Amanda D.Smith

First of all, I’m probably not going to answer your email. I apologize for that. I know the process of finding the right advisor and grad school is frustrating and can seem mysterious, especially for those who have never been to the U.S.

Here is the reason I’m not sending polite, personalized answers to everyone: I don’t have as much time or money for research as I would like, and I guard these resources carefully. Because I often don’t know when I will have financial support for a new research student until a few months before the student would need to start, I may not be able to offer you a position even if your skills and interests are a perfect match.

With that being said, I am happy to hear from people who are interested in my work. I have an amazing group of graduate students, and I’ll do whatever I can to keep it that way!

When an opportunity arises to add someone to a research project, I may look through past emails I’ve received from prospective researchers. Here are a few things that can help me find your message at the right time, and may increase your chances of getting a response:

Start your subject line with “Prospective MS student” or “Prospective PhD student” and the semester you would like to start, e.g. “Spring 2018″

Say why you are looking at my lab. What interests you? Why do you think you might be good fit based on our current or previous research work?

If you have your own funding, make that very clear. Most applicants are not able to attend graduate school without an assistantship of some sort, and if I do not have an assistantship I am currently looking to fill then I am less likely to respond to general inquiries.

Write in clear English, using minimal formatting. Edit your message down to about two paragraphs.

Attach your CV (academic resume). Please note that in the U.S., pictures are not typically included on CVs and personal information is not appropriate (e.g. your age or marital status should not be used in evaluating your qualifications for a job).

If you have peer-reviewed journal articles or a thesis that is written in English, attach that as well.

Here are a few things that can guarantee I delete your email and don’t respond:

Email begins with “Ms. Amanda” or “Dear Sir”

Form letter (i.e. you’re clearly sending out the same message to lots of faculty members with no particular thought put into each one). Or even worse, you just forwarded an email you sent to another faculty member at a different school.

Incoherent English or excessive bold, colors, links, or capital letters.

Communication is a major part of your success as a graduate student, so I do take these things seriously.

I congratulate you on taking your studies to the graduate level, and for many of you, taking a chance by moving to an entirely new place so you can pursue your dreams. I wish you the best in finding a position that is right for you.