Emailing department for app status?

[ritapita]

I have a strongly implied acceptance to one of my top choices.  The app was due Dec 1 for internal funding sources, and funding must be secured...there are no TAships, as it is strictly research.  Had my app in on time, and have been communicating with my POI almost weekly about research, but who is clearly following protocol about not releasing details of admission, but has written proposals for fellowships, etc for me...full hardcore support.  I need to ensure I have time to travel to the school to network for funding and am starting to stress about this. I have received other acceptances, so if this program is off the table, I feel I need to know this as soon as possible so I can coordinate travel to the other schools and figure out where I am going. This particular program does not have an online app system that I can check status.  At this point, do you think it is out of line to email the grad coordinator to get a better sense of my application status...again, it was due Dec 1. Also, if I do so, any insight on how to approach such an email would be wonderful.

[iphi]

I think it is too early to ask. It's only the middle of February. Does this program do interviews?

[ritapita]

Thanks iphi.  I have been going back and forth with early/late thoughts.  I wouldn't even consider contacting them if they had a January deadline, but because it was a Dec1 I feel a little better about pondering reaching out. It is also much of a self-select type of program, meaning that applicants need to really fit the super specialized nature of the program, and need to have a designated POI applying for grants, etc on the applicants behalf. They don't do interviews, and my POI has been pushing me to do a visit for quite some time.  I have been putting it off since I don't want to go out of pocket for a visit to a department that I am not 100% sure I have been accepted to.

[MathCat]

I don't think it would ruffle any feathers to ask if there is anything they can tell you. They might not have anything to say. Just keep the e-mail brief and polite.

 

I sent early inquiry emails (had an early Canadian deadline) and all the responses were fine. Two said there was nothing to tell me, one told me I was accepted, and the other gave me a precise timeline of when I would hear from them. I don't think they thought anything of the request.

[iphi]

Thanks iphi.  I have been going back and forth with early/late thoughts.  I wouldn't even consider contacting them if they had a January deadline, but because it was a Dec1 I feel a little better about pondering reaching out. It is also much of a self-select type of program, meaning that applicants need to really fit the super specialized nature of the program, and need to have a designated POI applying for grants, etc on the applicants behalf. They don't do interviews, and my POI has been pushing me to do a visit for quite some time.  I have been putting it off since I don't want to go out of pocket for a visit to a department that I am not 100% sure I have been accepted to.

 

I think you need to tell them that! If they are pushing you to visit just say that you are very interested, but unfortunately you don't have the resources to visit anywhere before you get a firm acceptance.