I interviewed for my #1 choice PhD program about 3.5 weeks ago. I haven't heard anything about an admissions decision yet, but my PI responded to my thank you email today with some positive comments and asking if I had any other questions. Is it appropriate to ask if I'm still being considered for admission?
Etiquette on following up about admissions decision post-interview?
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Yes, I think so. I unfortunately discovered bad news by inquiring with programs, but it equipped me with the knowledge to make follow-on decisions.
Hope you have luck, my friend.
Hope you have luck, my friend.
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Do you have an offer from another institution that has an expiration date? If so, then you should absolutely share with this PI that they are your #1 choice, and that you have another offer which you have to respond to. Worst case scenario is they tell you they can't decide yet, and you will be forced to make a decision about the bird in hand.
However, if you're just curious, then sit tight and wait. There is a process they are following, and rushing them without a solid reason will not help your case.
I have another offer, but I have until April 15th to give them a decision. I saw one person got an offer from the school a couple days ago on the GradCafe results page, so I guess i'm just getting a little anxious. Thanks for the reply though.
Remember that many schools make decisions by lab and not as a whole.
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Tell him/her, "I don't but my friend Mr. Franklin does. Can I send him to you?".
(This is bad advice, do not do this)
(This is bad advice, do not do this)
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In your position I would find a couple of (good) follow up questions to ask if you are going to respond. Either way, I'd respond so it doesn't look like you are ignoring them. But you don't want to reply by only asking if you're still in the running/when you might be notified because that seems rude- like that's all you care about, and not fit with the program. Find a way to make it sound like you have still been mulling it over and are still super interested. It may be that they're deciding who to invite between two wait-listed ppl now and you're one of them so do something to convey interest and excitement about the program when you respond- assuming you actually like this program more than the other you received an offer to. Also if you do end up getting and offer and taking it, definitely inform all the other places you've rec'd an offer that you're declining their offer so they can start moving down their wait list as well.
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I wouldn't email the program unless you have another offer. I also wouldn't email them with questions just to ask questions, but really just be wondering about your status. I get that people want to know where things stand, but applicants have until April 15 to make decisions and we can't ask them to hurry it up. We'd like applicants to make decisions fast so we can build incoming classes, too. I don't see any way that asking about your status could possibly help your chances of getting into the program. It's a bit different if you have another offer, because you can say you don't want to clog up the system holding that offer while you wait on your top choice.
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I think what MC said above is wise. IIRC correctly, I didnt hear until mid morning of April 15th that I had an offer from the school I ended up attending. I was waitlist candidate #1 or 2 iirc.
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