Calling Schools...?!

[ivo0006]

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Everyone is given advice to call the schools to check up on your status, but what is one to ask besides if their application is complete and if they are still giving out interviews? What is a good way to show them that you really want to go to that school? I apologize in advance if the answer I'm looking for is common sense. Any advice from those of you have got something out of calling. I usually get off the phone with just knowing that I'm under review lol.

 

[Regmata]

I believe that schools find it annoying when you call. The application numbers last year were at an all time high (at my school anyways) and the applications this year have already surpassed the number of applications last year. So, admissions offices are quite busy...typically, if something is missing, they will inform you. Otherwise, I would assume everything is ok and not bother them, unless you have a pressing issue. Email may also be a better mode of contact as it gives them a chance to address your question when it is convenient for them.

 

[jackbauer!]

it's way too early to call. just wait it out..

even if you were to call, you will talk to a secretary... not the dean of admissions.

jb!🙂

 

[NewMexDent]

it's way too early to call. just wait it out..


jb!🙂

I had a friend who was asked in his interivew "Why havn't you called more to check on your application" - which, if I understand it, is a way to test an applicants desire and interest in attending that specific school. If you want to go to a certain school then you will be actively interested in your application status. I don't think that means you need to call everyday, but a phone call or two won't hurt and, really, it could only help.

 

[Regmata]

Lol...call the schools then...call them once a week, you are right, everyday is a little obnoxious. How would they know that you want to go there unless you call them to tell them, I mean, the application and the fee is no indication of your interest to attend a particular school...

 

[dackmonkey]

I had a friend who was asked in his interivew "Why havn't you called more to check on your application" - which, if I understand it, is a way to test an applicants desire and interest in attending that specific school. If you want to go to a certain school then you will be actively interested in your application status. I don't think that means you need to call everyday, but a phone call or two won't hurt and, really, it could only help.

in response to this interview question, i'm sure you could just tell the interviewer that you understand that they receive many applications and that they would ultimately get to all of them in a timely fashion. patience is a virtue, especially in a situation where adcoms will eventually get to your application since we are all in the same boat. having something missing from your application (e.g. application fee lost in the mail, this actually happened to me with NYU) is an exception, and in this case i'm sure they don't mind you following up unless you've been pestering them incessantly.

 

[NewMexDent]

Lol...call the schools then...call them once a week, you are right, everyday is a little obnoxious. How would they know that you want to go there unless you call them to tell them, I mean, the application and the fee is no indication of your interest to attend a particular school...

Hmm....do I sense a bit of sarcasm? Maybe.

Look, there have been numerous applicants who sit back and hope that everything is "ok" at the schools they apply to, but we all know how unreliable aadsas and the admissions process can be, right? So, the only way to find out if everything is "ok" is to call your schools. Seriously, what are they going to do if you call? But you on some sort of black-list for applicants too interested in their own future?

 

[Regmata]

You have a point. The schools should be updating AADSAS and in those updates it should tell you that your application has been received and the status of it should be there. Now, we all know that doesn't always happen according to plan. In that case, I would shoot an email to the admissions contact. I would do so because it is often difficult to get through to them and on the chance that you do, it is likely not the most convenient time for him or her to fish through several thousand applications looking for your file. If you were to call, I think it best that you say or ask something of substance in addition to asking your application status.


You are right, you won't be blacklisted...Although, there is a chance that you really do annoy the secretary responsible for the filing and viewing of the applications and take my word for it, that is not a good thing. Just because that person doesn't have a title followed by Director of Admissions does not mean he or she cannot make or break you when it comes to getting into said school.

My opinion comes from speaking to people in the admissions office and a little common sense. It is by no means absolute and certainly doesn't apply to all of the schools. I would advise in exercising caution when contacting schools. Both in the manner that you do so and the frequency that you do so. Remember, there are thousands upon thousands of applicants, each of whom is a potential phone call.

 

[JamieMac]

Although, there is a chance that you really do annoy the secretary responsible for the filing and viewing of the applications and take my word for it, that is not a good thing.

I agree with NewMex for the most part. Personally, I have called my #1 school 2 times over the last month. Once to find out how to deal with a LOR that I was having submitted directly to them, and the other time to verify that my fee was received. Both times the person I spoke with was extremely nice and helpful. I am sure that this varies from school to school. If I'm truly concerned about something, I call. That being said, you will not find me calling on a weekly basis to determine if my application has been received.

 

[litldime]

I think it should just be done in good taste...only when necessary...i normally email, if anything, b.c. its not a pressing issue since my app. is complete
-ld

 

[Fonz]

Lol...call the schools then...call them once a week, you are right, everyday is a little obnoxious. How would they know that you want to go there unless you call them to tell them, I mean, the application and the fee is no indication of your interest to attend a particular school...

A GPR was advising me before to go visit the school I was interested in and poke my head around the admissions office if possible to show interest and visit the school. He told me a story about how his friend didn't receive an interview at UCSF until he actually called and asked about his application.

 

[Regmata]

I suppose that the way I have worded my statements regarding this issue is misleading. For my number one choice, the year before I applied, I called and spoke to the admissions director to request an opportunity to tour the school and ask questions. I "poked" my head around the office a bit and spoke with faculty. However, during the application cycle, I did not call to check up on the status of my app. Fortunately for me, there was a mix up with my application that offered me a chance to shoot an email their way to clear it up and to express my interest.


I guess my point is that you should not call incessantly for stupid reasons. Do not become known as a pain in the ass to the staff at the school. Be careful how you contact the admissions committee. Each contact that you have with the school before acceptance is an indication of future interactions they will have with you in the future and you do not want them to view you as a nuisance.

 

[Dentalicous1234]

So when is it appropriate? Some of my schools have received my DAT scores and checks a month ago and some still claim they dont' have it. How long should you wait before getting nervous and emailing them (which is better than calling from what I've gathered on this thread) because you suspect something went wrong?

I know there's a fine line b/t something going wrong and them just starting later and not getting to it yet but it's october now so it's easier to get more worried now than to sit back and have more pre-dec 1 interviews get assigned.

 

[wizziefiend]

So when is it appropriate? Some of my schools have received my DAT scores and checks a month ago and some still claim they dont' have it. How long should you wait before getting nervous and emailing them (which is better than calling from what I've gathered on this thread) because you suspect something went wrong?

I know there's a fine line b/t something going wrong and them just starting later and not getting to it yet but it's october now so it's easier to get more worried now than to sit back and have more pre-dec 1 interviews get assigned.

I called the moment I thought my application should be complete for the sole purpose of checking for completeness. I would then call about 3 weeks later enquiring about status or checking for completeness if needed.

Then that was it! I got interviews very shortly after that "update" call.

No nagging, no lengthy questioning, no annoying "what do you think"....BUT they do write a small note for every phone call. Even if it's just check for completeness.

And, who cares if you annoy the secretary for those brief moments. This is your own future, so better take care of it. Be nice to him/her and you won't bother them, they'll feel like they're helping you and who doesn't like helping?!?!

So to answer WHEN? Wait long enough where you don't look like an idiot for not understanding the AADSAS time line, snail mail of the applications, and time to review. Use your judgement.