Allison
Should I reach out to my prospective grad schools via email and introduce myself/express interest?
I am graduating this December and will be applying to grad schools later this fall. I am wondering if I should email the schools I am interested in beforehand and introduce myself and express interest? I will be applying to psychology PhD and PsyD programs and am wondering if this might help the admissions board remember my name, which could ultimately provide an advantage? If this is a good idea, would I reach out via email or phone, maybe letter? Should it be directed to the board of admissions in general or to a specific person? What would I write in the email/letter or say on the phone? Does this seem like a good idea or would it come across a little overboard and groveling? Any feedback is so greatly appreciated! Thank you!
#PhDpsychprograms #gradschool #graduation #emailinginterest
3 answers
Gizem K.
Gizem’s Answer
I think contacting the program/department is a great idea and it will show your interest. For PhD programs, contacting a potential PhD mentor would be even more helpful. I would recommend going through the department websites/faculty research interests and identifying a couple of research groups that you would be interested in joining.
Then you can e-mail the primary investigator/faculty member (in each department starting with the one whose research interests you the most). You can attach your CV and simply state that you are a prospective PhD student who is interested in their research area and would love to learn more about it. If the faculty member is planning to take a new student to their group, most likely they will go over your CV and respond. In most PhD programs, the faculty members begin to search for their future mentees even before the application process.
Having identified a potential mentor would definitely benefit your application. Also it will help you in choosing the universities to apply. In a PhD program the major focus will be research so it is crucial to apply to a department, where there are faculty members whose research interests match with yours.
Best of luck with your applications!
Blake H.
Blake’s Answer
I think it's a great idea. I would do all three ways of communication. It shows the school that you're interested and that you're willing to take initiative.
Blake
Hi Blake,
Thanks so much for responding to my question! Sorry for asking another question, I just want to make sure I execute this as efficiently as possible. What exactly should I say in my emails? Should I give my qualifications and why I think I would be an excellent candidate? Should I express why I think going to that particular school will enhance my future prospects? Or are these things too “brown-nosey” so to speak. Any insight is appreciated! Thank you!
Allison
