What should I do? any advice?

[zecruzti]

I have applied to the marine biology Ph.D. program at UNC Chapel Hill and haven't heard anything back yet. The status on the website is "submitted". I guess at this point I should take it as a rejection. However, no one has posted anything related to admissions to this program in the 'result search'. Should I contact the program and ask them for an update? 

[Fizzysodabomb]

Dinny makes a good point. If you do call them only do it once. I just think you shouldn't automatically think of their silence as instant rejection. The 15th is only eight days away anyhow. 

[Fizzysodabomb]

When did you apply? I'm kind of in the same boat on a few of my masters applications. Some schools just take longer than others to review applications though. It would probably be a good idea to wait a few more weeks if your application deadline was around December/January. I've heard some horror stories in the past about botching the process when calling because some admissions committees think you're either trying to sway a decision, don't handle pressure well, or you're impatient. None of those are a good way for schools to perceive you during the review process.
I know that waiting is difficult, but it is sometimes best just to wait it out. Were you able to confirm in an online portal that they received all of your materials?

[dinny]

I don't think emailing once is a kiss of death or even bad. I think you're asking for trouble if you contact them more than once, especially if you don't wait until after they tell you to expect an answer.

[zecruzti]

5 hours ago, Fizzysodabomb said:

When did you apply? I'm kind of in the same boat on a few of my masters applications. Some schools just take longer than others to review applications though. It would probably be a good idea to wait a few more weeks if your application deadline was around December/January. I've heard some horror stories in the past about botching the process when calling because some admissions committees think you're either trying to sway a decision, don't handle pressure well, or you're impatient. None of those are a good way for schools to perceive you during the review process.
I know that waiting is difficult, but it is sometimes best just to wait it out. Were you able to confirm in an online portal that they received all of your materials?

I applied in December, but the deadline was January 1st. Yes, in the website it says all my materials have been received and my application is complete. I have heard that is a good rule of thumb to wait at least until March 15th (exactly a month before the deadline to make a final decision)... I guess I will wait a little bit longer 

[vini@nodnat.com]

Hi, normally PhD applications take longer to be reviewed by the concerned department & supervisor. Sometimes it is circulated among prospective supervisors to find out the best match & also who is willing to take you on. This takes time, so be patient & hope you will be rewarded.

[zecruzti]

On 8/3/2016 at 11:38 PM, vini@nodnat.com said:

 

Hi, normally PhD applications take longer to be reviewed by the concerned department & supervisor. Sometimes it is circulated among prospective supervisors to find out the best match & also who is willing to take you on. This takes time, so be patient & hope you will be rewarded.

1

Thank you so much! It gives me peace of mind