Penn State MIA

[Elizabeth0387]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I'm hoping someone has some helpful advice, or firsthand knowledge to share.

I applied to Penn State for a masters of international affairs. On the 22nd, the status of my application was updated and stated that I should contact the program to which I applied for further information. I didn't see this until late that day, so I called the next morning. I called at about 10am on the 23rd, but it went straight to voicemail. I didn't leave a message, and just figured I'd try again later. I called again at about 10:30 and this time someone picked up, but the man didn't say hello. It sounded to me like he said someone's name and when I said hello he seemed taken aback, and it was pretty obvious he'd answered my call by mistake. I told him why I was calling and he told me he was in the middle of a meeting and would call me back in 45 minutes to an hour. He never called back. I tried calling at about 3 o'clock that afternoon and again got a voicemail. I didn't want to seem pushy or annoying so I didn't leave a message.

I called again this morning, and left a detailed message and my contact info. I still haven't heard back.

What does this mean? I can't help but assume I didn't get in since they aren't calling me back. Has anyone else had this experience with PSU or any other school? Am I pushy and annoying if I leave another message?

[brent09]

Call ten times a day! You paid to be considered, so call them til you get thru. Might be a bit hectic bc this weekend is the psci prospie weekend. But if they have a decision, just keep calling. Can't hurt.

[Ironheel!!]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I'm hoping someone has some helpful advice, or firsthand knowledge to share.

I applied to Penn State for a masters of international affairs. On the 22nd, the status of my application was updated and stated that I should contact the program to which I applied for further information. I didn't see this until late that day, so I called the next morning. I called at about 10am on the 23rd, but it went straight to voicemail. I didn't leave a message, and just figured I'd try again later. I called again at about 10:30 and this time someone picked up, but the man didn't say hello. It sounded to me like he said someone's name and when I said hello he seemed taken aback, and it was pretty obvious he'd answered my call by mistake. I told him why I was calling and he told me he was in the middle of a meeting and would call me back in 45 minutes to an hour. He never called back. I tried calling at about 3 o'clock that afternoon and again got a voicemail. I didn't want to seem pushy or annoying so I didn't leave a message.

I called again this morning, and left a detailed message and my contact info. I still haven't heard back.

What does this mean? I can't help but assume I didn't get in since they aren't calling me back. Has anyone else had this experience with PSU or any other school? Am I pushy and annoying if I leave another message?

I would also add that you are well within reason to complain to the head of the department about this treatment. There is enough abuse of grad. student as it is (financially speaking) you don't have to stand for this type of treatment. Believe me, youre not being pushy!

[iwouldpreferanonymity]

Call ten times a day! You paid to be considered, so call them til you get thru. Might be a bit hectic bc this weekend is the psci prospie weekend. But if they have a decision, just keep calling. Can't hurt.

I would agree with this. I think that since you have paid a fee when you submitted your application, they do have some obligation to discuss it with you. At the very least, they should be corteous enough to inform you about your status. If they are not, then badger them until they do.

[Elizabeth0387]

I'm glad to know that I'm not being unreasonable. I just feel incredibly frustrated because their online application system clearly states to contact them. If they aren’t going to answer their phone or return messages then they should just post the information online.

I guess I’ll start badgering them on Monday because there’s probably no point in calling over the weekend.

[Jwnich1]

I'm glad to know that I'm not being unreasonable. I just feel incredibly frustrated because their online application system clearly states to contact them. If they aren’t going to answer their phone or return messages then they should just post the information online.

I guess I’ll start badgering them on Monday because there’s probably no point in calling over the weekend.

At my old school the department used to be open on Saturday mornings. This may actually be a great time to call if people are around - not as hectic etc.

I agree with everyone else. You paid in money and stress to be considered - id keep calling until I got my money's with. That kind of treatment is not on in my books.

[Elizabeth0387]

At my old school the department used to be open on Saturday mornings. This may actually be a great time to call if people are around - not as hectic etc.

Decided to call after reading your post, but it still went to voicemail. Hopefully I can finally get through to someone on Monday.

[alexi3]

Hey Elizabeth0387,

I'm in the exact same situation. I can't get in contact with SIA for the life of me. I'm hoping that by the end of the week all of these "meetings" will calm down. It's not terribly confidence inspiring, is it? Keep us posted

[Elizabeth0387]

After no one answered any of my calls I finally sent an email. I promptly received an email with a rejection letter attached.

Pretty upsetting because this was supposed to be my safety school.