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[notranslation]

I had an interview with a large R1 at the MLA with good signals throughout and after the interview. The department is conducting multiple searches. Do multiple searches within the same department affect how quickly the SC will get back to you? I know there is a separate SC for each search, but I'm reaching here and growing more frazzled by the day -- no news on the Wiki, or elsewhere, and I am wondering if my chances for getting a call are growing slimmer as the time frame the SC gave me slowly vanishes.

My other point is this: are there some schools who, even after MLA interviews, don't bother to send a rejection letter or give a rejection phone call? When, if ever, is it okay to contact the dept. or SC about the status of one's application?

[smurlein]

My other point is this: are there some schools who, even after MLA interviews, don't bother to send a rejection letter or give a rejection phone call? When, if ever, is it okay to contact the dept. or SC about the status of one's application?

Oh yeah, there are plenty of schools that youmay never here from again...even after a CAMPUS visit! In my view, it is fair to contact the SC by early Feb. By then, they should certainly know what is going on. However, it could be that if they haven't called you by then that you could be in the second string of potential campus invites.

[eugenides]

you could be in the second string of potential campus invites.

Mm, this possiblity is sweet.

[scratch32]

To your first question: yes, plenty of schools, perhaps most, do not contact you with rejections after MLA interviews.  They want to keep your application open in case their first option(s) fall through.

To your second question: in my opinion, it is only worthwhile to contact the SC once you have an offer (any type of offer, VAPs, postdocs included) from somewhere else.  You have to make a decision and would like to know where you stand with your preferred school before you make that decision.

Contacting the SC just to find out the status of your application doesn't really get you anywhere.  If you haven't heard by the end of the month I would assume you are not in the top 1-3.  Any call after that would be a nice surprise.