Interpreting Responses from POI

[NoMoreABD]

So, I got what I believe to be good responses on my PhD applications (3 different schools), but I'm not sure how seriously I should take them.

All of this was long ago during the application process. Now I'm waiting on decisions.

1. Dean of the Faculty I applied to said she's willing to supervise my research and that she had written to the adcom saying she recommends my acceptance.

2. Head of the program said they definitely see a fit for me, in terms of my research interests and their faculty members.

3. A POI has rejected my request for supervising my research, for personal reasons that had nothing to do with me, and promised to speak to "who ever I need to make sure they realize you'd be an asset to our program".

[newms]

From the responses, I'd say that 1) is the best bet for an acceptance. The fact that the dean has written to the adcomm recommending your acceptance is very positive. I guess the only things that could keep you out is if they don't have funding for you or if there are better fits, but I'd imagine that the Dean's recommendation would carry a lot of weight.

2) sounds slightly better than a generic response. Yes the POI sees a fit for you, which is good, but it's also possible that they see a fit for 100 other applicants.

3) sounds promising and hopefully the POI will follow through in speaking with members of the adcomm. If so, then that would help, but it would depend on whether you'd be among the best fits of the applicants they have.

So if I were to rank your responses, it would be 1 > 3 > 2, although it could be that 1 > 2 > 3 depending on how much of a fit the POI in 2) sees you as.

Good luck!

Edited March 1, 2011 by newms