Awaiting AE assignment to Under Review? I have submitted a paper to a very reputed publication of electrical engineering via ScholarOne.The status of my paper changed from "Awaiting AE assignment" to "Under Review" directly. Does it mean that is under the review of editorial office? Could it change from Awaiting AE assignment to Under Review directly without AE being assigned ?
It probably just happened quickly. This is peer review - it's not a well oiled machine. Take pride in knowing you passed the first benchmark and keep your fingers crossed R1 and R2 are kind. R3 is always a wildcard.  :)