THANK YOU namazu, AndrewJ42, and Maiden
Can any one give me (personal message) the names of faculty professors whom you find helpful. i am asking it because, I found many professors who just say that graduate dept will select the students and they have no idea about it. I think they are not saying the truth, because its the specific department itself that selects the students.
You are right that selection of applicants is often done primarily at the department level, but there
is usually another layer of review at the school or university level to ensure that you meet the university's minimum requirements (took TOEFL and GRE, submitted valid transcripts, etc.). At the department level, there is often an admissions committee (usually only 3-6 professors from the department) who review applications. If you mention a specific professor with whom you wish to work, the committee may also seek that professor's opinion, and similarly, if a professor is keen on working with you, he or she may voluntarily mention it to the committee. Note that some MPH programs (especially short ones, or ones that are not in a full school of public health) may be "school-wide" or draw on faculty from many departments, so the admissions committee will reflect that.
Tips for contacting professors:
Save administrative questions (application process, "chances" of admission, visas, etc.) for the admissions officer or designated contact person, who is generally in a better position to answer these types of questions.
Be very selective; do not blanket the department or school with e-mails.
Look at professors' websites or research interests before you contact them; this will help you ask better questions and may give you ideas for projects to pursue.
Focus on the professor's own research and projects and why they interest you.
Explain very briefly your education/work/experience and why it has led you to become interested in the professor's work and/or the related program at the school.
If you're looking for student employment, inquire as to whether there are projects that may have openings for MPH student research assistants.
If you are really thinking ahead, you can also inquire about the possibility of pursuing a practicum/capstone/thesis project with the professor (if that is the norm in your department); it is even better if you have some relevant ideas that you can suggest.
Keep in mind that professors usually cannot promise you anything in advance: admission, funding, work opportunities. Their budgets, and department budgets, depend heavily on funding from outside sources, and may change.
Keep e-mails short, probably not more than 2-3 short paragraphs. While many professors are very happy to hear from fans and prospective students, they are also usually busy doing the research, project implementation, and teaching that sound so interesting!
