Contacting a professor

[Hopeful23]

What do you guys think about contacting a professor about one of their papers? Assuming I have something constructive to say or ask. I will not be applying this cycle and perhaps not for a couple years but I still want to stay sharp and this is someone I would want to work with. If this is even advisable, should I mention I'd want to apply to his school to work with him?

[Bubandis]

Your better off to comment on papers that are still in progress, rather than those that have already been published. It isn't bad either way per se, but coming from a college sophomore (I am interpreting your post as being from a non-senior undergraduate), you'll definitely want to make sure that the feedback is constructive and that that your tone is unabrasive.

I'd advise against mentioning in the first email that you are wanting to apply to work with him. If/when this person replies, then you might mention it after that.

[Hopeful23]

I actually am a senior haha. But okay that works because I was likely going to ask him about his newer and in progress papers. And noted that I shouldn't mention my interest in working with him. Do you think he will actually respond and discuss?

Thanks for the advice!

[Determinedandnervous]

I contacted some professors about wanting to work with them if admitted, and the signals seemed to be pretty positive. However, I'm also a senior who is actually applying places. You may want to hold off, you may not.

[Bubandis]

I actually am a senior haha. But okay that works because I was likely going to ask him about his newer and in progress papers. And noted that I shouldn't mention my interest in working with him. Do you think he will actually respond and discuss?

Thanks for the advice!

I see, ha! I didn't mean that the content of your post seemed sophomoric, by the way! Just that, in stating you wouldn't be applying for a couple years, I had assumed you still had a ways to go in your undergraduate education, my apologies.

Anyhow, if your comments are constructive ones, then I'd say that chances are good that he will respond! And, when he does, assuming his response is positive, then it puts you in a favorable position to mention that you would like to potentially work with him. A much better lead in strategy than just emailing somebody "cold" so to speak.