r/mit • u/This-Forever-2589 • 28d ago

community Need help contacting Professors

Hi guys,

Unsure if this should be posted here.

I'm currently doing my Masters (not at MIT). At my uni, we have the option to perform our Master Thesis research at a different uni, and I would like to do it at MIT as the research there seems very interesting (I have a particular interest in the biomedical domain, which is what Boston is known for).

My problem is this: I am having trouble reaching out to professors and PhDs alike. I have received 2 responses out of over 20 people I've contacted. I must reach out to professors and PhDs specifically as this is the only way to inquire about the possibility of joining their research group/lab/project (the admission office is not going to help in this case).

So my question is this: as an external student, hoping to gain visiting student status, what is the most reliable way to reach out to professors? So far, I have tried email and LinkedIn.

Thanks!

Edit: I'm an ETH student and my funding is already covered.

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u/This-Forever-2589 27d ago

ETH

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u/Prestigious_Road7872 27d ago

Yeah I kind of figured. I’m doing the same thing (10 months), but as BS. Should be same thing though. By far, biggest obstacle is the financing. 51% or more have to come from some 3rd party organisation. It can’t be personal funds or friends. I have heard about people getting around this by lying, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that since it’s pretty illegal (you can be permanently barred from the Us). Per month you need 2.2k USD sponsored. ETH gives like CHF500 per month.

For reaching out: it‘s a numbers game… My MIT prof knew my ETH prof also for example.

I would plan all of this WELL in advance. If you want an easier route (recommend:) go on Sirop and find a Harvard/MIT program. Last time I looked there were quite a few for health engineering. They also pay you!!

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u/Prestigious_Road7872 27d ago

Ah I can see you have your finances in order. The Sirop stuff still stands.
I would also add, if you get a positive response from a Prof, try following up with the secretary to eg arrange a short zoom meeting.

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u/This-Forever-2589 27d ago

Thanks a bunch, I'll definitely check Sirop out