I applied to 4 REUs, and I’ve heard back from 3 of them (all rejections, but those were expected). The last one is at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. They said they would send out replies in mid-April, but it’s getting into late April now. Is it possible that I was rejected but they just didn’t tell me? Should I email them asking about my application status? If so what should I say? If I haven’t been rejected yet then I don’t want to ruin my chances by asking, but I’m trying to plan out my summer and I need to know soon.
Take a deep breath. Try to relax. It’s still mid-April, and sometimes these decisions can take longer than (they) expected. Wait a few more days, at least, or a week.
You’re not going to ruin your chances by asking. That would be absurd. Do you really think they would reject somebody just for sending an email, or that simply asking a question would in any way affect a decision process based on the academic credentials and qualifications of an individual?
Don’t overthink it. And if you do end up emailing them, keep it short, polite, and simple–say exactly what you said here: it’s late April and you were wondering if a decision had been made with regard to the REU position.
alright, thanks for the advice! I guess I’m just worried about seeming too pushy.
My kid just got an REU acceptance in Friday (from a different school). And you might be in line behind others – but if the others turn down the offer (like my kid did because she accepted another research position already), they might go on to you. Hang in there, but also be thinking about alternate plans. But I agree that a polite question won’t tip you into the rejection pile. 