Networking with profs as a prospective student?

[n00bot]

I'm applying to schools as a second bachelor's degree candidate for computer science this fall. Post-bac admission is often very competitive, and one school has posted, "it will be important to work with the department and Admissions on your applications." Admissions advisors I have spoken to have suggested that having a professor on my side will be the best/only way to gain admittance (my grades in pre-requisite math, physics, and intro cs courses are good; this is a reaction to their minimal interest in post-bacs).

There are a few professors at this school whose work I am very excited about, and would love to talk to. However, my previous degree was in a totally different field (humanities), so I'm starting from the beginning. How can I best reach out to these people so I come off as a promising candidate as opposed to yet another desperate applicant?

 

[story645]

How can I best reach out to these people so I come off as a promising candidate as opposed to yet another desperate applicant?

You waited too long? Doing an REU/research with them is the best bet, but I don't know if you can get anything soon enough on such short notice. You may want to start getting involved in the comp sci research scene (open source, which is always looking for people to help with documentation if your skills aren't up to par technically) and get together a resume and a body of work.

Sell your experience and bachelors as making you a perfect candidate for their undergrad research crew. Reading their work and knowing what they've done recently is another must; but if you're really passionate about something they did ten years ago, see what's been done recently in the field and pitch your skills. Research is key, 'cause very little makes a professor lose interest faster than "I have this really cool idea" and the idea is something that's already been solved, twice, and won't get funded for a third attempt or something they don't care about at all.

You can also try networking. Maybe you know somebody who knows somebody?

 

[Mene]

Networking with professors as a prospective student can be a valuable tool in your application process. As a computer science student, it is important to establish relationships with professors in your field as they can provide guidance and support throughout your academic journey.

One way to reach out to professors is by attending department events, such as seminars or workshops, where you can introduce yourself and express your interest in their work. This will allow you to make a personal connection and show your enthusiasm for their research.

Another way to network with professors is by reaching out to them via email. Make sure to personalize your message and highlight specific aspects of their work that you find intriguing. This will show that you have taken the time to research their work and are genuinely interested in their field.

Additionally, you can ask for an informational interview with the professor to learn more about their research and ask for advice on your application. This will not only allow you to make a connection with the professor, but also gain valuable insights that can strengthen your application.

It is important to remember to be genuine and respectful in your interactions with professors. Avoid coming off as desperate or solely focused on gaining admission to the program. Instead, demonstrate your passion for computer science and your eagerness to learn from their expertise.

Overall, networking with professors can greatly enhance your application and increase your chances of gaining admission to the program. Good luck in your application process!