Unofficial acceptance email from POI, require clarification

[rooney_rocks]

Hi Guys,

 

I have applied for Ph.D in ECE for Fall 2015. I sent an email to my POI in one of the universities, and this was his reply:

"I asked our admissions to send you an acceptance, if I am not too late. However, we should have a brief call on the funding situation."

 

I was wondering how I should respond. From what I understand, I can expect to receive an admit soon, but the funding will be decided later. Please correct me if I am wrong. I will appreciate any inputs from your side.

 

Thanks.

Edited February 2, 2015 by rooney_rocks

[.letmeinplz//]

Set up the call. Only the POI knows what they mean by 'funding situation'.

Edited February 2, 2015 by <ian>

[rooney_rocks]

@ <ian>: Thanks for your input.

 

So you mean, he is expecting me to propose a time slot for a Skype call and based on that interview, he will decide the funding, or did he imply that he will decide along with the admission committe regarding my funding chances later (no skype interview with me) ?

Edited February 2, 2015 by rooney_rocks

[Munashi]

Sounds like he wants to discuss funding possibilities with you over the phone/skype, I don't think it's an interview that will decide your award.  Who knows, though.  The only way to find out is to talk to him.

[.letmeinplz//]

@ <ian>: Thanks for your input.

 

So you mean, he is expecting me to propose a time slot for a Skype call and based on that interview, he will decide the funding, or did he imply that he will decide along with the admission committe regarding my funding chances later (no skype interview with me) ?

It sounds like he would like a short call (just propose some times you would like to discuss it, probably his office hours) to discuss it. The "however" seems to have a negative connotation in his message though, but I am not well versed in how funding is decided. It could just be that he isn't comfortable talking about it just over email, and is perhaps trying to see if you are willing to TA over RA, etc.

 

I'm sure someone else can chime in on how it is usually done.

Edited February 2, 2015 by <ian>

[rooney_rocks]

@ Munashi & <ian>: Thanks for your thoughts. I have replied to him with my contact details and proposed time slots for the call. Let's see how it works out.

[rooney_rocks]

Guys, I didn't hear back anything from either the Prof. or the Grad. Admissions, after my reply to Prof's email on Monday. Should I be worried at this point regarding my chances of getting admit from this university based on the Prof's reply ? This wait is certainly nerve-wrecking !