Emailing PIs prior to interviews?

[factanonverba]

Hi all,

For those of you who have received/accepted interview invitations and are preparing, are you guys planning on reaching out to PIs prior to your interviews? 

[psych-grad]

i want to hear an answer to this as well....

[StemCellFan]

For my programs, I was advised against contacting faculty ahead of time.  Admission isn't contingent on a faculty member accepting you and lab selection is based on rotations that last a semester or two.  So I didn't contact anyone before sending out my apps, and I'm not planning on contacting anyone before interviewing.  I wouldn't unless you corresponded with anyone beforehand and if you want to know if they will be available to meet with you when you visit the program.

[synapticcat]

I agree with @StemCellFan, though I suppose it depends on what kind of programs you're applying to. If your programs have you pick a lab based on rotations during your first year, you are likely not expected to contact faculty/POIs prior to interview, unless you have a prior connection (i.e., I'm interviewing with a program at a university I have previously worked at and maintain regular correspondence with my PI there). 

[ChallengerSwimmer23]

I don't plan to contact any PIs before the interview. Not needed and admissions probably won't care if you do or do not reach out to the PIs. Best to wait until after acceptance when you need to decide which program you would like to go to if you want to confirm that any PIs on your wish list has any open spots or available funding for the upcoming year. 

[BiomedicalPHD]

I would recommend against it. Unless there is a specific PI you have been in contact with before and want to reestablish contact with them, it will be of no benefit to you to reach out beforehand.