NoMoreABD

Berlin Wall

mess around

Oh, I know. I am extremely cautious with my optimism. And I'm also aware of the fact that by this stage it is out of my hands, and I'm actually very happy with my application. I think it was strong and I got good responses from POIs. I just want to make sure I do everything I can, including reminding this person who promised to help - only if and when it's appropriate, of course.

cross dress

secret agent

apple sauce

"...Applications are prepared for review by graduate program committees who may begin to meet in mid February. The length of time it takes to arrive at a decision can vary greatly (from several weeks to 60 days or more) due to the complexity of the process. If you are concerned, please contact your graduate program office..."

pass away

So I'll try to keep it short and practical: 1. Met a professor who was impressed. She recommended me to the Dean of a (PhD) program in a Canadian school. 2. Sent the Dean all my material. Dean was very impressed. Agreed in advance to serve as research supervisor. 3. Dean contacted the adcomm and told them she recommends my acceptance. Asked me to send her my application, she might give me some advice. 4. Sent application to Dean. Never got a reply. 5. Deadline was Jan10. Applied. Put down the Dean's name as potential research supervisor. Mentioned she already agreed. 6. Waited. And waited. And waited some more. Got an email from the school saying the adcomms "may" start to meet in mid Feb. 7. Checking status on website every day. "No decision yet". No results posted on the results board here and other places. 8. DO I CONTACT THE PROGRAM? Do I contact the Dean herself? Do I continue to freak out and wait? Thank you for your thoughts on this

bare skin

Oh, come on! Of course I'm not blaming them! I was misunderstood. All I meant was that it's irresponsible on their part to say things like "you'll definitely be accepted" when clearly no one knows that. I never took it seriously, it just makes it harder to give them the bad news, that's all. I think they should express a more realistic approach, so it's easier on everybody.

green construction

so let's be practical: Program website says: "Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with offers going out through February and March. If necessary some offers may go out in April." Results board: Only one post, acceptance to the MA stream of the program, posted two weeks ago. I applied for PhD. To contact or not to contact - that is the question + I got an email from their student housing, saying they have an available apartment. I'm going to have to give it up just because I don't know if I'm in or not! Frustrating.

Woke up to find an email from UBC (I'm 10 hrs ahead of the school). The first response I get and it's a rejection [sCARP PhD] I feel awful. I thought this was the school for which I had the best chance of being accepted. I'm completely discouraged right now. Good luck for the rest of you.

1. I'm not so sure this is true. Some people posted here that they only found out they're on a waiting list because they called and asked. Sure, if you're waitlisted you'll get an answer at some point, but it might help getting this info sooner. 2. That being said, of course you won't get an acceptance/rejection sooner just because you asked. 3. So quit obsessing with it and go finish the last 3 pages of your MA thesis! [that was meant for myself more than anyone else...] I myself am wondering whether I should contact the schools. I want to know asap if I'm on a waiting list, cause that means I don't have much chances of getting in and knowing that will help a LOT with moving forward with my plan B.

I'm not looking forward to this moment either. From all the people telling me I'll get in, the LoR writers are the worst. They KNOW it's a tough competition, and that I'll have to break them the bad news at some point. But you know what, they created the embarrassing situation by saying I'm definitely in - let THEM feel bad about it when I find out I'm not. We don't have anything to be ashamed of by not getting accepted, and maybe next time they'll be more careful with their statements... Err... I wish I has some answers already so I don't have to speculate about letting other people down.

deserted building

I'm on the same boat. Not a word from any of the programs. One had a Dec15 deadline, and I know it's probably a rejection. But this wait is killing me, cause no news gives you hope - but then again it seems like false hope

room service

sure feels like it! but I bet all seasons are more or less the same...

In my experience, don't get discouraged by POIs not answering you! Keep trying. It's not annoying when you have a good reason to contact them, and it's ok to write again if you get no reply. The advice about university time is spot on. Also, send as many as you can. Don't be shy. Just remember you need to make them see how your research interests correspond with yours. It's never too late, until you get a rejection... The POIs prefer to discuss research than admission procedures, I guess. And they need good students, it's a mutual thing. So as long as you write about the actual work, you have no reason to refrain from keeping on trying.

corn dog

I don't have any personal experience with this specific dilemma of sending teaching evals. But just from reading your post: the grad secretary did tell you it's possible to submit further documents. What have you got to lose? I think you should send your evals, worst case scenario - they don't review it.

ears pop

Hey all The wait is of course driving me insane (still haven't heard anything from all programs). I keep finding reasons as to why I will be rejected. The new thing I've come up with is that I didn't invest enough in POI relations. When I applied, for one of the programs I was required to find a research supervisor in advance - standard procedure for PhD. I did my research, found faculty members I wanted to work with, sent emails, and got some really good replies. Some were honest to say they're not looking, or too busy to take on another student. But some were very interested in my research and agreed to serve as supervisors. And here is the potential problem: To those who agreed, I sent an enthusiastic but very short reply, saying that I'm submitting my application and looking forward to working with them. I didn't initiate any continuance, and assumed that if they wanted to they would contact me further. Of course, the original emails were very elaborate and included a description of my research interests, with attached CV and writing example and what not. In my field, there aren't any interviews usually. And in my application I did make the necessary connection to the potential supervisors. So I did everything I was supposed to. But I can't help but wondering: Should I have done more? Should I have done some follow up with the POIs? I read here about people getting informal notice of acceptance/rejection from their POI, and I wonder if I didn't miss something. Maybe I should have notified them after my application was complete, to let them now it was time for them to keep in touch with the addcom or something? And since none of the programs had sent any answers yet, maybe it's not too late? Should I kill two birds with one stone - email them now and ask if they know anything, and by that also remind them they have an interest in my acceptance? I mean, some of them might be on the addcom. But then again, isn't it rude? Isn't it more expected to contact the program secretary/manager concerning decisions timeline? Any help or word of advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!