I did it anyway, but was it rude?

[zerymar]

I'm taking classes as a non-degree, and I recently applied to get into the full MS program. Now I'm waiting. I was told they would take a week to make a decision (I had been turning in my requirements piece by piece).

The admissions officer knows me by name already, but since it's been nearly two weeks, I emailed her, politely, what would be the time frame as to when they reach a decision.

Now I'm all paranoid wondering if It was rude of my part???

[zapster]

Relax. No it wasn't rude. Most people expect follow ups - unless someone has very specifically requested you not to follow up, I've never seen the harm in doing so.

[queenleblanc]

^^ Agreed with above poster.  What you asked for is just like anyone would ask after a job interview, or any application process, including grad school.  Totally normal to ask for a time frame for when you might hear some news regarding your application status.  (Rude would be failing to read an email reply telling you that information and then asking for the same info after the reply had LONG been received.) 

[ak48]

Not rude at all. In fact, I think I would encourage it.

 

Like the others have said, it's like a job interview. By taking initiative, you are demonstrating to them that you are acutally interested, instead of submitting this in a pile of others.

[JenCook]

I agree with not rude. People understand that your anxious to hear some news. Even if they do get annoyed by it, they understand the reason why, and don't take it personal.

[cobran]

I'm in the same boat as you.  I recently applied to a PhD program with rolling admissions and have yet to hear back, making me anxious!  I sent an email to the program contact about a week after and they said it was still with the admissions counsel, but they were impressed and hope to have an answer very soon.  I have to keep myself in check and not take that as a sign that I am in, but I would like to hope so.  The meeting I had with the staff seemed to go extremely well and I love the program, so I guess I just need to keep checking that mailbox...  What have others' experiences been with rolling admissions, etc?  From what I have read on here, a lot of people received a decision in 2 to 2.5 weeks.

 

Keeping my fingers crossed, just a little worried this close to the semester (app in since may/ references in and package complete ~june 15).

[jeffster]

Poor email response rates from graduate departments seems to be the norm, sadly.  My own department is a place you send emails to die quietly.

 

Let that be a lesson to every one of us would-be professors!  Reply to student emails and save them some anxiety.

Edited July 27, 2013 by jeffster

[Sigaba]

Is your concern a reflection of waiting it out jitters/paranoia or is there something specific in the email that now has you worried? Also, is the admissions officer a member of the faculty (i.e. a professor) or is he/she a staff member? (I ask because having an admin/staff person pissed off at you can be even more problematic than having a professor upset with you.)

 

In either case, I think your best option is to follow up in a way that provides you peace mind in the here and now.

 

Going forward, consider the utility of asking people directly "What is the best way to get in touch with you?" Some will say "Whatever works for you." Others will give precise guidance that one should follow to the letter ("Call me on Fridays after 1:45 PM" or "I will call you.")

 

If the guidance is "Whatever works for you," keep in mind that the more in person the communication, the better chance you have of sensing the other person's mood/frame of mind and making adjustments on the fly. (That is, a face to face conversation is better than a phone call which is better than a voice mail message which is better than a written communication.)