apply to schools when you don't know if a POI is taking students?

[somedude14]

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seems like a pretty bad idea to apply somewhere and not know if a certain prof is taking students. but what if he/she never replies to your emails and its not posted online? contact other people like grad students, just gamble if its a top choice?

 

[heygirlhey211]

I think it is probably worth the application fee to give it a try if it is a top choice. My current advisor was not planning on taking a student the year I applied, but had some unexpected ARRA grant funding and decided that she needed another GRA after applications had already been submitted.

 

[texgirl5660]

quite honestly maybe you should call them? They get TONS of emails about this stuff, and some are not good at responding. The more they know you are interested the more they will be interested in you.........

 

[BiopsychStudent]

Is it generally acceptable to express interest in multiple POIs in your personal statement, provided their work is somewhat related?

(That way if one isn't looking for a student, you may have a chance with the others?)

 

[somedude14]

quite honestly maybe you should call them? They get TONS of emails about this stuff, and some are not good at responding. The more they know you are interested the more they will be interested in you.........

i've thought about but I didn't want to come across as pushy or needy.
there is really only one program that i'm not sure if i will apply because I don't know if a certain prof is taking students. if i call the prof and they still don't let me know, i'll prob ex it off my list since it isn't my top choice but it's still good.

 

[ILGirl]

if i call the prof and they still don't let me know, i'll prob ex it off my list since it isn't my top choice but it's still good.

Just remember that opinions about programs often change dramatically after interviewing. Some people decide that their pre-inteview #1 choice is no longer a top contender, and their pre-interview safety schools are high in the running.

BUT, I tend to agree with you, if I email and call a professor and don't hear back, I probably would cross him or her off my list as well.