How early is too early to contact a POI?

[dirt_wizard]

Hey, future grad students! I missed the 2015 round of applications, so I working on my applications for the 2016 school year.

 

At what point should I start contacting potential POIs? I assume February is too early, as they're likely in the middle of making their admission choices right now. Is August appropriate? October? I need an etiquette guide!

[GeoDUDE!]

I think during the summer is fine (july, august) because that is when professors are least busy in my opinion.

[dirt_wizard]

I think during the summer is fine (july, august) because that is when professors are least busy in my opinion.

 

Thanks, Geodude. I like your taste in Pokemon.

[ashiepoo72]

I started contacting in April/May because I figured profs might not check their email as often in summer, though I did contact some in August/September. Any later than that and it's too close to application due dates for comfort. I didn't want to come across as someone trying to influence admissions.

Don't email anyone asking for information easily found on the department website. Stuff about research, if they're accepting students next year, etc is perfectly appropriate and helpful. My list of schools changed radically thanks to convos I had with profs.

[rising_star]

If you're in anthropology, many faculty probably do research (especially overseas research) during the summer so contacting them then may not be the best idea. I would wait until September, personally.

[dirt_wizard]

Thanks, everyone!