Q: What is the meaning of awaiting final decision after awaiting reviewer scores?
I submitted a manuscript to a journal by SAGE. The status changed to awaiting reviewer selection, and then changed to awaiting reviewer scores. Finally, the status now is awaiting final decision since a week. I am really confused, can I contact the journal to explain this or should I just wait?
Thank you for writing to us with your query!
Your confusion regarding having both “Awaiting Reviewer Scores” and “Awaiting Final Decision” appearing at the same time is understandable. So, let’s break it down:
The status, “Awaiting Reviewer Scores,” typically indicates that the peer review is ongoing and the editor is waiting for reviewers to submit their feedback and recommendations. The “Awaiting Final Decision” status, on the other hand, suggests that the editor has received reviewers’ comments and feedback, and is in the process of reviewing the comments and making a decision such as accepting, rejecting, or requesting revisions.
The occurrence of both statuses together may signal that the manuscript is transitioning between these two steps. It is a very likely sign that the peer review step is complete, and the editorial office has received the reviewers’ reports and the next step is for the editor to go through the reports and feedback and make a decision.
We hope this helps!
