Why won't professors respond to my e-mails?

vicariousparent
Fri, 10 Dec 2010 02:50:21 +0000

IMO the most helpful post on this thread was #2 by Marian. Set up a meeting with the DUS (or whatever that person is called). This person will know specifically who you are, where you stand, what will work in this department, what won’t, and why.

The other general point about sending out unsolicited email is: Timing is EVERYTHING.

Nov/Dec is not the time to approach a Prof about a research project. Any Prof who was interested in working with an undergrad student has already got someone by now. Try late Spring to set up something for next year.

And please realize, whatever the college may have said during recruitment, the truth is that Profs of ‘top 25’ colleges are not that keen about working with undergrads. It is nothing personal. You’ll understand when you are a Prof.