Not sure what to do. I submitted an application for a Doctorate program about 2 months ago. I called for a status about a month ago, and was told it was approved, and now being reviewed by the faculty panel, with a status to follow. I tried this month to get a status, but have not been successful. I don't want to bother the application process, but have two other Doctorate programs that I want to apply to, and the deadlines are approaching. It is a great deal of work to get the applications together, and I wouldn't if I knew if I was accepted. (This school is my first choice.) A couple of questions: 1. What is the usual length of time for a response? 2. Is it appropriate to ask about a status on the application? 3. What would you do - I have already sent an e-mail asking for status, with no reponse. Would you call, sit tight (and go through the additional work of the other applications), maybe for nothing? Help!
This time-line sounds familiar. I experienced a similar waiting period in my own application process. My advice is simple: 1) remind yourself that it's mid-Summer and people all over the US are on vacation (even university administrators/professors). 2) call them back and say that you hope you're not being a nuisance but . . . big step in life . . . anxiety . . . ?multiple applications . . .what IS a reasonable time-frame for the decision? . . . etc. As long as you're polite I think it's OK to bug them a bit. They've got to be accustomed to this. Good luck. Tell us how it works out. Jack
It took 4 months before I received word from UNISA that I was accepted into the Dlitt et Phil program (Sociology). Now mind you, the length of the admission process varies from university to university. If you haven't heard anything by the end of the 3rd month, you may want to consider applying elsewhere. Note: It depends on your level of patience. If you're in no hurry to start your doctoral program then stick with your favorite school. You're about to invest 3 - 5 years doing coursework and research so what's another couple of months?
I guess I should mention that the program starts in September, and the final canidates require an interview (where i need to travel from the US to Europe). I am just worried about logistics at this point. I will wait a few more weeks, and see what happens, but I am worried about getting flights, etc. Thanks!
Back in 1996-1997, it took five months for the University of South Africa to reject my application for their DLitt et Phil (Philosophy). Cheers,
At this point it wouldn't hurt to give them a call to see if your application has been approved. Some schools are like that....they wait until the last minute before offering you candidacy. Best of luck....I hope you get in!
Tom, I also applied to the University of Leicester and the University of Dundee but UNISA responded first. I have had no second thoughts about UNISA. It's a fine institution and it's globally recognized. regards,
