Phone call & e-mail ignored by school

[kohaku]

Ok, so the website at one of the schools I applied to still says my official transcript is missing, even though I had it sent TWICE months ago and spoke to someone in the grad school who told me it was received. Using this as a sort of excuse I called the program point person directly (rather than the grad school) to politely ask about the transcript issue and any updates regarding decisions. She did not answer and I left a message.

Days later, NO RESPONSE. So I decided to send an email with the same questions, and again it's been 2 days and no response. I do not think that decisions have been made since yet, since the program is still receiving applications (deadline is March 1). I don't know, but that is my top choice school and I am beginning to panic!

The first decision I received was a rejection, so my confidence level has been VERY LOW lately, and I am almost preparing myself for all out rejection to every program I applied to.

Seriously though, does being ignored mean anything?

[johndiligent]

I don't think being ignored necessarily means anything. The only school I've heard from was my top choice BEFORE the application season started, but I was really put out by their slow and impersonal communication. I felt like they were very uninterested and I pretty much assumed that nothing would come of the app. In fact, the hour before I got my acceptance, I would have bet money on the fact that if I'd be for sure rejected anywhere, it'd be by them.

Sometimes that's just how the admissions people roll. If they don't have a helpful response, they don't answer the e-mail at all. Doesn't necessarily mean anything.

[an_internet_person]

No worries, Kohaku. I'd guess that they are probably busy with admissions crunch-time. It took me 8 days to get in touch with an admin at a school I've already been accepted to (no response via e-mail or phone call). Chin up!

[HesterPrynne]

Don't take it to heart. They are probably busy or don't know the answer to your question. This is the peak time for admissions at almost every institution in the nation. I know it's hard after you've already felt the sting of rejection but try not to over analyze every little thing.

[aditi123]

Ok, so the website at one of the schools I applied to still says my official transcript is missing, even though I had it sent TWICE months ago and spoke to someone in the grad school who told me it was received. Using this as a sort of excuse I called the program point person directly (rather than the grad school) to politely ask about the transcript issue and any updates regarding decisions. She did not answer and I left a message.

Days later, NO RESPONSE. So I decided to send an email with the same questions, and again it's been 2 days and no response. I do not think that decisions have been made since yet, since the program is still receiving applications (deadline is March 1). I don't know, but that is my top choice school and I am beginning to panic!

The first decision I received was a rejection, so my confidence level has been VERY LOW lately, and I am almost preparing myself for all out rejection to every program I applied to.

Seriously though, does being ignored mean anything?

I don't think that would necessarily mean anything negative.I had the same response.It definitely doesn't mean you have been rejected.Do not worry and you will soon hear something from them.

Good luck!

[Strong Flat White]

As a university administrator (not in Admissions, but still), I would reassure you.  Campuses are notorious this way -- I sometimes can't get my coworker in the next cubicle over to reply to me!  I've always felt this is one of the ways that campuses are truly not a part of the "real world."

[anxiousapplicant]

God forbid for a $100 app fee they could answer your phone calls and emails, right? It's disgusting.

[ReadytoStart]

God forbid for a $100 app fee they could answer your phone calls and emails, right? It's disgusting.

I agree with you completely! And what really bothers me is when an applicant in this forum shares the happy little conv they had with an adcom member that didn't bother to return my email!!!!!!!

[anxiousapplicant]

I agree with you completely! And what really bothers me is when an applicant in this forum shares the happy little conv they had with an adcom member that didn't bother to return my email!!!!!!!

It really makes you wonder what your true chances are, that even if you have great stats and writing samples and LOR's, you still may be out of the running just because you didn't have the chance to play the game and make contacts with the right people.

[Diverchica]

No worries! Don't panic yet!

I hadt he same problem with my top choice. I called 4 times, left messages, emailed, etc. before the apps were due, because they refused to update my status to complete and received. Each time, they said their 'staff' was behind on updating materials, but everything was received. Apparently the people who update the computer system aren't the same as the adcom.

Finally, after they were due and I was upset, I called and asked one more time. This time, the woman updated it for me, and said my status was 'under review'. I got an accept two days later.

I also have the same issue with another school, and my gre scores. I called, and they said they have what they need. My computer status still isn't updated. Whatever!!

The point? DO NOT ACCEPT THIS AS A REJECTION! It means nothing more than the fact that the school is busy with apps! Call and try to reach a person to talk to, then they can't ignore you

Good luck!

[waytooold]

My new theory, having had so many calls and e-mails go unanswered is that they are just getting us ready for the incivility and non professionalism of life in the academy.