<p>Hey everyone,
I can't find a thread on exactly what I've experienced, so I would love some advise. I applied to several Graduate Schools, and promptly was accepted to all but my first choice. I called my first choice school, and was told that I had been rejected after about 6 weeks of not hearing back from them. This was after I called numerous times to correct my intended major (They screwed up and sent my application to the wrong program, geniuses) and I never got any confirmation that the application was successfully received. The school also did not follow up with any of the contacts on my resume that they asked for. I had a nagging feeling that my application had not been processed correctly, but because I had gotten into other schools, I moved on and got over it. Last week I finally received my dated and signed official rejection letter from this school.
But then today.
I checked my email and found several emails from the Department Head and another admissions employee. The first, from the dept. head stated that they were just now reviewing applications, and urged me to come in for an interview on Monday. Um, right, as if it's standard practice to wait almost 3 months to conduct admissions interviews. There was no mention of my rejection letter. The next email was from an admissions employee, congratulating me on my acceptance. This was followed by a reply that I should ignore that acceptance, and go on the interview instead. Confused, I responded to the dept. head with my availability, and 22 minutes later she responded congratulating me on my college graduation this week, and saying she was looking forward to meeting me. Keep in mind, this school has been very hard to get in touch with, it's a huge disorganized university, and a prompt, polite response is surprising, to say the least. Her last email stated that the interview would be half an hour long, and would be attended by several admissions and academic persons. This CANNOT be standard procedure. Again, no mention was made of my rejection, by me or them.
Would anyone care to read the tea leaves on this one? Is it a mistake? How should I proceed? Honestly, I have no idea what to think. i have not included specific details because this is still ongoing, sorry.</p>
<p>Are you interested in that program? Then go.</p>
<p>It looks like the department is interested in you. In grad school that is what matters.</p>
<p>Before you make plans to go, get written assurance that you’re still being considered. You don’t want to travel only to find out that their emails had been a mistake.</p>
<p>That said, having gone thru this process last year with our son, I can tell you that some schools (even the elite ones) do NOT have their acts together when it comes to grad school admissions. Instead of having a well-trained office staff like the undergrad office has, grad school admissions is often handled by the dept head and his/her assistant…sometimes rather sketchy. </p>
<p>Did the school offer to pay for the transportation for the interview? </p>
<p>It sounds like the grad program may have had some accepted students change their minds and now they’re looking to fill those spots. If I recall, last year, my son had to decide by April 15th. So, it’s likely the grad program is filling spots right now.</p>