Contacting POI during the admission process

[Analyticchic]

Hey guys,

Would it be advantageous to contact potential POIs during the admission process or could it actually count against you? For one of my programs, I actually contacted one of the POIs in early September and we ended up meeting to talk about his research and the program(and introduced me to two of his graduate students). Would it be a bad idea to email other POIs and ask about their research? I don't want to come off as desperate or worse, lol. 

 

 

[mylifeinshambles]

Personally I wouldn't unless you've had previous contact with them before. It's also late in the game and if you didn't get an invitation, it could just lead to awkward conversations. 

[Analyticchic]

My potential POI for one program actually emailed me back and told me what I want to study for said program(the interviews for this program haven't been sent out yet). My other programs aren't due until Feb/March. Thanks for the feedback

[mylifeinshambles]

Hey no problem! I assumed that this was after you submitted all the apps. If the application isn't due yet, then you should definitely contact potential POIs! It could lead to door opening pre-interview phone/skype calls!