Are you looking for a way to stand out in the college application process? Well, one effective strategy is to establish contact with professors at your dream college and showcase your genuine interest and fit in their academic community.
In this ultimate guide, we will dive into the importance of emailing professors and provide you with a step-by-step strategy to craft personalized emails that will impress admission officers.
Why Should You Email Professors?
Emailing professors is more than just a show of interest – it can significantly boost your application. By successfully connecting with a professor from a college you’re interested in, you are not only demonstrating interest but also showcasing your “fit” within the institution. This “fit” is an essential factor considered by admission officers when evaluating applicants.
How to Demonstrate “Fit”
Every college has its own unique culture and core values, and it’s crucial to understand these aspects to determine if you are a good fit. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
- At UPenn [Wharton], a student can demonstrate “fit” by showcasing their pre-professional drive and ambition.
- Stanford University values students with an entrepreneurial mindset, so highlighting your entrepreneurial experiences and goals can demonstrate “fit” at this institution.
- MIT/UChicago emphasizes quirky interests and a thirst for knowledge, so emphasizing these qualities in the application process can showcase your fit.
Understanding the unique qualities of each college will help you tailor your emails and applications to stand out from the competition.
The Best Emailing Strategy
Now that you understand the importance of emailing professors, let’s explore the best strategy to effectively reach out to them.
- Research: Start by Googling the college name and the department you’re interested in. Visit the faculty tab and explore the professors’ areas of research. Identify professors whose research aligns with your interests and save their emails. Create a spreadsheet to organize the professors, their research, and any additional information you find, such as the classes they teach.
- Craft Personalized Emails: Take the information you gathered and write a detailed and personalized email to each professor. Avoid generic emails and make each email feel hand-crafted for the specific professor. Show genuine interest in their work and explain how it aligns with your own academic goals. Avoid sending the same email to multiple professors within the same department or different universities.
- Follow Up: Give the professor at least a week to respond. If you don’t receive a reply, don’t get discouraged. Follow up with a polite and professional email, expressing your understanding of their busy schedule and your continued interest in learning more about their research and classes. If you still don’t receive a response, move on to the next professor on your list. However, never send emails to multiple professors at the same university as it may be considered spam and reflect poorly on your application.
- Engage in Conversation: If a professor responds to your email, make an effort to engage with what they have to say. Ask questions about their research, their ideal student qualities, and their perspective on the school’s culture and pedagogical approach. This demonstrates your genuine interest and sets the stage for building a relationship.
Incorporating Conversations Into Your Application
Your conversations with professors can have a significant impact on your application, especially when writing “Why ___ College?” essays or supplemental essays. These essays provide an opportunity to express your reasons for wanting to attend a specific college and pursue a major in a particular department. Here’s how you can incorporate your conversations:
- “Why ___ College?” Essay: If you are required to write a “Why Us” essay, referencing your conversation with a professor can greatly enhance your essay. Include a brief reference to the professor, such as “I had a delightful conversation with Professor Zachary Doe in August, discussing my interest in studying Macroeconomics.” You can also mention how their research aligns with your own interests and how your correspondence influenced your decision to apply.
- Supplemental Essays: Many colleges require supplemental essays that allow you to delve deeper into your interests. Use these opportunities to showcase the aspects of the college that attract you and connect them to your conversations with professors. Express how these conversations have influenced your goals and aspirations.
Also see: How to Proofread Your College Essay for Success
Final Notes
Remember, not all professors will respond to your emails, and that’s okay. Don’t be discouraged, as even reaching out to someone within the college shows your initiative and genuine interest. Avoid spamming professors’ inboxes and always maintain a polite and professional tone.
In conclusion, emailing professors can be a powerful tool to enhance your college application. By showcasing your fit and genuine interest in their research and classes, you can significantly increase your chances of admission. Good luck with your journey, and don’t forget to explore other articles for more insights on navigating the college application process!
