet so irrational (because our conclusions are not supported by any objective basis- just fears and doubts). I've already 'awfulized' half of my POI experiences, and applied to those schools anyway.}

^{As far as the issue of the tour is concerned, its safe to assume that the POI will reason that any prospective student who is saavy (sav vy?) enough to e-mail her, will know better than to angle for a personally guided tour...but it is great awfullization on your part}

Awfulization, I love that I think you've just theorized the conceptual term to describe this entire application experience, or a significant part of it for me at least! I managed to awfulize my writing sample just thinking about it this morning over coffee.

[TMP]

What have you got to lose? Apply if you're willing to deal with her situation (being a mommy of a little kid takes a lot of time and energy...).

Most POIs keep their contacts limited until they actually have the money to recruit the student,. As the above poster said, these contacts are more to check in to see if they're accepting students.

[CageFree]

Awfulization, I love that I think you've just theorized the conceptual term to describe this entire application experience, or a significant part of it for me at least! I managed to awfulize my writing sample just thinking about it this morning over coffee.

I love that phrase too. I've been trying not to stress too much... I have had a lot on my plate this semester, between teaching, coaching and planning a wedding, so I haven't had the TIME to panic LOL.

[CageFree]

What have you got to lose? Apply if you're willing to deal with her situation (being a mommy of a little kid takes a lot of time and energy...).

Most POIs keep their contacts limited until they actually have the money to recruit the student,. As the above poster said, these contacts are more to check in to see if they're accepting students.

The one I'm worried about is not the mommy. There are several people to work with at that school so I am ok. It's the other one I'm worried about

[TMP]

List that other person anyway. Apparently the person is willing to work with you but just won't be your primary adviser. Say something like "I would like to learn from POI 2 about gender in Latin American history."