Contacting Profs

[toiletpaper]

Is it still a good idea to contact profs now? I have already submitted all my apps but haven't really talk to any profs. After reading a few threads on the forum, it seems that good impressions can be made and could affect the review process positively after corresponding with profs about their labs and projects. My only concern is that most schools should be starting their review cycles soon and it might make me seem really insincere now. Any advices?

[randybobandy]

You can email professors you're interested in to ask if they'll be accepting students in the next couple of years for their labs. I don't think that would come across as insincere, more like thoughtful planning.

[toiletpaper]

Should I explicitly say that I'm an applicant? Also, would it seem bad if I approach more than 1 prof in the same department?

[Lantern]

It can't hurt to say that you're an applicant, because if you establish any meaningful conversations, they will hopefully remember your name anyway. And from all the information I have gathered when I was struggling with the same thing, it's good to contact multiple professors in the same department. Ideally, you wouldn't apply to a program if there aren't several professors that you are interested in working with. That way you can find out which professors are accepting students, and you may be able to shorten your list of potential advisors. However, this is a very busy time for professors - the semester did just end, but with the holidays and then all the applications they will be looking over don't be surprised if you don't hear back from them or if it takes them awhile.

[captiv8ed]

I would just say, "Hello I have applied to your program and I am really interested in your work on blah, blah, blah." Give a short research proposal of your own and ask if your interests really do match and if that prof is taking students.

[ScreamingHairyArmadillo]

My boyfriend is contacting some professors now after applying, though he had also made a few contacts before. I don't think it's too late at all. Just say you've been reading up on more of their work over break, here's what you want to do, etc etc (well, make sure you do read a bit ).