UNC - Technical Difficulties!

[joops]

Hi all,

So, the application for UNC's PhD program in Soc was due on Dec. 31st. I tried to complete and submit in on Dec. 30th, but it would not let me save my personal information, nor would it properly upload my supporting documents. I tried on three different computers, but it failed to work each time. I called the help desk as the automated message told me to do, but was unable to receive help. What's worse is that my ticket may have been lost and there may be no proof that I called on this day.

So I call again today, on normal business hours unlike last time, and was told that I may not even be able to apply because the deadline has passed. The help technician forwarded my info to the administration. I figure I may or may not hear back. This is so awful, I'm freaking out!

I really love this program and believe I am a great fit, and I seriously do not want to jeopardize my future over a technical issue. Has anyone been through this before? Have any advice? Know of any soc PhD programs that are strong in religion with a late-ish deadline?

Thanks.

[fangsout]

Alissa, I don't have an answer for you about possible substitute programs or going through this issue. I can tell you that from my experience with applications all being different and mail being slow, and professors being late submitting recs, I have made it a rule to submit my applications as soon as possible after they are made available. That way, you have time to deal with issues, like you are experiencing, before the deadline passes.

I know this doesn't help your situation, but it might be helpful to someone reading this thread for future admissions cycles.

That being said. If I was in your shoes, I would spend every waking moment for the next few days exploring possible schools and getting those applications submitted, even if you won't have the supporting materials in time. maybe usnews rankings can be a starting point for finding possible schools.

[joops]

Alissa, I don't have an answer for you about possible substitute programs or going through this issue. I can tell you that from my experience with applications all being different and mail being slow, and professors being late submitting recs, I have made it a rule to submit my applications as soon as possible after they are made available. That way, you have time to deal with issues, like you are experiencing, before the deadline passes.

I know this doesn't help your situation, but it might be helpful to someone reading this thread for future admissions cycles.

That being said. If I was in your shoes, I would spend every waking moment for the next few days exploring possible schools and getting those applications submitted, even if you won't have the supporting materials in time. maybe usnews rankings can be a starting point for finding possible schools.

Thanks for your kind words, fangsout. You know, normally I would submit the applications as soon as I could, but I was unable to do so for a number of reasons. After this is over, I'm going to make a post with all kinds of advice for future applicants and I'm going to write about this incident.

UPDATE: Everything is all set!

Edited January 3, 2011 by Alissa

[fangsout]

Thanks for your kind words, fangsout. You know, normally I would submit the applications as soon as I could, but I was unable to do so for a number of reasons. After this is over, I'm going to make a post with all kinds of advice for future applicants and I'm going to write about this incident.

UPDATE: Everything is all set!

I would encourage you to do that. I haven't been very active contributing to these boards, but I have definitely used the old threads as a resource.

[Tallow]

Hey--I had sort of a similar problem, except the tech difficulties are on my end. I take it they accepted your application? Any advice on what to say when I call the department in the morning?

Thanks a lot