next »

[renee]

I'm working on my grad school applications and I've been uploading all the necessary documents onto the online applications for grad programs. This process has, in general, been smooth. However, there is one application that has me in a bind.

The department and university application instructions very clearly state to upload all documents (SOP, resume, writing sample, etc) to the online application. They don't want anything except for transcripts in the mail.

There is, however, no place to upload the writing sample. The other online application system I've encountered usually has an "additional information" section where one could presumably upload it. This application system has no such option. I contacted the department (by email and phone) on Monday, but I have yet to hear from them. I can't imagine I'm the only person facing this issue, and they could be working on a technical solution, but the deadline is fast approaching.

Do I contact them again (at the risk of being the pestering applicant)? Send the writing sample by overnight mail? Add it to the file with my statement of purpose (I assume they print these things out for people to read)?

As an aside, I am concerned about using the mail system since several of the application packets I sent a week ago Monday have yet to arrive according to their tracking numbers. I know it's the holiday season and all, but it's been 10 days (and several of the programs are in neighboring states). I can only hope that, given the cost of overnight mail, USPS actually does what they promise.

Thanks.

[scheherazade]

Online application stuff is handled by the Graduate School, not the department.  Call them - repeatedly, if necessary.  If you can't get an answer quickly, mail the sample with an explanatory note.

[renee]

Thank you. I'll contact the Graduate School and hope I can sort it out soon.

[scheherazade]

No problem - good luck with your applications!

[hairylarry]

Renee, I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I have a very similar question. I'm applying to a school whose application allows the applicant to upload a personal statement, but there is an additional downloadable form for the personal statement that requests that the applicant write hu's personal statement in the space provided (handwritten, it appears). Has anyone else seen this nonsense?

[scheherazade]

I have.  I just did the upload and ignored the downloadable form.  If you look at the form, it usually just has spots for identifying info, which the online system puts on the uploaded form anyway.

[renee]

No problem - good luck with your applications!

Thanks. It seems that there was a glitch with the applications that were started on a certain day within a certain timeframe -- lucky me. They are being helpful about creating a new application, so it should be fine in the end, though it'll cost a few hours of time. Ahhh, technology...

[renee]

To hijack my own thread, I would also like to give a major (anonymous) shout-out to a couple of fantastic department administrators/graduate program assistants. While there are plenty who do their jobs competently, I have encountered a couple of people who have been spectacular. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. They have maintained a great sense of humor throughout the process.

I can only imagine how annoying it is to answer the same questions constantly for lots of applicants year after year, and these particular people have been just lovely. I wish there were a way to appropriately thank them for making this time less stressful. Would a handwritten thank you note seem like a**-kissing? I genuinely mean it, but don't want to appear otherwise.

[scheherazade]

Write thank-you notes, but wait until admissions decisions have come out.

[captain_obvious]

Hi Renee,

I'm sorry you're having technical difficulties; it's a total drag.  Good that the grad school can fix it easily, though.

As for thanking great admin people, they'll definitely appreciate it, but take Scheherezade's advice and wait until after you've received your admissions decisions from these schools before you send any notes or anything.

Good luck with the final details!  Applications are stressful, and in some ways, despite the convenience, I think online aps can make the whole process that much more agonizing.


Only a couple more weeks!


C.O.

[renee]

Thanks! I've submitted everything, which feels like an accomplishment unto itself.

Technology is a lovely, lovely thing, but when it breaks down and causes problems...Ditto for the US Postal Service. I get that it's the holiday season and all, but when I send things by Priority Mail, they should arrive in fewer than 10 days (and I purposefully sent everything at least 2 weeks in advance for fear of such snafus). Now I'll just get to wait and try to stay sane about it all.

And I will wait to send thank you notes as per the advice of Scheherzade and C_O.

Thanks to everyone who provided helpful information and support along the way.

[captain_obvious]

I don't know whether I told you my application technology horror story when we were PMing earlier, Renee.  All I can say is you're in very good company, and I'm glad it was so simple to resolve.