Reaching out to supervisors

[secondtimegrad]

Hi,

In case this post seems misplaced please let me know or in case this was discussed in another thread please feel free to add the link here. I had two questions about the pre-application process particularly for policy/pol sci admissions? 

-- I was wondering if it is necessary to reach out to professors in the program (the ones whose interest you are interested in and you might mention on your SOP) prior to sending the application? I have read contradictory advice on that-- also it seems that it depends on the program. In case there is nothing explicitly said on the website what is the norm?

-Is there a distinction between high/low ranked universities while approaching this? 

-Is August/September too late in the season to reach out to professors?

-- Is it common practice to reach out to the program director to learn about the program prior to making an application. Do people hold a small phone call (or visit if possible) while making an application? 

-Also, is it a good idea to check with a program director about availability of faculty? 

-What are the kind of questions you reach out to graduate directors prior to making an application? (except some key application logistical issues). 

Thanks for your thoughts!

[guest56436]

There's been dozens of threads on here about this, just do a simple search.

Long story short is it's not going to hurt you but it's not going to help you either. Political science admissions are centralized to the committee and your POI may have very little say in who gets admitted or not.