Should I email professors before applying to masters?

You don’t have to email the faculty, but it can be extremely helpful, and we strongly recommend that you do it. In many programs (especially in Psychology), individual faculty play a huge role in determining which students are accepted into the PhD program.

How do you email a professor about a Masters program?

Your email should:

1. have an informative subject line.
2. be concise.
3. be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name.
4. not use Mrs. or Ms.
5. NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons.
6. if applying for an opening: address any qualifications the professor is looking for.
7. if asking for a research opportunity:

Do professors have contact with applicants?

Professors vary with regard to the level of contact they have with applicants. Some eagerly engage potential students and others do not. Some professors view contact with applicants as neutral at best. Some professors report that they dislike contact with applicants so much so that it negatively colors their views.

Is it OK to cold call a professor?

Cold calling a professor is not likely to result in a conversation that will help your application. Some professors view phone calls negatively (and, by extension, the applicant negatively). Do not initiate contact by phone. E-mail is the best option.

Do professors sign off on PhD applications?

In these situations, the faculty member has to sign off on the applicant before the admissions committee proceeds with its evaluation. Ph.D. applicants are also often encouraged to contact professors, as at this level, they are much more involved in making admissions decisions.

What if I don’t receive a response from a professor?

If you contact a professor at a school that does not require contact with a faculty member, don’t be surprised or offended if you don’t receive a response. The level of contact professors have with applicants varies greatly. Some welcome the opportunity to interact with future students, but some do not.