Foucaultrocks

Perhaps this is the common thread all along? I, too, received the obnoxious "your application is incomplete" notice from AU, despite the fact that I submitted everything in a timely manner. It was my GRE scores that threw a wrench in the process; there was a communication problem between AU and ETS, which led to my scores not being received promptly by the University. Since this is obviously out of my control, I was informed by AU that I will not be penalized for ETS' tardiness. So yes, you are not alone, Mal83. And yes, I highly doubt that the last batch are all declines or will receive little to no funding offers. At the end of the day, we have to remind ourselves that we applied to a large institution that receives an enormous load of applications. There is no logic to the insanity of sifting through hundreds of apps, so it is best we throw pessimistic speculation out the window.

Well, keep in mind that SIS is composed of several different programs. It could be the case that they divided it according to these, and that a decrease in the spots allotted (which Mal83 states is 300), doesn't necessarily take away chances of being accepted in a particular program. Make sense? I applied to Int'l Politics Program with specialty in int'l security, and I don't think I would be directly competing with someone who applied to ICPR or US Foreign Policy. Perhaps I am wrong...any additional insight on this?

I got a hold of AU admissions again, and they explained the process a bit more thoroughly. Hopefully this sheds some light... Yes, applications are reviewed in three batches. They just finished sending out decisions for the first batch and are now evaluating the second batch. We may have to wait 1 - 2 weeks! I inquired whether the process is staggered for a reason (i.e. second and third batches are applications not selected from the first round), but they said that applications are just divided into three batches without any significance whatsoever. I'm not sure how to feel about this...

Hmm...seems like I'm not the only one with snail mail frustrations. I am also waiting with bated breath, and I actually live in DC! Wonder if the lack of correspondence given my proximity to AU should be of concern... Anyway, congratulations to all who got accepted! Exciting times are ahead! And to those still waiting....well, we're all on the same sad (and impatient) boat so I hope that helps ease the pain.....?