Hello everyone! I am an upcoming senior trying to apply Econ PhD programs this fall.
I have some doubt regarding contacting professors prior to application:
1) I know from old threads that it's frowned upon especially in the US, not so much in UK/Europe;
2) Would only write to professors whose research interests are really linked to mine (eg: professor whose work I replicated in assignment paper/ whose work I know really well)
3) Have noticed that certain US universities really stress the importance of the "fit" and indirectly encourage contact: UMinnesota states "Current students and alumni can be great sources of information, and staff or faculty are sometimes available to answer your questions."
So: should I do it? Is it too risky?
Thanks in advance!