r/gradadmissions • u/Freshlimesofa • 3d ago

General Advice Merits of emailing professor?

Hi, I will be applying for the Fall 2026 admission cycle as a graduate student and I was going through the multiple formats of emailing professors before application but almost all of these are catered towards PhD applicants over Masters applicants.

I want to understand whether there is any merit in emailing professors from targeted labs I want to attend? Does this weigh into the acceptance chances? Can someone guide me on this? Also what is the probability of getting a response when you email a professor as a prospective graduate student?

For some context, since I am going to graduate school I don’t have a specific research topic in my head yet but there are specific modules and labs I am interested in from the course I am applying to. So if I do have to email a professor what should be my main point of discussion in this case?

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u/jazz16individual 3d ago

It's good to email your professors. First, because if you don't know what topic to choose they could help. Also, it shows true interest, rather than just applying because you feel like doing it. But I think that before emailing them, try to do some research online about their work. This shows that you did your homework and you are being active rather than passive.

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u/jazz16individual 3d ago

In addition, I have emailed my professors and I had a very good response. You might be surprised that most of them are willing to help you. Always do it with respect.

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u/Freshlimesofa 3d ago

Thank you so much for the reply. I have actually shortlisted my modules/labs based on their publication works. I have been following some of their research for the past 2 years but tbh my biggest anxiety about emailing them is what would they think of me? Would they think I am some random woman emailing them about their work and not pay attention? (I am from a small third world country so I am not associated to any big names). It sounds ridiculous I know but I cannot help not feel like it.

Another question I had was how did you structure your email as a masters applicant? Did you narrate your work and research experience and then ask them for suggestions about whether their labs align with you or just wrote that you’d be interested to join their labs?

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u/jazz16individual 3d ago

Well. I did feel awkward sending emails. But I am the one that was interested. I was very formal and direct, with very short emails because I thought they were busy. I think that most professors would feel glad to help. But what I saw was that it worked to be formal, brief and doing all the previous online research so I could make very specific questions. I'm still applying tho, but I had a very good response. With a vague email I got a vague answer. So keep that in mind.

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u/Freshlimesofa 3d ago

Thank you so much, this helps a lot.

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u/Smart-University-135 2d ago

Is it enough to send your CV and your research interests?

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u/hoppergirl85 1d ago

It depends on your program. For my program it's unofficially required meaning you'll get a review of your application but will not be admitted if you don't reach out.

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u/Freshlimesofa 1d ago

What program is it, if you don’t mind sharing?

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u/hoppergirl85 1d ago

I'm in communications so the interview and emails are essential. It's actually something I place emphasis on when making a decision, I don't consider GPA at all but I do consider the interviews and emails strongly.

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u/Freshlimesofa 1d ago

Thank you. My program doesn’t have interviews but i am getting mixed answers about emailing professors hence the confusion.

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u/hoppergirl85 1d ago

So I would (and did) reach out to professors unless the program specifically told me not to do so. There's no harm in reaching out just to say "Hi, howdy! I'm here I'm me! I'm applying and interested in your work!"

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u/Freshlimesofa 1d ago

Yes planning to do the same. The fear of rejection is scary but you are right no harm in trying. If they respond that would be great. :)

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u/Earth_ground_ 2d ago

Depends on field and if it’s a direct admit program. One professor in my field actively hates this and will ignore emails until someone is invited to interview. Personally, I’m not into it and I didn’t do it, and I was accepted to every school. Email AFTER interviews in my opinion. Before interviews, if you’re doing it bc you think it will help your chances, I’m not convinced it will. And if they know you well enough, they can’t even participate in your admissions committee. But this is just what I know from Profs and such. Lots of people on Reddit will tell you to email

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u/Freshlimesofa 1d ago

I am applying for Masters programs and we do not have interview processes in the program I am applying to.