HELP,Please What does this Email mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of an email received by a participant regarding their application status for a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in theoretical astrophysics and general relativity. Participants explore the implications of being on a "short list" of candidates and discuss potential next steps.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the email indicates being on a waiting list, implying that some candidates have been offered positions but have not yet responded.
  • Another participant believes it is acceptable to contact a professor for clarification regarding the email.
  • A different viewpoint advises continuing to apply for other programs and only reaching out to professors if another offer with a time constraint is received.
  • One participant shares a similar experience, interpreting the email as a positive sign but indicating that the applicant is not yet accepted.
  • Another participant provides an explanation of what a "short list" means, emphasizing that it indicates the applicant is still being considered without requiring immediate action.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the email's implications, with some viewing it as a waiting list status while others clarify that it indicates ongoing consideration. No consensus is reached on the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the ambiguity in the email's language and the varying interpretations of being on a "short list." There is no agreement on whether immediate action is necessary.

jin8
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I applied for a REU program in our department one week ago, and I just received an email today. I think I was in when I read the first sentence, but as it turns out it is not.

Dear XXX,

We are very impressed with your application to join our REU team in
theoretical astrophysics and general relativity, beginning this
summer. Although we are still reviewing applications, we want you to
know that you are on our short list of top candidates whom we are
considering very seriously for a position.

We plan to contact you soon after the Spring break, at which time we
will be making final selections. In the meantime we wanted you to know
that we think you have a very strong application. We look forward to
getting back in touch with you after the break.

All the best,

So what should I do next? find the professors and talk to them?
 
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Through all those euphimisms one thing we might guess, which is quite common, is that you are on a waiting list. This means that some people have been offered a position but have not responded, and if enough of them do not accept their offer then you will be offered a position.
 
I think it's permissible to contact a professor and ask for clarification.
 
jin8 said:
So what should I do next? find the professors and talk to them?

Hi jin8! :smile:

Keep applying for other programs, and if you get an acceptance that requires you to reply before the end of spring break, then talk to your professors.
 
I got an email that said essentially the same thing. It said that I was one of a very few candidates selected by a particular REU mentor. I suggest you simply wait, unless you get an offer which has a time limit. What happened in my situation is the mentor ended up conducting phone interviews. That email says you are on a waiting list: you are not exactly accepted, but you aren't outright rejected either. It is a good sign, and you have a decent shot at getting the position.

And you applied one week ago? That is a fairly late deadline.
 
I don't understand how that letter is confusing. Do you not know what a short list is?

Essentially when you have a large pool of applicants, you narrow down your choice by a set of criteria - for example a GPA over a certain cutoff value, experience with a certain program, etc. Those who meet these criteria are on the "short list." The applications of those on the list are then assessed in more detail - for example, by interview.

The letter doesn't require you to do anything. They just wanted to let you know that you're still in the running.
 

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