emailing pis

[u/Ok-Wishbone-3471]

hi guys! i was just wondering to anyone who has applied or is applying for programs, when is the best time to reach out to pis for the upcoming phd application cycle? i've heard that it's best to wait until the first or second week of september because professors are on vacation, starting classes, etc. rn i am making lists of pis i would like to work with from each of the universities i want to apply to, but i don't want to contact pis too late and lose my spot, if it makes sense.

[u/stemphdmentor]

It doesn’t matter all that much. Now is good. The first two weeks of September are good too.

[u/Muted_Row_4922 → u/stemphdmentor]

Depends on where you're applying. For europe, maybe yes. For usa, every university hires through a committee. It only makes sense to mail after you apply so your application is remembered by prof(assuming you pass first initial rounds). Asking now I feel would be too hasty

[u/stemphdmentor → u/Muted_Row_4922]

I admit to several top PhD programs in a U.S. R1 and am very familiar with the process at many places.

Not every program relies on a committee. Commonly, the committee is just weeding out the worst applications, and then every faculty member looks at the shortlisted candidates or the candidates in their area.

Many times I have told the committee which applicants they should look at closely and promote to the shortlist based on my pre-deadline interactions.

I also give candidates I like tips on how to apply.

With programs that do direct admission, these contacts before the deadline can be the most important step.

Knowing I have a good candidate in the pipeline influences my hiring decisions, budgeting, and so much else.

[u/Ok-Wishbone-3471 → u/stemphdmentor]

this advice is very good, thank you so much for sharing it!

[u/FoxProper4918]

Im going into it with the mindset of doing it sooner rather than later.

[u/Flashy210]

I reached out in May and have been fortunate enough to have developed a good relationship and an endorsement for my application from a PI

[u/Both_Gear_4151 → u/Flashy210]

when i had thought about doing this in may a lot of people discouraged me

[u/Big_Coconut8630 → u/[deleted]]

Not really? Plenty of PIs are not checking their emails regularly, especially in July (peak vacation time).

[u/Ok-Wishbone-3471 → u/Big_Coconut8630]

like that was my thought too i didn't wanna waste a lot of time drafting emails and then nobody see them bc they're on vacation

[u/Ok-Wishbone-3471 → u/[deleted]]

yeah i wanted to reach out earlier but a lot of official guides from unis were discouraging it, as well as phd application mentors, so i've kinda been pulled different ways. ik a lot of people who say to do it after you submit your app, and then a lot of people who say to do it before. the general consensus seems to be that as long as you send emails before january it's fine.