Skip to Main Content

Graduate School Applications

Admissions Decisions

Waiting for—and receiving—an admissions decision is a critical moment in your graduate school journey, and how you respond can shape your next steps.  In this section, we'll discuss what to expect from admissions decisions and provide strategies managing uncertainty while you wait for your results.

Understanding Admissions Outcomes

After submitting your application, the waiting period begins. Admissions committees will review all applications, considering your academic qualifications, personal statement, recommendations, and other materials. The decision process may take several weeks or months.

You may receive one of the following:

  • Admission

    Congratulations! You've been accepted into the program. At this point, you may need to make a decision about whether to accept the offer.

  • Waitlist

    Some applicants may be placed on a waitlist. If spots open in the program, you may be admitted.

  • Rejection

    Unfortunately, not all applicants are accepted. If you are rejected, don't be discouraged. Take the feedback into consideration and consider reapplying in the future or exploring other options.

What to do with Multiple Acceptances

Congratulations on receiving multiple offers! Deciding between two or more acceptance letters can be challenging—watch the video below to help you weigh your options before making your final decision: