Applied to grad school should I contact potential supervisors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision to contact potential supervisors after applying to a PhD program, particularly when admission marks are below the standard requirements. Participants agree that reaching out to supervisors is beneficial, as it allows candidates to showcase their valuable background experience and express genuine interest in their research. Engaging with supervisors can lead to better opportunities, despite concerns about being perceived as a nuisance. Overall, proactive communication is encouraged as a strategy to enhance candidacy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school application processes
  • Familiarity with academic research and potential supervisors' work
  • Effective communication skills for professional outreach
  • Knowledge of academic etiquette in contacting faculty
NEXT STEPS
  • Research potential supervisors' recent publications and projects
  • Learn how to craft effective introductory emails to faculty
  • Explore networking strategies within academic circles
  • Understand the importance of aligning research interests with supervisors
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students, particularly those applying for PhD programs, who seek to improve their chances of acceptance by effectively engaging with potential supervisors.

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I recently applied to some grad schools for a PhD program and I was notified by one particular school that while my marks were under their admission requirements, they recognize that I have valuable background experience which may allow me to succeed and that they would circulate my file to potential supervisors.

I'm very anxious and not sure what to do now. I don't want potential supervisors to simply look at my file and be deterred by marks alone. Would it be worthwhile to start contacting individual supervisors? I don't want to be a nuisance and afraid that if I contact too many people I'll be just that.
 
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I say contact them. I see where you are coming from but if i was an advisor I wouldn't mind having a conversation with you. Some people are pricks and will take you as a nuissance, but the chances are if they are a prick they won't pick you anyways or you don't want to be working under them. If you are an impressionable person and appracoh them politely, i see no harm that can come from it. Good luck and let me know what happens.
 
Definitely contact them. Applying at grad school level is quite serious; you should be reading research papers by your potential supervisors and asking them about projects and opportunites.
 

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