How do I interpret silence after contacting a graduate director?

[Ariy]

Hey guys, I'm waiting to hear from the last school that I applied to.  I contacted the graduate director via email and have not heard anything.  How do I interpret this?  The school does not conduct interviews so I can't base anything off of that.  One person posted in the Results Search on February 9th, but in rare cases some students have heard as late as March 26th in past years.  Still, I would assume that silence = rejection.  Thoughts?

[crimsoc]

Hey guys, I'm waiting to hear from the last school that I applied to.  I contacted the graduate director via email and have not heard anything.  How do I interpret this?  The school does not conduct interviews so I can't base anything off of that.  One person posted in the Results Search on February 9th, but in rare cases some students have heard as late as March 26th in past years.  Still, I would assume that silence = rejection.  Thoughts?

First, where are you applying to? Some of us could help you out as we may have contact the department or know faculty etc etc...

Second, I strongly suggest to contact the grad admin, or even better, the Chair (the latter if she/he is your POI or you know them). The reason why you need to contact - in person, by phone - is because they generally have an ear to the happenings in the department and the selection committee. They are the first ones to know which candidates get in and which do not. They are the ones responsible for putting together all the welcome/rejection letters. So give them a ring. I called all my institutions and got to know the grad admin from the department and they were all very nice people I also got to know when the selection committee was sitting (at all institutions) and when I should hear back - one of my prospective school's grad admin told me to call them on a certain date and they would even tell me  if i made the cut or not BEFORE welcoming letters are sent out (saves me like 3 WEEKS of stressing!!). From what I sense, The grad admins generally sympathize with applicants as they see it all from rejections to admissions. Good luck and remember, call.

Edited March 5, 2013 by crimsoc

[Sconnie]

I have an even more frustrating silence.  I received an acceptance from a school and responded to both the graduate coordinator and department chair asking to schedule a visit and be put in touch with a current student and I havent heard a thing back in response.  This school is falling quickly in my mind.

[tiarabun]

I'm totally in the same boat. I contacted the department secretary but she insisted I should talk to the director who never responds. I have emailed the director at least three times to no avail. I don't even know if she checks her email. #Sigh

[Eigen]

Just to clarify, since no one is mentioning times:

I'd give a week to 10 days before expecting a response and following up, unless there is truly a time crunch and you need to know for some reason.

[nope]

Just to clarify, since no one is mentioning times:

I'd give a week to 10 days before expecting a response and following up, unless there is truly a time crunch and you need to know for some reason.

Second this, even though it'll drive you crazy.

[abeilles]

I'm totally in the same boat. I contacted the department secretary but she insisted I should talk to the director who never responds. I have emailed the director at least three times to no avail. I don't even know if she checks her email. #Sigh

 

Have you tried calling?

[Ariy]

Hey everyone, it has been a week.  I am going to wait a few more days and then make contact again.  Unfortunately I think that I already know the answer, but we will see.  I've noticed that a lot of people on the forums have said: "It's not over until it's over" lol.  Maybe this will be true in my case.  I suspect that they're still waiting to see who has accepted/denied the first round of offers.

[tiarabun]

Have you tried calling?

That's what I have to do I guess! So i can get started with selling my blood (or my egg, anything) to accept my only acceptance!

[Ariy]

I actually got a response via email before I could call.  The answer was nice, but cryptic.  He basically said that the process is on-going and that all applicants will be notified either way within the next week.  I am assuming that rejection is imminent.  Sigh.

[tiarabun]

Have you tried calling?

thanks for your advice. I tried calling again today and someone finally picked it up! Results will be sent in the next couple of days. fingers crossed!!!!