Signal Preference for a particular program

[ICECOLDECON]

Originally Posted by asianeconomist

Although I see little rationale behind the professors' vendetta against students who email them, I also categorically stated that the email should have nothing to do with admissions. Rather, it should be an opportunity to discuss your research ideas with the faculty of your liking - it should have nothing like "I would like to get my self enrolled at xx. / I really love xx and am planning to apply there in Fall'09...)

This is the way I took that statement: I just still think its a bad idea. When you have a less than 20% admission rate and an even smaller rate of students attending, among close to a thousand applicants, you dont want to mention talking to a prof about his or her research in your SOP, it makes you seem presumptuous or pesky. Its fine to talk after you are admitted, when you are trying to decide whether a school is a right fit, but everything I heard is to stay away from preadmission contact. Heck the graduate coordinator usually doesnt even want to talk to you before admissions, thats why he or she hires a secretary/program assistant.

Not trying to be mean. I am happy to have yout advice. I just respectfully disagree.

[ICECOLDECON]

Originally Posted by Thesus

It's funny, because we already have the formal signalling mechanism come job market time, so why not an equivalent for applications? Only seems to make sense.

I agree 100% Theseus.

[asianeconomist]

Originally Posted by ICECOLDECON

I just respectfully disagree.

That's what an academic economist is all about. Respectfully disagreeing with your peers.