When we've got an OK from a professor

[Spectrum]

The very thought that has been banging to my head for over a month now is that whether my supporting professor's recommendation to the graduate office to admit me is going to actually win me an admission. I've got couple of very positive replies from the professor that it does and that instead of worrying I should focus on studying his research and be ready to apply for visa. But equally conclusive is the fact that I have not yet received any decision from their graduate office. I have my application status on "under review" for over a month. So, my question is what are they doing reviewing my application if it is already chosen by a professor there?Shouldn't we receive a response shortly after we get an informal acceptance from a professor? Does this mean that the professor in question has changed his mind behind my back? What else could have gone wrong with my application? Has anybody had a similar experience?

Edited February 12, 2010 by Spectrum

[graddamn]

I would say... to review the literature the prof suggests, but don't take admission as a certainty, yet. Has anyone else in your program heard anything/posted any results? If not, then try not to worry. Some schools send out all admissions packets at once. There is a lot of paperwork that goes on behind the scenes. You have my sympathies, that's gotta be nerve wracking but at least you have at least one positive bit of news.

[Spectrum]

Looking back to our correspondence via phone and email, I think I couldn't have got more of a positive response. He encouraged me to apply for the earlier term, i.e. summer entry, so that we can start the work sooner. He also told me that he is going to provide the funding himself. BUT, yes, some admissions were out on early February and for those Americans who had applied for the fall entry. I don't know whether any international applicant applying for the summer has also received any response or not. It is probable that this school would announce summer and fall admissions together and later responses for international people because the application period of both semesters is almost the same in this school !!!

What remains highly suspected is the fact that I've got less than two and a half month till the beginning of the semester and still no answer

Edited February 13, 2010 by Spectrum