so upset. had interview in person. rejected today via email.

Mates, please DO NOT freak out about the GAO stage! It may not be a 100% sure thing to get through, but that's simply because some people forge their documents (dubious references or fake transcripts; transcripts can be unofficial, it's not required to submit an official transcript), plagiarize in their proposals, or do not meet the minimum GPA requirement (though the degree committee would already reject those cases if that was a problem). If you're not guilty of these, there's no reason for GAO to not offer you admission (I am not sure what to think about the post below regarding the mysterious withdrawal; I've never heard that either). That said, please give them 1-3 weeks to release your offer to the world, especially given the technical difficulties they are experiencing at the moment. I agree with the poster below: they won't be able to do anything until Feb 20th because they also cannot access the system, so that's the earliest that're gonna start sending out offers (they told me so in an email). Netflix and chill till then!:)

Awaiting approval by GAO.

For the poster below: You better check the admission website. It says that "GAO has power to question and decline a degree committee's recommendation to make an offer to any candidate who does not meet these criteria." It means that either application "unsuccessful" or "withdrawn" is the same. No one is stupid enough to click that scary little button which requires you to double check. GAO stage is NEVER a sure thing. My case is the proof.

I called the admission office to ask for an update on my application status, but they said that they do not have an access to the system due to the maintenance works and that my status will be updated on Tuesday next week. So I guess we will not receive any updates until next Tuesday.

Moved to awaiting GAO approval on the 8th, wondering if we can still receive an acceptance or rejection email while the portal is down ?

For the poster below whose status when from Awaiting GAO approval to Application Withdrawn... you should call the relevant department to inquire what happened. Because the status of "Application Withdrawn" should only occur if you yourself as applicant have chosen to withdraw your application (see that scary little button the portal). If your application has not been successful at GAO stage, your status would revert to "Unsuccessful"... check on what occurred in your case, because it would be awful if you or some clerical error inadvertently withdrew the application in the final stages of the process. GAO stage is almost always a sure thing.

Still dint hear anything from the university. Has been "under review from department" for the past 3 weeks. Applied on 4th Jan, 2018.

RE (GAO waiting time): Hey! It seems like it's the standard procedure. I like to think so... Perhaps it also depends on what institution you are coming from. I am from a tiny liberal arts college in California, so I'm not surprised. I'd be surprised if I applied from a well-known school though! Let's hope for the best!

For the poster below, I have been waiting for last 10 days after getting into 'Awaiting approval by GAO'.

MPhil in International Studies and Politics - moved to "Awaiting approval of GAO" on Monday and haven't seen a change since (no email too). Their website says that it can take up to 3 weeks, but usually takes 7-10 days. But most people have heard back from them (if GAOed) in like 3 days. Anyone else waiting for so long? Bloody nervous lol

Awaiting approval by GAO

For a question below: Yes, I was rejected after "Awaiting approval by GAO". The portal said: "Application Withdrawn".

It says I have a conditional offer but the system is down until Tuesday so I can't check what they are!!

Under Review by the department even after interview(s). Has been more than 3 weeks since interviews. Any one in same boat?

Applied - Jan 4; 1st interview with the admissions committee - 30th Jan; 2nd interview with POI - 2nd Jan; Approval by department - 7th Feb; Approval by Degree committees - 8th Feb; Approval by GAO - 15th Feb; Offer of admissions made through email and portal - 15th Feb

"Due to a system upgrade, application numbers, USNs and status updates for submitted applications will not be reflected in the Applicant Portal until Tuesday 20th February. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." is on the Applicant Portal for Cambridge, just FYI.