 Hi, I'm applying for doctoral studies in English literature and I want to know how important is it for students to communicate with professors in U.S. universities prior to applying for doctoral or PhD programs and what should such a communication entail? Okay, great question. This person is applying for English literature, a program of English literature and wants to know how appropriate communication is and what kind of communication is appropriate between the university and the department prior to submitting the application. That is a great question and I think while it varies from school to school, my experience with graduate programs is that it's important to be in contact with the professor that you're hoping to work with. A lot of times they accept only a few students each year to come into those doctoral programs to specifically work with them so it's important that they know you throughout the application process and know who you are and get an idea of how well the two of you would work together. So I would say especially for doctoral programs that's important and I would encourage it at Catholic for sure. Thank you, great advice.