Contacting 2 professors at the same school

[foremma]

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I know it is not taboo to contact professors at the same school, but thought this needed clarification in a certain instance.

If a professor suggests contacting another professor in the department, should you worry about the content/structure of your e-mail? The majority of my e-mails have been warmly received and I use the same structure for all of them, and merely change article titles, years, and substitute some interests. I was suggested to contact a professor that works closely with another professor, and will be mentioning that they suggested reaching out, but should I be worrying that my e-mail to them will be almost exactly the same as it was to the original professor.

I am worried (probably, unreasonably) that the other PI will discuss my e-mail with the original PI, as I mention his name, and they may compare e-mails and see them as formulaic and only different because of a substitution of names, articles, and interests. Otherwise, everything is exactly the same.

 

[serotonin]

switch it up, but keep in well-written 🙂. The definite cost of changing the structure (will take a little time and thought, hopefully not too much?) is faaaaaar less than the potential benefit (getting into grad school with a person whose interests are a good match).

If they do talk, there is good chance you'll be perceived of as insincere. They probably won't, but it's not really worth the risk in my opinion.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

switch it up, but keep in well-written 🙂. The definite cost of changing the structure (will take a little time and thought, hopefully not too much?) is faaaaaar less than the potential benefit (getting into grad school with a person whose interests are a good match).

If they do talk, there is good chance you'll be perceived of as insincere. They probably won't, but it's not really worth the risk in my opinion.

This. Just don't overthink it.🙂

 

[applyingtograd]

i wouldn't worry about the content being the same. maybe just vary the structure a little bit, but i don't think it is a very big deal. just keep it well written and to the point. you could also mention that "prof x suggested i contact you."