If you’ve submitted a paper to NeurIPS 2025, you’re probably on the edge of your seat waiting for the reviews. The review notifications are expected around July 24th AoE (Anywhere on Earth time). It’s a mix of excitement, nerves, and a bit of uncertainty that many of us know too well.
I came across a Reddit thread recently where folks were already sharing their thoughts and feelings about the review process this year. Whether it’s your first submission or your tenth, the experience feels like a rollercoaster.
Here’s the thing: reviews can be surprising. Sometimes they’re fair and constructive, other times maybe a bit confusing or even tough to digest. It’s totally normal to feel a bit rattled or unsure after reading them. But what helps is having a space to talk it out, to share impressions and questions — and that’s exactly what some people on Reddit started doing early this year.
If you’re wondering about the rebuttal phase (that opportunity to respond to reviewers’ comments), or struggling with how to interpret feedback, join a community that gets it. Talking it through can make the process less isolating.
A few things I’ve seen folks recommend:
– Take a deep breath before reacting to reviews. First impressions aren’t always the final word.
– Write down your initial thoughts, then revisit them after a day or two.
– Use the rebuttal to clarify misunderstandings, but don’t try to argue every point.
– Remember, reviewers are people, not perfect, and their aim is to help improve your work.
Good luck to everyone waiting on their NeurIPS decision. Whatever happens, sharing your journey with others can make a difference — it definitely makes navigating the ups and downs feel less lonely.