The response rate you’re receiving isn’t unusual. Professors in American universities receive much e-mail from prospective students for which they don’t have the time to reply to all mails because of their professional commitments. Students can expect a reply if their profile and research interests have a good match with the professors' needs and the professors are actively seeking an MS applicant(s) to fill an available research slot and or to work with in the graduate program.
Whether a professor chooses to reply to your e-mail also depend on how you present your academic credentials and research interests.
To send an effective e-mail to professors in U.S. universities, review their research work and interests. List those that match with your aptitude and needs. Then, study their research work in detail. Identify the salient features and accomplishments of the professors’ research.
Use the above background info as the foundation to write the letter. In it, concisely talk about the professor’s research work and highlight how it as an excellent synergy with your research interests. Request the opportunity to work in his / her research area(s) in the MS program.
At this stage, do not ask for an RA. If the professor likes your profile and educational goals, he / she may award an RA to you from the first / second semester. Be sure to mention briefly in your message about your academic accomplishments, research potential and internship and work experience (if any) details. Present the entire content clearly and succinctly.
You may also want to attach your resume to the e-mail. Alternatively, if you’ve a website that details your educational achievements, project work, published papers and work experience (if any) and other, give a link to the same in your e-mail and request the professor to visit your site and review your qualifications.
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