Still worth contacting POIs?

[praxismakesperfect]

I have been procrastinating on contacting POIs (mainly because I have been overthinking everything, and don't want to make a bad a first impression). My first round of applications are due Dec. 1 - is it still worth contacting POIs at this point? Also, is there a particular format you would suggest for the introductory email? Thanks.

[roguesenna]

I was also putting off contacting POIs, mostly because I decided to apply pretty late and was scrambling to get parts of my app done, but I finally just started emailing. I think it's worth it to at least get your name in there, just don't be surprised if they say they don't have time. I am still going to try and do a visit before they make final decisions, but luckily I live in the city I'm interested in (NYC).   

 

As far as wording, I found this link: http://theprofessorisin.com/2011/07/25/how-to-write-an-email-to-a-potential-ph-d-advisor/

you can find more by using teh googles. And here's the letter I wrote with some details adjusted. It is obviously pretty specific to my circumstances, but the more specific you are, the more the prof can see that you aren't sending them a form letter and that you are truly interested. If it helps, the prof responded to this within a few hours:

 

 

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Dear Dr. [professor],

 

My name is [so and so] and I am currently applying to the [degree program] at [school]. I received my [degree #1] from [undergrad] in [year] and my [degree #2] from the [grad school] this past [date].

 

I noticed your name on the faculty list and recalled your book, [book]. The book was suggested to me by my professor ([name]) in her [class] graduate class for my paper [paper title]. I got interested in [subject] when [artist], an expat of my home town and an alumni of my undergrad, visited for our production of [play]. Simultaneously, a local theatre produced [play #2] and I was hooked.

 

After re-reading a few of the essays in [aforementioned book], I suspect that we have some of the same interests and as a prospective at [school] I would love to talk with you. If accepted I would like to continue down this vein for my research though possibly broadening into other depictions of [research topic]. One play that keeps popping into my head is [play] by [author]. I'm also strongly interested in [secondary related topic]. It is something I've dealt with in my own writing with varying degrees of success. I wonder if you might have suggestions about directions to take this research and specific plays or papers to look at.

 

I hope you don't mind my getting in touch. I am sure that you are very busy so I greatly appreciate any time you can take to respond. Thank you for your time.

 

Sincerely,

[your name. obvs.]