contact profs?

[jtu2tj]

just wondering, are you suppose to contact profs within the faculty you are applying for, before applying? is it okay not to?

[Bearcat1]

I think it depends on the field. I've seen a few posts saying it's not necessary, but I'd say in art history it's a must.

[jtu2tj]

thanks Bearcat1, I'm just not sure because on one of the university applications, it has a section asking if i have contacted any faculty member and if yes then who. I"m applying to Masters in International Development.

[Bearcat1]

I would at least send out introductory emails and make sure they are accepting new students. And sending an email I'd say qualifies as contact, so there you go!

[SlickMcFavorite]

Make sure your emails to profs are personal -- boilerplate emails will likely be ignored.

Do some research on a prof's interests and then mention areas of interest you and the professor share. Showing that you have the ability to think and talk about research will be a major plus.

[jtu2tj]

thanks for the replies! I was drafting up emails, but it just feels awkward contacting them randomly, do you have any advice as to what I should be discussing in the email? mention that i'm applying to masters at their university?

thanks!

[laura_b]

Some of the programs I applied to seemed to imply that they do not want applicants contacting or visiting them.