Applied on 12/9/2015 to PhD program, it's 5/5 and still "No Decision"

[masamune_seraph]

I applied to the Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience PhD at Rutgers - New Brunswick on 12/9 and was contacted by a PI over the phone was was interested in recruiting me into his lab. I came to an on-site interview with 10 other candidates, all who were applying to different labs other than the lab I would be joining. The interview went very well in my opinion, I asked specific and insightful questions and I believe I demonstrated my research experience and prowess adequately. At the end of the day, the PI told me this was the only round of interviews and that I was not competing with any other candidate for a slot in his lab, he said we would be in contact in 2 weeks time to discuss moving forward. Fast forward 1 month to March. I hadn't heard anything from him but shot him a polite email saying I haven't heard anything, but that I was wondering when I might hear a decision (I had already heard back from some other programs). No acknowledgment or response to the email. Since there are no rotations and the PIs themselves reach out to candidates, there is no 'middle-man' or 'point of contact', so it did not seem unprofessional or impolite to reach out to him after 4 weeks of no contact. Then I waited another 4 weeks and emailed the Department Chair, whom I met at the interview day and asked when I might expect to hear back. My primary concern was that I needed to know if I should renew my lease with my landlord or not since I would need to move to attend the program. It's now May 5th, my interview was 3 months ago and I haven't heard anything from anyone. My status on the website still says "No Decision" and I can't get a word from anyone in the program. Classes begin in August and I would need to move in July, which gives me less than 2 months to drastically change my life, look for apartments, quit my job, etc. I'm wondering how long I should have to wait to hear a decision about my acceptance or rejection. Not hearing anything in 3 months from the day of the interview, after it went well and was told I would hear from someone in 2 weeks, seems unusual, especially considering how most of my friends and colleagues have heard back within 3-4 weeks if they were accepted or rejected. Any thoughts or advice?

[Chai_latte]

Given this late date, I'd assume a rejection.  All kinds of things can happen--maybe a project didn't get funded, or something.

Anyway, during my first grad application process, I applied to a school that suddenly "went cold" on me (even after two, follow-up emails).  The school had been one of my top choices and, like you, I needed to get my housing in order etc.  I wound up contacting the head of graduate admissions.  I'm pretty sure she spoke with them b/c the faculty member I had written returned the email that day with a decision and an explanation for the delay.

Soon afterwards, I found out (on this forum) that radio silence from a grad school is not uncommon. 

[johnnycomelately]

While you may be looking at a rejection, I feel you are entitled to a response either way. I would call the grad program director/administrator, explain the situation and ask *politely* when you should expect a formal notice of the depts decision. If they are unable to provide an answer, I would then contact the POI, again, by phone. 

Things, especially emails, sometimes slip through the cracks, and your POI may be operating under the assumption that you are already aware of the decision, which is why I suggest approaching the situation in a polite and professional manner. 

Good luck!

[XYZ1234]

I know people are incredibly busy, but I really don't get why it takes so long to send in these canned rejection letters especially since we pay an application fee!

[masamune_seraph]

Well I applied to two programs at Rutgers, one I was rejected from within 6 weeks of applying. The second one which I interviewed for on Feb27th is the one that still says 'No Decision'. When I look at their site, it says:

• The Admissions Committee has not yet reached a decision about your application. Though six or more weeks may have passed since you submitted your application, the process often takes longer for a careful decision to be rendered. If you know your application is complete, then please be patient while the Committee makes its decisions.

So maybe I still have a shot. The first day of class isn't until Sept1, so maybe all hope isn't lost yet =/

Edited May 10, 2016 by masamune_seraph