Too late?

[759]

Is it too late to begin contacting POIs at schools that I'm applying to? I've already done this for a few schools, but not all of them. All of my applications are complete, so it seems a bit awkward getting in touch with a POI at this point. What do you guys think? 

[SamStone]

I wouldn't do it. 

[PorchlightPhilosopher]

Yeah, at this point it might seem... oily.

[759]

7 minutes ago, PorchlightPhilosopher said:

Yeah, at this point it might seem... oily.

This was my fear. I mean, realistically, the only reason an applicant contacts a POI in the first place is to get a bit of name/research recognition out there for when their application is at the top of the pile...but by making the contact before sending off the app you can at least preserve a more disinterested image...

[metaphysician]

I don't know. If you have an interesting question about their work, I think it would be OK. But don't email and say, "Hey, I'm applying to your program. Put in a good word for me."

Edited January 5, 2016 by metaphysician

[PorchlightPhilosopher]

1 hour ago, metaphysician said:

I don't know. If you have an interesting question about their work, I think it would be OK. But don't email and say, "Hey, I'm applying to your program. Put in a good word for me."

I think, at this stage, even an "innocent" question about their work comes across as oily. If a person is interested in their work, there's a good chance they're applying. 

These people have probably seen this sort of thing before around the time applications are submitted. 

In this case, I think you're better off being seen (as in your application is simply viewed) and not heard (via email).

[metaphysician]

4 minutes ago, PorchlightPhilosopher said:

I think, at this stage, even an "innocent" question about their work comes across as oily. If a person is interested in their work, there's a good chance they're applying. 

These people have probably seen this sort of thing before around the time applications are submitted. 

In this case, I think you're better off being seen (as in your application is simply viewed) and not heard (via email).

Fair enough. I contacted my POI in the summer. Actually, I didn't tell her I was applying. We had a good back and forth about her paper, but she might not even be on the committee (or remember me).