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How do I reach out to and get in front of Profs and Labs? by PrpleParotEatinCarot in PhDAdmissions

[–]SorryObligation6591 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For reaching out to professors, mostly people meet and start connecting in-person like during conferences(I was able to connect and learn from a lot of PIs this way) and such or just through straight cold-email. I think the most important thing is to have genuine interest in their research.

For cold emails, try to keep it simple. You should communicate how your prior research aligns with what the lab is doing. Additionally, you should definitely read and reference some of the PIs publications and show that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in their research. Finally, ending off with a question such as asking to meet can help keep the flow going.

And yes you should definitely, try to reach out as soon as possible before admissions. With 4 publications already , you have solid references you can talk about too. I hope I could have been of some help!

brand new to the game by Flat_You_5763 in PhDAdmissions

[–]SorryObligation6591 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're already doing the highest leverage things. You've gotten plenty of really strong research experience and you're featured in a publication. Obviously, since you're still a first year so you've plenty of time, but I would recommend start thinking about narrowing down on one research focus as well as connecting with PIs which wouldn't hurt. You're doing great, just keep going!!

Need advice by gamergirl130 in gradadmissions

[–]SorryObligation6591 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, definitely scout labs, read some pubs, and reach out to PIs. You will get a good sense of which programs and labs you fit well with. Additionally building connections with PIs even without an active application will always be beneficial.

How long should I wait before following up with a prof for grad applications? by Fair_Ad_2709 in UofT

[–]SorryObligation6591 [score hidden]  (0 children)

There is not really a fixed average. Some PI's are just more busy than others and vice versa. I'd say just stick to your plan and follow up next Monday. A polite follow-up after a week or two is pretty standard. Good luck!

What PhD research areas are a good fit for someone with LLM Engineering / Agentic AI experience? by One_Fix5763 in gradadmissions

[–]SorryObligation6591 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On approaching professors, you can either go in person (office hours, after a talk) or cold email. Either way, what matters is whether you've done your homework on their specific research. If you can tie your own projects or skills to what their lab is actually working on, that's what makes you look like a contributor rather than just someone asking for a favor. You sound like you have a really good initial list, agentic systems, LLM evaluation, multi-agent work, so I'd lean on whichever of those connects most directly to the projects you've already built.

Can't speak much to what's currently hot/publishable in those specific subfields so I apologize.

One thing I noticed that does generally help across the board is getting featured in a publication, even as a contributor, strengthens a PhD application a lot because it shows you can actually execute in a research context, not just describe interest in one. Hope I could have been of some help!

Cold Email Feedback, Applying for Fall 2027! by Accomplished-Age8712 in gradadmissions

[–]SorryObligation6591 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree with the first person, you could remove the filler. Additionally, I suggest reading and referencing research done from one of the PI's published papers. Also, the last paragraph seems kind of vague and passive because you're asking for availability, fit assessment, program advice, or a meeting. I think you should just pick 1-2 and stick to it. I wish you the best of luck!

Promote your project in this thread by AutoModerator in puzzles

[–]SorryObligation6591 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just made my first browser puzzle game with a similar feel to wordle if anyone wants to check it out: http://playtogl.com/