Question about hearing back from programs

[Snagret]

Hi all,

I've recently submitted my applications for Fall 2021 OB/Management PhD programs and am starting to feel a little anxious.

Can anyone tell me the soonest I could start hearing back from programs? Also, when is the latest I should expect to hear back from programs as well? I've applied to a total of 9 schools, top 10, 20 and 40ish.

Thanks!

[agilist]

Congratulations on getting the apps submitted and good luck.

In prior years, it looks like the earliest responses came in early January. I wouldn't expect to hear anything sooner than that --- definitely wouldn't expect to hear anything in advance of the program deadlines.

[BrazilianPhD]

Typically, schools start slowly in January, anything before that is extremely rare. Schools often begin with the applicants they are clearly rejecting, so not hearing from a school in the beginning can actually be a good thing.

Things speed up in February, especially the interviews. March is still ok, we can see a lot of things happening this month. After that, it's usually for those who had been waitlisted, or something like that.

Bu I don't know how much the pandemic can mess things up this year.

It's not common to see business PhD applicants with a list of less than 10 schools. I don't know why you decided to apply to only 9 schools, but I wish you luck.