Reaching Out to Professors

Question

I have a contact that is good friends with a professor at one of the schools I'm applying to. He recommended that I reach out and contact her. I can think of a lot of questions to ask Career Services, Alumni and current students, but what types of questions are good to ask a professor?

Sorry if this is a pretty basic question, but any advice would be greatly appreciated

Sorry if this is a pretty basic question, but any advice would be greatly appreciated

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

With any questions to anyone affiliated with the a potential school you really want to focus on asking honest questions you generally would like to know the answer to. Use this potential resource primarily as a way to gain information that will inform your application and personalize essays and interview responses. Now when it comes to specific questions to ask a professor at a university here are a few categories/questions:
School Teaching Style
-Case vs Lecture
-Reported Grades
In-Class Learning
-Group vs Individual Assignments
-In Class Student Engagement/How active are discussions
Experiential Learning
Mentorship
-Is it common for students to connect with you outside of the classroom on topics
-Internships/workstudy with students
Recruiting
-How does your class prepare students for recruiting
Experience Teaching at the School
-Support of school with research
-Connection with students
-relationship with students after graduation

These are just a few examples of potential questions you could ask but again I would personalize insights you are generally looking to uncover through your conversation with them

CriticalSquare · Answer

It's definitely not a basic question at all! But let me ask you this - why would you interested in speaking with this professor? Are they in a field you're interested in? Do they teach a subject that's integral to your career plans? Are they involved with a Center of interest on campus? Why you want to chat with them will guide what you should talk to them about!

Bhavik

Bhavik

rebzin · Answer

Bumping up this old thread, as I didn't want to create a new post.

I am applying for one of the schools which have a dedicated center which I'm highly interested in. Also, my current work and my future plans have high correlation with the research and studies that the center is undertaking.

I have been getting a mixed bag of advises, which includes not reaching out to Professor, as it might be seen as trying to flatter the Professor rather than anything. I would like to have an understanding on how to proceed with this.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. On it's face connecting with a teacher is a positive not a negative as long as you are making the most of their time. Professor's are super busy so make sure the conversation you are looking to have is value added. I would also start the outreach process through center. Whoever is managing the center can probably best direct you to the ideal person to chat with. This person may be a staffer, professor, or even program director! So utilize the center as a resource.

Hope this helps!

Hope this helps!

MBAbot · Answer

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Reaching Out to Professors

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