How to interpret message from Northwestern?

[OhioStateStudent]

I applied to Northwesterns Stats PhD program for fall 2013.

 

The short of the story is, one of my rec letter writers was delayed in submitting my letter.

 

I received a message on my application center from a grad secretary (strangely enough, from the math dept.) and she notified me that it had not been uploaded. She then said that she was "asked to let me know that they are very interested in my application".

 

How does this seem? Is this cheap talk, or is there some truth here?

 

Thanks.

[Usmivka]

I see no reason why she would say that unless it was true. Not exactly a standard pleasantry. They want you to make sure you complete your application, including that rec letter, so that they can consider you/make you an offer. I had an interaction like this with the school I applied to/attended, and they were serious about it. Followed up with a call a couple weeks after everything was submitted correctly and gave me an informal offer of admission, way before they talked to anyone else (It made me feel very wanted, probably the last time grad school gave me a warm fuzzy feeling).

 

Sometimes not submitting all the letters or parts of an app indicates that an applicant decided to give up/not follow through/focus elsewhere, and they want to make sure you don't do this and you to still consider them.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Usmivka

[bayessays]

I would say it's probably as good as it sounds.  I got a similar email, followed by an acceptance a few weeks later, for what it's worth.

[judowrestler1]

Wow way to make me feel nervous. I've applied and haven't heard anything. Not the same case at all but, anything would be nice by this point.

[OhioStateStudent]

Wow way to make me feel nervous. I've applied and haven't heard anything. Not the same case at all but, anything would be nice by this point.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. I creeped on your stats and they seem similar to mine, so at least at this point I don't see a reason why they would necessarily prefer me over you.

 

Maybe if one of your rec letter writers had been delayed, you would have seen the same message.

[judowrestler1]

I wouldn't worry about it. I creeped on your stats and they seem similar to mine, so at least at this point I don't see a reason why they would necessarily prefer me over you.

 

Maybe if one of your rec letter writers had been delayed, you would have seen the same message.

Well here's hoping we both get an acceptance.

[OhioStateStudent]

They admit so few students, i'm very worried.

 

Who knows, maybe we will be the 2 new ones that enter.