I applied to Morgan Stanley’s full-time investment banking role a little over three weeks ago and haven’t heard back at all. No rejection, no interview invite, just silence. I know they get a ton of applications, but I’m starting to wonder if this means I’ve already been silently rejected.
Has anyone gotten a response after a wait like this? Or is it safe to assume I didn’t make it past the initial screen? Trying to stay optimistic but also realistic here.
Hey There
Completely understand how frustrating the silence can be—especially when you've put real effort into an application. At Morgan Stanley, timelines can vary quite a bit depending on the role, location, and how they’re structuring interviews. It’s not uncommon for candidates to hear back after 5-7 weeks, particularly if the process is happening in stages or if there’s been a delay in shortlisting.
Still, it's a good idea to keep your momentum going. Continue applying to other roles, and if you haven’t already, try to connect with people at the firm through alumni or networking events—it can sometimes give you a better sense of where things stand. Silence doesn’t always mean rejection, but staying proactive ensures you’re not putting all your hopes on a process that might just be slow to move. Keep going—you’re doing the right thing by staying realistic while still holding out hope.
I totally understandable to feel uncertain. Banks can be slow and inconsistent with timelines, especially when handling large volumes.
Three weeks isn’t necessarily a rejection, but it's smart to keep momentum elsewhere. Assume nothing is final until you get a clear “yes” or “no.” Continue applying, networking, and preparing so you stay in control of your process. That said, some candidates do hear back after weeks, so don’t count yourself out just yet.
Hey there,
it's totally understandable to feel that way after waiting for a few weeks with no news. The silence can be tough! While it's true that banks like Morgan Stanley receive a massive number of applications, a three-week wait without a rejection isn't necessarily a definitive "no" just yet. Their timelines can sometimes be a bit unpredictable, and different teams might move at different paces.
I've definitely heard of people getting interview invites after a similar timeframe, so don't lose all hope just yet. However, it's also wise to be realistic and continue actively pursuing other opportunities. Think of it this way: keep that door at Morgan Stanley slightly ajar, but don't put all your eggs in that basket. Keep applying to other banks and roles, and keep honing your interview skills. That way, you're moving forward regardless of what happens with Morgan Stanley. If they do reach out, great! If not, you've already got other irons in the fire. Keep that momentum going!
Hey! 😊
I totally get how stressful the silence is, but honestly, three weeks without a response isn’t unusual at Morgan Stanley. Their processes can be slow and a bit all over the place, even for great candidates.
I’ve seen people get interview invites after 4–5 weeks, so really, it’s not over yet!
My advice: keep applying elsewhere, maybe follow up politely on LinkedIn, and try to stay calm – no news doesn’t mean bad news.
Fingers crossed for you! 🍀
Hey!
It’s completely understandable to feel uncertain when weeks pass without an update, especially after applying to a firm like Morgan Stanley. While silence often feels discouraging, three weeks without a response doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been ruled out. Large banks work through applications in batches, and timing can vary depending on the volume of applicants, internal scheduling, and even how early or late you submitted your application.
Some candidates do hear back after several weeks, particularly if their profile aligns with later-stage interview needs or if there’s a second review round. In the meantime, continue applying elsewhere and building your network. If you’ve connected with anyone at the firm, it’s worth following up respectfully to express continued interest. Staying proactive keeps your momentum going while still leaving the door open for an unexpected reply.
