99 Problems

[DeeLovely79]

So I submitted my applications to all 7 of my programs between Oct 31st and Nov 10th. So I'm done right? Wrong.

7 applications, 5 problems - here's the breakdown:

UNC - lists application incomplete pending GREs that were sent on Nov 4th. After multiple e-mails and a few phone calls found out that they can't locate my scores. I've sent them a copy of my score report - Waiting for resolution

UMich - lists application incomplete pending LORs that were submitted online Nov 8th and 9th. E-mailed the department and the person is having trouble downloading applications but says she will update the site this week. - Waiting for resolution

SOPHAS (General app for public health so I have 3 school apps through this site) - received an e-mail saying my coursework was verified and my GPA calculated and my application will be mailed on the next mailing date. Upon reviewing my coursework several of my social sciences classes are not listed as social science classes affecting my social science GPA (I'm applying to behavioral programs- this is not good). I send a detailed e-mail with course descriptions and asking for the reclassification and recalculation of my gpa. - Waiting for resolution (and praying my apps aren't mailed out before my courses are corrected)

I'm starting to think that the biggest hurdle to getting into a doctoral program is making the actually gets a copy of your completed application.

So what problems (if any) are you running into with your applications post submission?

[litjust]

After checking my application status with Madison, I found out they did not have my GRE scores. I sent an email asking about it and the exchange went like this:

Grad Coordinator: We do not have them. You may have to send them again.

Me: (Thinking arrrgghhh!!! I don't want to spend more money on these scores. I used the correct institution code. What is going on?) I already paid $23 to have them sent and they did not arrive. Where exactly should I have them sent?

Grad Coordinator: We have located your scores and added them to your file.

Me: (Thinking - if I had not responded, I would have wasted money.)

I'm also still waiting on a recommender to submit her recommendation, which is more anxiety ridden than I anticipated.

Which Emory program are you applying to??

[gellert]

FSU's website says it has neither my transcripts nor my GRE report, whereas all the other schools say they've received both. Maybe have to call on Monday to check in. :/

[litjust]

I'm sure they have them. I guess I'm glad the application status is available online. Otherwise, we would have no idea whether our items have been received. How are you managing to apply to so many different programs? Are you personalizing your whole statement for each program or only aspects? I just wonder how that works. Originally, I had many more schools on my list, but I had to pare it down based on finances and time. If I had thrown in a couple more, NYU, UC Boulder, U of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, and U of Washington, Seattle would have also made my list.

[DeeLovely79]

@litjust

I'm applying to the PhD program in public health (concentration in health behavior).

So I contacted staff at Michigan they have all of my letters they just haven't updated the application status.

SOPHAS only reclassified 5 of the 7 classes but since my applications were already mailed they are going to send a revised application.

Unfortunately my application at UNC has taken an interesting turn. After trying to find out what else I can do to make sure they have my scores, I've been told to "be patient" as it can take "4 or more weeks to match GRE scores". Meanwhile it's been 4 weeks since my scores were sent and 3 weeks since I've submitted my app.

It makes you wonder if this how administrative matters get handled for applications what would it be like for me as lowly graduate student?

[litjust]

It makes you wonder if this how administrative matters get handled for applications what would it be like for me as lowly graduate student?

I don't think it will be the same. Applications seem to be problematic because there are so many and (most of the time) not many people putting together applicant files. On the other hand, when you become a graduate student, there will be far fewer people in your cohort. At that time, whoever handles your paperwork within your division should not have a problem keeping up with administrative matters.