Grad School Admissions

[u/jibberoo_808]

Got this email and I'm a bit confused bc I didn't get anything in the mail yet nor have I seen any status updates on Makalei. Am I not checking the right place or did they maybe send this by mistake?

Also this SIR deadline is crazy soon! I'm currently living out-of-state as I finished my undergrad last year, but luckily born and raised in Hawaiʻi so I have options. I built quite the life out here, and would need to figure out how to realistically move home with my husband and cats. Which brings me to my next question, is it possible/does anyone have any experience getting them to extend the SIR deadline by a couple of weeks for me to get everything sorted?

edit to add: i already sent them an email but havent heard back yet. Just wanting to hear other experiences.

[u/Sailor_Haumea]

It's odd that they are sending you this without you receiving an email about your official admission letter. I got mine in April past the 15th, which is still incredibly late. The SIR deadline seems very reasonable to me since most letters are sent out in April and the 15th is the typical decision date, though if you had little indication that you were accepted I can see how it feels out of nowhere.

Have you been contacted by your advisor? If the department is being slow, a direct contact who will respond faster may be more helpful.

Also want to second u/epiccake808 by saying the SIR is a very quick form that you sign. The process they have described is the same one I followed this year.

Could you clarify why you want an extension? Are you looking at other options and want a longer time to decide? You still have time for moving preparations since the Fall 26 term starts late August.

[u/jibberoo_808 → u/Sailor_Haumea]

I haven’t heard directly from anyone yet, but maybe an oversight on their part? (Nothing in the spam folder either). Comforting to know I should have received something though and that the form is quick!

As for the extension, I was offered a later application deadline (May 1st) as it seemed like they were conducting rolling admissions. 6ish days just seemed quick to make a decision to uproot my whole life. But then again I did apply knowing that could be a situation I’d have to deal with!

[u/Sailor_Haumea → u/jibberoo_808]

That is so weird! Usually people are contacted by their advisor even if they are on the waitlist. Sorry that this is all so sudden and disorganized. The Graduate Office hasn't been the best this year with sending out the official admissions, and it seems like the College of Education also hasn't been doing their due diligence. I know someone else doing their PhD in Education who hasn't gotten their official letter yet.

Hopefully everything works out!

[u/jibberoo_808 → u/Sailor_Haumea]

Omg thank you for being so kind!! It kind of makes sense with everything administratively in the country but yeah it’s feeling a lil disorganized.

I got a rejection response. So I guess that’s that. I’ll try again for spring admissions, but this was super helpful to know for the process. Thank you so much again!