What to disclose/not disclose in emails to POIs

[walt55054life]

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I have sent out an email to a professor at my #1 school of choice bc I'de love to work with him and he augments that thought. Now, I am looking to send out many more emails (or I may perhaps type/handwrite a few, and personally mail them to "stand out") to POIs (I believe this is the right acronym).

My question is what to disclose; GPA, recent GRE scores, ask them WAMC?
Obviously my interests should be included, and some personal question I have about the program, but beyond that I'm not sure what I should leave out about myself or to leave in about myself....any of you who have been through this process and want to help some one who bombed his GRE (1070) and is re-taking it Sept 30th; but it completely distraught about getting into a PhD clinical program, then please post.

That was long winded, but I know what I want and prefer to go the most direct route to get there; however, am willing to do whatever it takes....like MANY of you

Also, please feel free to way in-http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=686573&page=18

Thanks

 

[Ya Ya]

Hi there. I'm starting a program in the Fall so I was in your shoes not too long ago. Although I didint email my now-advisor I did meet him at a conference. But I'm going to assume that the amount of disclosure via email or in person should be similar. I didn't mention my stats off the bat. Rather, I inquired about his research lab and spoke of my own interests. It wasn't until I saw that we had a common interests that I asked whether or not they were taking any students. Then he asked about my stats.

I don't know if others will agree with me on this but I would keep it light on the first email. I wouldn't ask about chances of admission because (1) there is so much more to getting in than stats and a research match (it may get you to the interview though) and (2) if your PI is willing to tell you your chances you would have to disclose your GRE score which may turn him away.

Good luck on the applications!!

 

[cara susanna]

I wouldn't ask them what your chances are. I'd provide a brief description of your research experience/interests, ask if they're accepting students for the upcoming app cycle, and say nothing else. If they start a dialogue asking for details, then provide them.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I wouldn't ask them what your chances are. I'd provide a brief description of your research experience/interests, ask if they're accepting students for the upcoming app cycle, and say nothing else. If they start a dialogue asking for details, then provide them.

Agreed. Keep it short and to the point. If they want to know more, they will ask.

And I'd keep it to emails to be honest.

 

[psich]

Would you suggest that an applicant maintain dialogue or just find out if they are accepting students and leave it there?

 

[syzergy]

Make sure you check out the school website before you ask if they are accepting students. Many faculty post whether or not they are accepting students for the upcoming cycle. It may be a bit early for them to know for sure, but my mentor told me that she gets a bit irked getting email after email when she has clearly posted that she is accepting students.

 

[Psychology 76]

Would you suggest that an applicant maintain dialogue or just find out if they are accepting students and leave it there?

I'd first only send a brief email saying something like "dr.x" i'm applying to the university of y's graduate program in blank. i'm interested in your "z research" and was wondering if you were taking students for next year.

i got replies from every professor i emailed. once they said yes or no, i would just send a quick thank you. however, some did ask to speak on the phone and i did so. but only maintain dialogue if they initiate it.


as a side note, how professors reply to the initial email has no indication on if they will accept you. the professor who i ended up working with sent very brief (yet courteous) replies. some professors that wanted to talk on the phone i never even interviewed with.