Who is on the admissions committee for grad school?

Professors are the AdCom. In most departments, the Admissions Committee is composed of professors in that department, sometimes supplemented by one or a few advanced graduate students or postdocs.

How do you ask a professor that accepts graduate students?

We recommend a subject heading such as “Inquiry from potential graduate applicant.” For the main body of the email, your goals are to (a) introduce yourself, (b) inquire about whether they are taking students, (c) make it clear why you are interested in that particular faculty member, and (d) get any advice they might …

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.

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.

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.

How do I ask a professor about his/her research?

Make contact if you have a real reason. If you have a well thought out and relevant question. If you are going to ask a faculty member about his/her research make sure that you know what you’re asking. Read everything about their research and interests.