I am well aware that this is a subjective question, but it will be good if you can share some of your experiences/opinions about contacting prospective PhD advisors through email before applying formally. Please mention whether you feel that these correspondences helped you in any way or otherwise.
I just want to see what is the most probable outcome of this activity. Currently, I am investing a lot of time in going through the research activities of profs whose research interests matches mine, and in perusing their recent papers. I know that many of my emails will go unanswered, so sometimes I cannot help but feel that perhaps if I devote this time and energy to strengthen other parts of the application, it might serve me better. Do you consider it as an indispensable step? Kindly share your feedback. Thanks.
I just want to see what is the most probable outcome of this activity. Currently, I am investing a lot of time in going through the research activities of profs whose research interests matches mine, and in perusing their recent papers. I know that many of my emails will go unanswered, so sometimes I cannot help but feel that perhaps if I devote this time and energy to strengthen other parts of the application, it might serve me better. Do you consider it as an indispensable step? Kindly share your feedback. Thanks.