Decision before all materials submitted

[nathdep]

Hello everyone!
 

I was very excited today to receive an email from the University of Iowa that I was accepted into their MA in Linguistics program. While I was overjoyed to have received it, I am a bit confused because the deadline to apply is not until February 1st which, from my understanding, admissions boards don't meet until after the deadline has passed. Not only that, but one of my professors has yet to send in her letter of recommendation. However, the other two letters of recommendation have been received.

I looked on my application status page and it still says "in progress" but considering I just got the email, I'd assume that it may not change right away. I did notice that there was an additional requirement added for me to send in an official copy of my transcript (I already sent in an unofficial copy). From what either they told me or from what other grad schools told me, they only require an official copy after being accepted.

I'm still so glad that I was accepted but the skeptical side of me is worried it might be a mistake. What do you think?

[meggied]

I'm sure that getting an email means you are officially admitted. It is a little odd that they did it before all your material was in but you must have just been that strong of a candidate. Some schools begin looking at applications as soon as they start receiving them. I can think of four schools off the top of my head that began accepting people before their application deadline passed. 

I would wait a few days for the website to change and if it doesn't contact their graduate advisor. However, if you really are that worried email them now. Couldn't hurt!

Congrats by the way! Getting accepted takes a huge weight of your shoulders, enjoy it!

[DBear]

I received an admissions email on the 25th, and a professor emailed me to welcome/congratulate me the following day. My online application still says "under review", so yeah, I'd go with the email. If they still need the lor later for administrative purposes, they'll let you know.