Anonymous
10/30/2025 13:14
Subject: Was your communication with AO at top school telling or no?
Wait, why would we contact the AO after the app was submitted?
I feel the appropriate time for contact is before applying or after admission. And I say this as someone who worked in grad school admissions.
I feel the appropriate time for contact is before applying or after admission. And I say this as someone who worked in grad school admissions.
Anonymous
10/30/2025 12:58
Subject: Was your communication with AO at top school telling or no?
Anonymous wrote:I think you can tell based on how they respond, what they say, how nice it is, and how fast they get back to you if at all
This. Quick responses with ! and "so excited to hear from you!"
Anonymous
10/30/2025 12:07
Subject: Was your communication with AO at top school telling or no?
Anonymous wrote:I notice they’re less friendly and responsive at the selective schools.
At schools where they need to recruit, they’re great!
Probably because they get bombarded at those top schools.
Anonymous
10/30/2025 11:10
Subject: Was your communication with AO at top school telling or no?
Anonymous wrote:If your DC had some communication pre-decision with an AO, primarily via email or virtually, was it telling? Could you read between the lines and feel like they were actually interested in your kid, or were you blindsided on decision day?
Just trying to read between the lines. I know there's no way to know, but I wonder if others could tell beforehand or no. I suppose it depends on the AO's personality, but I think in general you can often read in to response times and types.
My kids were always of the opinion to back away and let AOs do their job. Obviously swamped during application season.