WHEN is the best time to contact a PI for research?

[futureofmed]

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So I already know how I should phrase the email and all that jazz but my question is should I begin contacting PIs at my school now or wait closer to the time when classes start (mid-August) or wait a few weeks after classes start (early September)? Any opinions would be appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Pandapurse]

I feel your decision would depend on your current/future schedule. I contacted the PI I did research with during the summer before I started my fall classes because I wanted a head start just in case my classes got in the way. You should probably start contacting PIs now if you know you can make the time commitment.

 

[yehhhboiii]

might as well do it now

 

[catzzz88]

If its at an academic institution, do it in the summer when they are much more free! Do it now!

Right before school starts, professors get all busy again; planning classes, preparing for the upcoming school year, etc.

Personally, I would email them now and ask for an interview ASAP. Say you would be interested in their lab and send your CV, then say if they think you would be a good fit for their lab, you would like to come in and talk about the best next steps.

Good luck! 🙂

Best,
C