How early is too early?

[Low Flow]

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If you're planning on reaching out to PIs regarding summer research, how early is too early? I still have a week of winter break, so now would be the ideal time for me. Although I'm concerned that it might be a bit preemptive to ask about summer research when the end of May is still 5 months out. Thoughts? When would be an ideal time?

 

[Psai]

Just send some emails but give it a few days because right now it's new years

 

[Glandzburg]

We're supposed to have our projects lined up by mid February.

 

[alpinism]

Just do it now while you still have some free time.

 

[Hangry]

If you're planning on reaching out to PIs regarding summer research, how early is too early? I still have a week of winter break, so now would be the ideal time for me. Although I'm concerned that it might be a bit preemptive to ask about summer research when the end of May is still 5 months out. Thoughts? When would be an ideal time?

It's not too early. At my school most people figure out what they are doing for the summer around December-Jan. Although don't expect rapid replies if you send the emails out on New Years.

 

[mxmd]

This is actually a great time (well not right now because of New Year's and everything), because it can take a few weeks to communicate back and forth with PIs..

start by looking up possible mentors now, and send them emails of interest. Good luck!

 

[Pacna]

Too early is too early.

(passive aggressive protest of click bait titles)

 

[LLCoolK]

Never too early. If it ends up being too early for them to set you up with a project, the PIs will email you back saying they're not sure about summer plans yet, but to get back to them later on. This will work to your benefit bc you e-mailed them before anyone else did. It can't hurt

 

[Low Flow]

Great advice everyone. I emailed a ton of researchers, and heard back from maybe 50% saying their lab was full. 45% didn't even respond, but I did hear back from 4-5 regarding positions for the summer. For people reading this in the future, I'd say December would be the sweet spot.