Should I do something or keep waiting?

[tuckie]

Hi all,

I got an interview from UCLA 2 weeks ago and I am applying for the Electrical engineering PhD program. That was a personal call from a prof. who said that he is interested in my application. At the end of the interview, he said he will let me know the result by next week. It has been 2 weeks since he called but I got no reply from him.

I am getting sick for checking the admission result on this forum and the UCLA official web page N times per day :cry: . I know someone got rejections from the official web page but mine is "no decision" since the first day I applied. Btw, I didn't see anyone got acceptance notice from the official web page, except for master programs.

Questions:

1. Does it imply that I am rejected? (I thought I was not performing well in that interview) or they are working on the application?

I have seen many applicants got an unofficial confirmation email from the prof. after interview. Wondering why I didn't get one....

2. Shall I write an email to the prof. for my application status? I hope that will not affect my chances... if any.

thoughts?

Thanks people.

[missycari]

In history at least, decisions have been staggered, and appear to have been posted to the website on an individual, case-by-case basis. I'm not sure how helpful this is because I don't know anything about electrical engineering, but it sounds like it might be a similar deal... in which case, I'm not convinced that your not hearing means anything bad.

I think, though, that it would be perfectly reasonable for you to contact the professor in question, since he said that he would get back to you sooner. As always: be polite. I'm sure that a concerned but considerate e-mail would not hurt you - these people have to understand what you are going through. Just don't sound impatient or annoyed.

[perkinqq]

With the graduate process, I wouldn't try to infer anything. For all you know, the prof thought that he had already sent an email notification.

I have been in similar situations and have sent emails that to my delight have worked in my favor. Mere exposure effect?

In conclusion, I would go ahead and send an email as a gentle reminder. Professors have gone through the same process we are currently undergoing; they understand the neuroticism associated with the waiting period. A simple reminder email will not break your chances at receiving an acceptance.

[tuckie]

Hi all,

Thank for the advise. Somehow, I know that the prof. didn't reject me at the moment. He said he is still considering my application but not decide yet. This is a big relief for me, hopefully good news coming....

thanks again for the advise and courage.

tuckie

[exp_jw]

Hi tuckie,

I am an EE PhD student at UCLA. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you haven't been accepted yet, you are probably rejected or on a wait list. The faculty meeting to review applications was several weeks ago and the accepted grad open house was on Feb 29th. That being said, I think that it is a bad sign if you haven't received an acceptance yet. I don't think it would hurt to email the professor. The worst they can do is not respond.

[tuckie]

Dear all,

Thank you for replying me. Just wanna update my situation. The prof. talked to me yesterday and told me that he is going to offer me a RA position. Then, I received official email today . It was really tough to go through the endless waiting.

I did send 2 emails to show that I am strongly interested. However, I can't tell whether it makes any difference. Personally, I think someone has rejected the offer and I am lucky enough to pick up the slot. For the person who gave up this offer, thank you for being considerate.

Best wishes to all who are waiting.

tuckie