Should I call to confirm receipt of my application materials?

[bck203]

So my first application is due December 15th, and I submitted it online the day before yesterday (the 6th). Although the program should have received my GRE scores, official transcript, and rec letters by now (all were mailed in a few weeks ago), the "check your application status" website says they haven't received any of those yet, so I'm a little concerned. I don't know though...my GRE scores were sent to the department (I think so at least - when I sent them online at the ETS website it made me specify the department), not the graduate admissions office, so maybe that's why they're not showing up.

Is it OK for me to call and ask at this point? I guess I feel especially nervous because the graduate secretary, when I talked to him on the phone once before, was really rude and brusque with me, like he didn't want to be bothered. He didn't answer my email with a question a few weeks ago, so I'm guessing I shouldn't try that again. What is the etiquette for this?

[Bukharan]

I think it absolutely normal that the online status has not been updated yet. One of my schools let my know by e-mail that they will be updating the online status of my supplementary materials only in January.

However, it is your right to call and ask! If you want to put your mind at ease, go for it!

[bck203]

Thanks, I just called and got a machine--apparently their office closes at 2:30pm. What kind of big flagship university English department isn't open until 5pm? Oh well. I sent another email to Mr. Unresponsive grad secretary. This is just frustrating because I'm trying to do all I can to make sure my materials are in on time, but they aren't making it easy for me to find that out.

[anonacademic]

Also keep in mind that departments are getting between 200 to 600+ applications - they do not want to field these kinds of questions from each of those applicants! I'd lay low; they'll contact you. Also remember that it's probably the last week or two of the semester, and everyone is most likely swamped in non-admissions work.

Hang in there, grab a beer, and put on some mind-numbing TV Don't sweat it.

[Rodao]

No, don't do it. I can understand the urge, but you must bear in mind that they are up to their eyeballs in app. materials, and it probably just hasn't been processed yet.

[rising_star]

Thanks, I just called and got a machine--apparently their office closes at 2:30pm. What kind of big flagship university English department isn't open until 5pm? Oh well. I sent another email to Mr. Unresponsive grad secretary. This is just frustrating because I'm trying to do all I can to make sure my materials are in on time, but they aren't making it easy for me to find that out.

Dude, you are one of 100s of applicants. If it's close to the deadline, they are likely still sorting through all of the materials they have received, placing them in each file, putting the list of what has been received into the online system, and then contacting applicants about incomplete materials. This takes time. Furthermore, if the office closes at 2:30pm, it means they don't have a full-time person working on this (similar to my department). And all of this is not to mention that the grad secretary has other work to do besides collating applications. BE PATIENT! I realize it's difficult but patience is key.

And, next time, send your mail with tracking so you can confirm that the package with your materials was received.

[milou]

Yeah, I agree with the other posters. If it makes you feel any better, none of my schools (with the exception of Chicago) has updated the status of my supplemental materials on their site. You paid your application fee - if they are missing one or two things, they are not going to automatically disqualify you, and they understand that it's not your fault if things get lost in the mail or in their mountain of application papers. I'd say that, if you're still nervous about it, just call one school - the one you think would be most likely to be able to confirm it for you over the phone. If that school has received everything, there is a decent chance that the others have, too.

[verticalxlimit]

I have called each of my schools once to follow up on my application. While I had similar concerns about calling, everyone has been more than willing to help. Just make sure you wait enough time for them to process things, and then call. I noticed even after my applications were processed and complete, often my application was not listed as complete online- it was only upon calling that the office confirmed it was complete. I believe as long as you do not become a nuisance, there is no reason not to call (it literally takes two minutes).