Foucaultrocks Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 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.....?
PoliticallyAff Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 I called, they still have room they said...
Foucaultrocks Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 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... I called, they still have room they said...
snbrown82 Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 @Foucaultrocks: Yes, this is what they explained to me also. The woman also told me I was in the 2nd batch and that I should hear something in 1 to 2 weeks. I'm with you about not knowing how to feel about this. I also asked did it correspond to decisions and she said no. For some reason, I feel it does.
Mal83 Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 (edited) So they just started looking at the second batch? Man, then those in the 3rd batch are going to be waiting a while still. I feel that if the batches corresponded to decisions then they would have said as much. Admissions has no reason to lie to us. Although we just don't know if there is some sort of quota or cap for each batch or not, I mean if they have 300 spots and accept 200 from the first then the other batches have fewer spots to compete for, but who knows how they do it. When I emailed 2 days ago I was told I can expect to hear from them by the first week of April, I don't know if that person who answered looked me up or not because I didn't specifically ask about my status so I don't know what batch I'm in, early April I think is just when they'll finally have it all done. So I'm trying to relax about it for now since we know that the first batch is done they won't get anything else out for a least a week, and by relax I mean not getting too depressed when I get home and find nothing in the mail. And I also keep reminding myself that April is just around the corner. Edited March 24, 2011 by Mal83
Foucaultrocks Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 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? So they just started looking at the second batch? Man, then those in the 3rd batch are going to be waiting a while still. I feel that if the batches corresponded to decisions then they would have said as much. Admissions has no reason to lie to us. Although we just don't know if there is some sort of quota or cap for each batch or not, I mean if they have 300 spots and accept 200 from the first then the other batches have fewer spots to compete for, but who knows how they do it. When I emailed 2 days ago I was told I can expect to hear from them by the first week of April, I don't know if that person who answered looked me up or not because I didn't specifically ask about my status so I don't know what batch I'm in, early April I think is just when they'll finally have it all done. So I'm trying to relax about it for now since we know that the first batch is done they won't get anything else out for a least a week, and by relax I mean not getting too depressed when I get home and find nothing in the mail. And I also keep reminding myself that April is just around the corner.
HandsomeNerd Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 might have something to do with funding. also, iirc, American has rolling admissions? the Jan 15th deadline was just to be in the running for merit aid. my acceptance letter was dated March 4. if JAC16 has a similar letter date, then the wave thing might very well be funding related.
JAC16 Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 might have something to do with funding. also, iirc, American has rolling admissions? the Jan 15th deadline was just to be in the running for merit aid. my acceptance letter was dated March 4. if JAC16 has a similar letter date, then the wave thing might very well be funding related. My acceptance letter was dated March 7. Hope the info is useful... IPE2011 1
yabanci Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 My acceptance letter was dated the 10th, so I'm guessing I was in the first batch. I didn't get funding though, so I'm not sure how closely related batches and funding are. Although it would probably make sense to offer funding to those who you admit earlier, since that could influence the best applicants to attend. Anyway, I applied to the US foreign policy program if that helps.
Mal83 Posted March 25, 2011 Posted March 25, 2011 I just used the number 300 for simplicity's sake, I have no idea how many spots they have.
matza22 Posted March 25, 2011 Posted March 25, 2011 (edited) I got a strange response from American. I was accepted into SIS, however they decided that I would be a good fit for their New Social Enterprise MA and offered me admission to that program instead of the Int Development program I applied to! Has this happened to anyone else? Still waiting to see if some $$ is tied to the offer. I have been accepted into other DC Int development programs, so I am just a little surprised. Edited March 25, 2011 by matza22
Mal83 Posted March 26, 2011 Posted March 26, 2011 (edited) I got a strange response from American. I was accepted into SIS, however they decided that I would be a good fit for their New Social Enterprise MA and offered me admission to that program instead of the Int Development program I applied to! Has this happened to anyone else? Still waiting to see if some $ is tied to the offer. I have been accepted into other DC Int development programs, so I am just a little surprised. Wow...that is really strange. I'm pretty sure you are the one that's supposed to decide what program is best for you. Have you called them to get some clarification? I sure would because I also applied to the International Development program and that's what I want a Master's in, but I haven't heard yet. I mean I guess it's much better than a rejection and perhaps if you get in there and decide that it's not what you want then you can switch. But still that's just odd. Edited March 26, 2011 by Mal83
psychicoctopus Posted March 26, 2011 Posted March 26, 2011 I got accepted but I'm still waiting for my letter to come in the mail. The one from GWU was mailed March 11th and arrived on March 24th - so it takes a looooong time to get to Canada.
