When is it safe to assume...

[mckparis]

When is it safe to start assuming you've been rejected?

[Vene]

When you get a rejection letter.

 

It's likely that if it gets to April and you've heard nothing you'll be rejected. But, some programs will send out last minute acceptances based on how many people accepted their offer. As a lot of people will take until late-March to April to decide where to go, that means the graduate program won't know either.

 

You could call to inquire about your application's status. Some will tell you there that you have no realistic chance or if you're still a possibility. You don't really have much to lose at this point by asking.

 

If you haven't gotten an acceptance yet, you should be making some plans for what to do instead. Instead may well include looking for ways to draft a stronger application for next season or to reevaluate your selection of programs.

[mckparis]

When you get a rejection letter.

 

It's likely that if it gets to April and you've heard nothing you'll be rejected. But, some programs will send out last minute acceptances based on how many people accepted their offer. As a lot of people will take until late-March to April to decide where to go, that means the graduate program won't know either.

 

You could call to inquire about your application's status. Some will tell you there that you have no realistic chance or if you're still a possibility. You don't really have much to lose at this point by asking.

 

If you haven't gotten an acceptance yet, you should be making some plans for what to do instead. Instead may well include looking for ways to draft a stronger application for next season or to reevaluate your selection of programs.

Great advice!