• 6 months - 9 posts - Latest - RSS
• OP: 0 Goods vs 0 No Goods
• Thread: 8 Goods vs 0 No Goods

1. Sociologist
   c642
   

   I am currently writing my MA thesis proposal (in a non-US university). I have designed my research but the data are still to be collected.

   I want to use this project as my writing sample for PhD applications so I want to make it solid. But here in my school I do not have professor who is that engaged with my subfield (but they let me do it anyway) so I cannot get enough support or advice.

   I have several questions to ask yet I cannot find anyone. I would like to ask if it is rude/inappropriate for me to send, I dont know, a two-paragraph summary of my proposal to professors I know in US, and ask for opinions? I guess it would be appropriate as they probably get many e-mails like this.

   I just wanted to ask if there is anything I can do other than just completing my project.

   I am writing from my phone and sorry if the language is a little crooked.

   Thanks.

   6 months ago # QUOTE 0 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

2. Sociologist
   c642
   

   It should have been: I guess it would be inappropriate as they probably get many e-mails like this.

   6 months ago # QUOTE 0 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

3. Sociologist
   421f
   

   I think it’s fine, especially if you know them. Give them plenty of lead time and be prepared to get turned down. Don’t be obsequious in your message.

   6 months ago # QUOTE 0 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

4. Sociologist
   664f
   

   Americans are more open to such inquiries from strangers than many other nationalities. Still, I would expect that most will ignore your email. Some might even steal your idea.

   6 months ago # QUOTE 0 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

5. Sociologist
   c642
   

   Thanks a lot. I have a second question: would it be better to send my questions to senior folks (so that I can get more clear-cut answers) or to newly graduated/junior folks (perhaps they would be more attentive)?

   6 months ago # QUOTE 0 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

6. Sociologist
   664f
   

   Try both. It doesn’t cost you anything, and maybe you’ll even make a new friend. I have an undergrad advisee who has a network better than most new PhDs, built simply by emailing people and starting conversations.

   6 months ago # QUOTE 2 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

7. Sociologist
   029c
   

   I would write a solid but brief email.

   Dear Professor X,

   Greetings from __________. I hope this email finds you well. My name is _____ , and I am currently writing my MA thesis on _______ at the University of ____. At my current university, I have excellent mentors but do not have a supervisor who works directly in __________ subfield. This year, I will be applying to PhD programs in the United States, and I am reaching out to you to ask for your guidance. I am looking for advice with regards to _________ (be specific).

   For your convenience, I have attached a brief, two-paragraph description of my research. Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

   Warm regards,

   ____________

   6 months ago # QUOTE 3 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

8. Sociologist
   029c
   

   Reach out to junior and senior faculty - and grad students.

   6 months ago # QUOTE 1 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

9. Sociologist
   c642
   

   Thank you very much 029c, this is so helpful.

   6 months ago # QUOTE 2 GOOD 0 NO GOOD !

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