tenner Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 I got an email from SIS last Wed (3/25) inviting me to an event here in NYC for accepted students before receiving anything in the mail. Got the official acceptance letter on Friday that was dated March 18. I got into the ID program but I guess without any $$ because there was nothing else in the packet. Really sucks since I really want to go to American. Rejected by GWU Brandeis SID=19K aid Don't know if the program at American is worth all the loans i'd have to take.:-(
Mal83 Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 I got an email from SIS last Wed (3/25) inviting me to an event here in NYC for accepted students before receiving anything in the mail. Got the official acceptance letter on Friday that was dated March 18. I got into the ID program but I guess without any $ because there was nothing else in the packet. Really sucks since I really want to go to American. Rejected by GWU Brandeis SID=19K aid Don't know if the program at American is worth all the loans i'd have to take.:-( I'm really hoping to hear from American any day now. I also applied to the ID program, I was waitlisted by GW so I'm hopeful for an acceptance. I've been accepted by George Mason's Global Affairs program but that's my safety school and I haven't received my packet yet so I don't know if they're giving me any money...I doubt it. So for me it's a no-brainer. I'm so used to the idea of having to fund my entire grad school education with loans that it's like I'm just going to the best school I get into and that's that. I worked very hard to earn an acceptance and if I get it I'm going to take advantage of it. But of course at this point I don't have a school offering me 19K, so I completely understand wanting to take advantage of that.
tenner Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Mal83, good luck! You'll probably hear today or tomorrow. I called the Financial Aid office today and the counselor told me that they're still working on packets and that I should hear back the first week of April whether I'm going to get anything or not. Keep us updated!
yabanci Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Those of you who were accepted without funding, are you still planning on attending with loans? I've been trying to do some research into the Income-Based Repayment along with public service loan forgiveness program, since entering the public service is my ultimate goal. I guess it all depends on how much I make after I get my master's, but by some calculations it may result in ending up paying just the principal without any interest. I'm still deciding if I want to attend with loans. Also, are people planning on attending the admitted students day? I think the deadline to RSVP is this Friday, April 1.
Mal83 Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 Mal83, good luck! You'll probably hear today or tomorrow. I called the Financial Aid office today and the counselor told me that they're still working on packets and that I should hear back the first week of April whether I'm going to get anything or not. Keep us updated! Gee thanks! I didn't get anything in the mail today, tomorrow would be great because I've had just about enough of this waiting business. I suppose I could email, but I just have this wacky fear of doing that, like it'll change something or maybe it's the idea of not wanting a reject email. I don't think I could call, someone over the phone telling me no is not something I can deal with. If the date to RSVP to the admitted students thing is April first that's pretty close and I haven't heard anything about it. I just want to know either way.
snbrown82 Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 Well, I haven't heard from American but did hear from Texas State University's MPA program where I get to take classes from the 3 sub-specialties (IR, Social Policy, and Legal and Judicial Admin). It's a lot cheaper and I'm getting my foot in the door. Later on in life, I can re-apply to those other schools. Sometimes, I think things work out for the best. Good luck everyone! Don't give up!
Mal83 Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 Does anyone else think it's kind of strange and a little unfair that the new grad student day events for American are being held before all of the decisions are even made? The one for DC is April 11 and the date to RSVP is the 1st, all of the other events across the country (there aren't that many) have already been or are just about to be held. I know there's still a possibility that acceptances are being made but the waiting is just getting really old.
ep1181 Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 Does anyone else think it's kind of strange and a little unfair that the new grad student day events for American are being held before all of the decisions are even made? The one for DC is April 11 and the date to RSVP is the 1st, all of the other events across the country (there aren't that many) have already been or are just about to be held. I know there's still a possibility that acceptances are being made but the waiting is just getting really old. Yeah American isn't looking too good to me right now, I have heard about how bad their administration is and this just proves it. I'm still waiting!!
HandsomeNerd Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 While it sucks that you guys have not had ideal experiences with American, I have to say my experiences with them have been positive, really across the board.
Mal83 Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 I just sent them an email asking exactly what batch my application is in and if that batch is under review or if decisions from said batch are being mailed. The more information I have at this point the better. I'll basically ask anything short of my own status, I can't handle a reject email. I also asked if there will be any more of these grad day events for those who will eventually be accepted. I figure their response will either give me hope or cause for just starting to let it go. I'm almost positive I'm in the 3rd batch because of how late my final LOR was submitted (7 hours before the deadline), but I want to know for sure and I want to know if they're reviewing yet. I was waitlisted for GW and I'm a returned Peace Corps volunteer, which American loves. So I have cause for confidence, but I've had it. To be fair, every time I've emailed a question they've gotten back to me in a matter of hours, I think maybe one time was the next morning or whatever. So I can't complain in that department.
PoliticallyAff Posted March 30, 2011 Posted March 30, 2011 I didn't know it mattered when you submitted your application. Are you sure of this? I just sent them an email asking exactly what batch my application is in and if that batch is under review or if decisions from said batch are being mailed. The more information I have at this point the better. I'll basically ask anything short of my own status, I can't handle a reject email. I also asked if there will be any more of these grad day events for those who will eventually be accepted. I figure their response will either give me hope or cause for just starting to let it go. I'm almost positive I'm in the 3rd batch because of how late my final LOR was submitted (7 hours before the deadline), but I want to know for sure and I want to know if they're reviewing yet. I was waitlisted for GW and I'm a returned Peace Corps volunteer, which American loves. So I have cause for confidence, but I've had it. To be fair, every time I've emailed a question they've gotten back to me in a matter of hours, I think maybe one time was the next morning or whatever. So I can't complain in that department.
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