contacting profs

Can someone tell me whether contacting profs is absolutely necessary in order to get admission into graduate school? I didn't contact anyone coz I thought I'd be bothering them since they'll have so many students bugging them with emails. but after reading a particular thread, I realised maybe i've made a mistake?

I can only give you a counterexample: I have been admitted to Stony Brook without contacting anyone (let's wait for the other three responses) and having no particular outstanding feature to show off

That is so good to know. but I forgot to add, I'm an international student. would that make a difference?

Look at "Location" below my nickname on the left, ehehehehe

not necessary

yes, shud have checked. great. then all i have to do is bite my nails and wait.