E-mailing POI

[ny1020]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi Everyone,

I know that there has been a thread on this before, but I can't seem to find it. And I know that a lot of you are in the process of moving to your new schools (congrats!) but if you can, can you please post your e-mail to POI's asking if they are accepting students? Or maybe a link to the thread that already discussed this?

I appreciate all of your help!

NY1020

 

[thewesternsky]

Sure! Mine were along this line, and I got very positive responses:

Dear Dr. xxxxx,
Hello. My name is xxxxx, and I'm a fourth year psychology student at the University of xxxxx. I've been reading some of your research, and I'm very interested in your recent work on xxxxxxxxx.

((Here, wherever possible, I elaborated a bit on my interests or on their work. For example, one prof had mentioned on his website profile that he had interests in an area that he had not yet published in, so I asked him if he would mind elaborating on that work and explained why I was interested-- he sent me an in press article on it. If I had worked on a research project (thesis, etc.) in their area of research, I summarized it briefly. If I found something particularly interesting about an article they'd written, or had a question, I mentioned that here.))

I am currently applying for graduate school in psychology, and I was wondering if you are planning on accepting applications for new graduate students for the Fall of 2007. Thank you so much for your time; I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,
xxxxxx

 

[yikes]

i've only sent one so far, but it was similar to the one described above. the only difference is that since i'm working as an ra i say who my pi is. good luck!

 

[JockNerd]

My letters were similar. I BRIEFLY talked about my thesis research, and mentioned that I learned about their work while working on my thesis or previous research if that was true (which was the case at most places I applied to). I usually mentioned some article they wrote that was particularly interesting and asked some sort of intelligent question about it if I could. Asked if they were continuing the same line of research. Ended the letters similarly to Western's ending.

 

[Quynh2007]

keep it short. and keep it to the point. these people are very busy and they pretty much just want to know what your question is to answer it. if they are interested in continuing a correspondence (as one of mine did, my now advisor) they will initiate it. good luck!

 

[PsychED00]

Honestly, I've been pleasantly surprised at the number of POI's that have written back. I started emailing last month and I have received 7 replies all positive. Two have already lead to face-to-face meetings and One wanted to chat on the phone!!!! My email was very brief but I attached my current CV in case they wanted to know more, I think that is KEY....

 

[thewesternsky]

keep it short. and keep it to the point. these people are very busy and they pretty much just want to know what your question is to answer it. if they are interested in continuing a correspondence (as one of mine did, my now advisor) they will initiate it. good luck!

Ooh, good point. I was told it was better to try to initiate *some* discussion in your first contact with them (so that you stand out from the crowd a little)-- but most of what people would say in a first contact e-mail would show up in a Statement of Interest on an application anyway. What do people think-- Short and sweet and to-the-point, or slightly longer but with some discussion of research?

I'm thinking it probably doesn't matter much either way, but I'd be curious to hear what you all think. 🙂

 

[JockNerd]

Ooh, good point. I was told it was better to try to initiate *some* discussion in your first contact with them (so that you stand out from the crowd a little)-- but most of what people would say in a first contact e-mail would show up in a Statement of Interest on an application anyway. What do people think-- Short and sweet and to-the-point, or slightly longer but with some discussion of research?

I'm thinking it probably doesn't matter much either way, but I'd be curious to hear what you all think. 🙂

I'd say definitely include something about research--to have some kind of continuing contact, they have to have something to talk about! Profs get a hundred "are you taking anyone?" e-mails, so I think demonstrating a research match is a good idea.

 

[Quynh2007]

Ooh, good point. I was told it was better to try to initiate *some* discussion in your first contact with them (so that you stand out from the crowd a little)-- but most of what people would say in a first contact e-mail would show up in a Statement of Interest on an application anyway. What do people think-- Short and sweet and to-the-point, or slightly longer but with some discussion of research?

I'm thinking it probably doesn't matter much either way, but I'd be curious to hear what you all think. 🙂

well, i'm only saying some variation of:
introduction - hi my name is me. i'm applying to PhD Clinical psych programs for entrance fall 2008
question - I see that our interest match (perhaps shortly explain why) and was wondering if you will be accepting a student for Fall 2008?
end - (optional) I have attached my resume/CV if you would like to look at it. Thank you for your time and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
me.

 

[ny1020]

Wow, thanks so much for the help! I meant to e-mail POI's in July - I got caught up studying for the GRE's and totally forgot to take care of this. Really great advice, everyone! Thanks again. --NY1020