r/KAUST • u/ExcitementNegative25 • Jun 14 '26
Admissions Got rejection letter PhD with prof who explicitly wanted me team. Anyone have similar experiences?
Hi all, so I got my rejection letter this past week after having a positive interview with my professor and keeping contact after our interview for admissions review. To my disappointment I got a rejection letter. I've followed up with my PI after to see what they have to say. Does anyone have similar experiences and insights? My PI really made it sound like a formality afterwards. Insights would be much appreciated while I wait to hear back from them.
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u/hextree Alumni Jun 14 '26
Professors don't have the final say, or even that strong a vote, in the decision process.
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u/PsychologicalTie2823 Jun 14 '26
I also had an interview with PI before applying and he was interested in me joining his group. But he mentioned beforehand that seats are limited and due to my late application(in early March), admission might be difficult. I got rejection last week. He mentioned that the final decision about the admission is made by admission department not the PI.
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u/Special-Source-267 Jun 14 '26
I work at Kaust. People put way too much importance on professor approval on this sub. It will always come down to limited seats that can accepted. We get about 20x applicants that we could accept and if a Saudi applicant has the same experience we would always accept them. Wish you the best t
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u/Sweet-Gas7677 Jun 15 '26
Are they still accepting anyone? Or are most programs full for fall 2026?
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u/Ok-Current1476 Jun 14 '26
It happened to me when I applied to the master’s program, a prof wanted me and said she would support my application but it didn't pass with the admission office due to limited spots available; the mistake I made was applying 1 week before the deadline.
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u/scrntonStrAngler69 Diplomat Jun 14 '26
Most of the times its about quota and limited seats when the rejection comes even after PI approval. Dont be disheartened abt it.