Late-stage potential adviser contacts

[biblio_filia]

  Since I'm applying for Ph.D. programs in Art History, all of my applications are due on or around December 15. I have an appointment to meet with grad students at one of my schools in two weeks, but only one of my other schools is realistically geographically accessible. I have contacted a potential adviser there, but he proposed an extremely

Comments

[only_philistine]

Difficult situation!
I have been emailing potential advisers, even though my work commitments will not allow me to meet them in person. In a way, email conversation gives you more control over the level of involvement. Typically, I ask them about their research, outline what I have been up to and ask them to point me towards a specific paper that would well represent their current academic pursuits.
If things go really really well, then you can suggest a phone conversation.

[lyricon]

I agree with only_philistine above. I've been told that making contacts with professors is very important, especially in our very competitive field. I usually frame my emails by asking if they're planning to take on students next year, and throw in a few words about my research interests (in my case, I spend a sentence or two talking about my MA thesis and how I see that leading to future research) and what I've liked about their research. I also usually ask what their current projects involve or what they plan to work on next. In some cases, I've gotten the most cursory of responses, but in other situations I've received warm and interested emails back from the professors.

Anyway, I'm still applying and so I don't actually know if any of this will help me actually get in anywhere, but my MA advisors strongly recommended I do this and overall it seems like it's been at the very least a positive experience.

[homericlaughter]

You should absolutely contact potential advisors, regardless of whether you have the means/ability to meet with them in person. It's a critical step in the application process.

Ask about their current interests and projects. Even if they list interests on the website and you've read some of their work, you need to know more about what they're working on right now and what they plan on working on in the future.

Looking for an advisor is a lot like looking for a fiance(e). You'll want to know as much as possible before making a commitment.

[fullofpink]

From what you say, I think that you are too busy to go out and meet potentials in person. You should have some email correspondence and then maybe set up a phone call. Generally, most advisers expect contact early in the semester in order to prevent this type of influx of responsibilities near the end of the semester. Remember, they have responsibilities too so meeting may not be worthwhile for you both.

Plus, if you are having a hard time making a decision you do not have to decide now. If you are accepted most schools will have a meet and greet sometime next semester which will afford you the chance to meet the professors and see if things will work out between you. Yes, it's great to know these things ahead of time, but you should probably get a good idea of this via email.

[roseofjuly]

E-mail correspondence is fine - I don't think professors expect college students to somehow scrape up the money to visit every graduate program, and it's almost kind of pointless to visit before being admitted anyway. I don't think it's a should or shouldn't (it varies by field; in one of my departments contact is necessary because that's who you'll be working with whereas in the other you don't need to contact anyone) but whether you feel comfortable navigating the process.

If you have something interesting to say, AND you have this connection from your former professor, I say go for it. Establishing a personal connection can help in the grad school process. If they ask you to visit or meet, just mention that you can't get away.