Will it be good to make phone calls to professors?

[Friedrichdvv]

I am applying PhD for fall 2015 and I contacted several professors by email last year. Some of them told me that they planned to hire new PhD students and asked me to send my CV. But after I sent my CV to these professors, they never reply my emails. Now I have submitted the online application.

 

So my question is, during these days before the decision, can I drop by and visit professors during their office hours? If it is possible to make an appointment, email may not be a good method since many professors may ignore them. Will it be good to make phone calls to professors? I am an international student and I don't know much about whether making phone calls will be annoying to professors or not. Hope to hear your suggestions.

 

Many thanks

Edited January 14, 2015 by Friedrichdvv

[rising_star]

If you're an international student, how would you drop by? Rather than doing that, I would suggest sending another email asking new questions, reiterating your interest, and asking if they're available to Skype or talk to you on the phone?

[jujubea]

It would have been better to contact them before you made your application, in my opinion, especially because they never emailed you back - they might not be interested as far as you know.

 

I assume you are already in the US as an int'l student and perhaps near one or some of the campuses you applied to? I think dropping by their actual office would be less annoying than a phone call - but that's just my personal opinion. It may also help make a bigger/more lasting impression if you showed up in person.

 

I'm not so sure about contacting professors between applying and a decision though. There could be some sensitivities there.

[uselesstheory]

Email is the best way to get in contact with professors; if they haven't emailed back, they are probably quite busy and may not be enthused with an unexpected phone call or student dropping by their office. Perhaps email them again if you think their inbox was flooded and they didn't notice your message, and ask if they are available/willing to meet in person. Otherwise, just showing up may be interpreted as rude.

[Friedrichdvv]

If you're an international student, how would you drop by? Rather than doing that, I would suggest sending another email asking new questions, reiterating your interest, and asking if they're available to Skype or talk to you on the phone?

 

In fact, I am now physically in the US, so for some universities it is easy for me to get there.

I also think the best way is sending another email. I will try it later.

Thank you for your answer. 

[andrestoga]

It would have been better to contact them before you made your application, in my opinion, especially because they never emailed you back - they might not be interested as far as you know.

 

I assume you are already in the US as an int'l student and perhaps near one or some of the campuses you applied to? I think dropping by their actual office would be less annoying than a phone call - but that's just my personal opinion. It may also help make a bigger/more lasting impression if you showed up in person.

 

I'm not so sure about contacting professors between applying and a decision though. There could be some sensitivities there.

In fact, some professors prefer to get in contact by email after you submitted your application. Here is an example:

 

Each academic year I recruit (on average) one or two new students into my Interaction Lab. I choose the students from the top accepted PhD students in the Computer Science Department. Please read about the USC CS Department PhD program admissions process so you are familiar with it before sending me email. After that, if you have already applied to the program and are especially interested in my lab, email me the URL to a web page showing your relevant research (instead of sending materials as attachments).

 

 

Best,

[jujubea]

In fact, some professors prefer to get in contact by email after you submitted your application. Here is an example:

 

 

Best,

 

Right - but that's the professor reaching out during that time-frame, not the student/applicant. 

[andrestoga]

I have another question: do you recommend that I send an mail or email? or both? just to make sure that the professor sees the letter.

 

Best,