Contact professors before submitting application?

[hl348]

Do you contact the professors of interest before submitting applications?

 

I know that for engineering PhDs it's kind of a custom to contact them because they need to inquire about funding opportunities or ask if the lab has spaces to be filled in, etc. But in my case, I'm applying for American Indian Studies/Anthropology/Folklore MA programs which don't really run the same way as the engineering programs do. It seems people have varying opinions regarding it. Some say "it will annoy the professors, it won't significantly increase your chances of admissions anyway if it didn't bother." But others say "it's worth giving it a try, actually many professors welcome proactive students." 

 

What do you think? Should I contact professors? I'm so lost!