<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I have finished sending out my applications to schools for graduate study in civil engineering. The programs I applied for were mainly Master of Engineering (non-thesis), and some Master of Science (thesis) if the M.Eng. wasn't offered. So far I haven't contacted any of the professors at the schools I applied to. Is this something I should be doing or should have done? And how will contacting professors affect my chances of being accepted?</p>
<p>smpaladin</p>
<p>This is a little too late at this point... You might as well just hang on tight. By contacting them now, it's like entering without knocking when that application is sitting in the mailbox and you were going to talk about that. At this point, let the profs read your application.</p>
<p>Also, this is only the MA program, not a PhD, where contacts are more important.</p>
<p>I'm going to agree on tickle's answer. It's redundant to write to say you applied, no? And my kid was told that professors are innundated this time of year from superfluous emails, especially from overseas. She was advised not to contact unless there is something particular to say or ask.</p>
<p>She did contact one to be sure he was accepting PhD students (cause none listed in the usual resources) and she had met him and attended a lecture he gave, so was able to write something short and to the point. And she got a very nice email back.</p>
<p>At this point, I suggest waiting until you're accepted. At that time, profs know that you are a potential and eligible student and are thus more willing to devote time interacting with you.</p>
<p>Otherwise, most profs are simply too overwhelmed with emails from potential students from all over. Many of which will not qualify for or fit the graduate program of the participating prof!</p>