Fill out this quick poll.
What’s stopping you from following up on your graduate school application status?
0%I’m afraid of getting bad news.
0%I don’t want to bother the admissions office.
0%I assume they’ll contact me when they’re ready.
0%I don’t know how to ask for an update.
You submitted your graduate school application weeks or even months ago, and now you’re stuck in a waiting game. Every day, you check your email, refreshing your inbox in hopes of seeing an admissions decision. But nothing. The silence is deafening. You tell yourself, Maybe they’re still reviewing applications. Maybe no news is good news. But deep down, you wonder: Did they forget about me? Did my application get lost? What if I didn’t get in and just don’t want to face rejection?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve been there several times. Many applicants hesitate to reach out for an update. The fear of bad news, seeming pushy, or bothering the admissions committee can hold you back. But waiting in silence can sometimes work against you.
25% of Applications Are Never Reviewed—Could Yours Be One of Them?
Many applicants don’t realize that an estimated 25% of graduate school applications are never reviewed due to common mistakes such as missing documents, incorrect email addresses, or system errors. Admissions committees receive thousands of applications; if something is wrong with yours, they may not always reach out to fix the issue. Instead, it could be quietly set aside, leaving you waiting indefinitely.
Expect More Delays in 2025 Due to Higher Education Policy Changes
In 2025, graduate school applicants may experience longer wait times due to ongoing changes within the U.S. Department of Education and shifting policies in higher education. Several factors could contribute to delays in admissions decisions:
Financial Aid & FAFSA Overhauls: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) underwent major changes in 2024, leading to processing delays and confusion. Many universities depend on FAFSA data for admissions decisions, assistantships, and scholarships, which could slow down notifications for admitted students.
Budget Cuts & Staffing Reductions: Some universities are facing budget constraints, which could lead to smaller admissions teams processing a high volume of applications.
New Enrollment Strategies: Due to declining undergraduate enrollment nationwide, some universities are adjusting their graduate program offerings and admissions processes, causing delays in decision-making.
Policy Shifts in International Student Processing: If you’re an international student, changes in visa policies or additional review steps could lead to longer processing times for graduate school decisions.
These delays mean it’s even more important for applicants to proactively check in on their status.
Don’t assume silence means rejection—your application may still be under review or held up by external factors. The answer might not be "no" but ...
The Story of Muhammad: A Costly Mistake in the Waiting Game
Muhammad was in your shoes. He applied to several graduate programs and was eager to hear back. He knew decisions were supposed to be released in mid-March, but as April approached, he still hadn’t received any updates. He didn’t want to seem impatient, so he waited. Days turned into weeks, and the anxiety grew.
Finally, a friend convinced him to reach out to the department chair. He hesitantly sent an email to the department chair, politely asking about his application status. Within hours, he received a response:
"We sent your admission and assistantship decision three weeks ago, but it looks like the email bounced back due to a typo in your email address on your application, which was different than the one on your resume."
Muhammad had been admitted but never received the notification because of a simple email issue. If he had waited longer, he might have missed important next steps, like accepting his offer or securing funding.
This story isn’t unique. Technical issues, missed emails, or clerical errors happen more often than you think. And even if the news isn’t what you hoped for, getting clarity sooner allows you to make informed decisions about your next steps.
I always tell people to use the same email on everything they submit and verify with the admissions office that they received your application materials.
Common Fears That Hold Applicants Back
Fear of Rejection – You might be afraid that asking for an update will confirm your worst fears. But not knowing can create unnecessary stress. If you weren’t admitted, you can start making alternative plans. If you were, you’d have time to prepare.
Fear of Annoying the Admissions Office – You may worry that checking in will make you look impatient or pushy. The reality? Admissions teams expect applicants to ask for updates. Your request won't hurt your chances as long as you’re polite and professional. Additionally, from the time you apply, give it at least 1-2 months after the application deadline.Â
Fear of What to Say – Some applicants feel stuck because they don’t know how to word their emails. Fortunately, a simple and respectful message is all you need.
You are a full-grown adult who needs to address your fears. In life we don't alwasy get everything we want. I todl you I got told no from a few gradaute programs, but I still kept going until I got a yes.
I know you may be afraid to ask for an answer and want someone to tell you exactly how to get an update. Don't worry.
How to Request an Update (Email Template)
If you’ve been waiting beyond the school’s expected decision timeline—or if you haven’t heard anything at all—here’s a professional email template you can use:
Subject: Inquiry About Graduate School Application Status
Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I submitted my application for [Program Name] at [University Name] for the [Semester/Year] term, and I wanted to follow up on the status of my application. I understand that decisions are typically released around this time, and I wanted to confirm whether any updates are available.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me to complete the review process. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,Â
[Your Full Name]Â
[Your Email]Â
[Your Phone Number (if applicable)]
Take Control of Your Application Journey
Graduate school admissions can be stressful, but you don’t have to be uncertain. A simple email can clarify, prevent unnecessary delays, and ensure you don’t miss an important update.
In 2025, with potential processing delays and application errors affecting many applicants, proactively checking in on your status is more important than ever. Don’t let fear keep you from getting the answers you deserve—reach out and take control of your future.
If you want more guidance on who to contact, how to negotiate your offer, and how to decide on the best program for your goals, click the button below to schedule a Graduate School Success call with me to talk more about it.