Q: What is the meaning of “Awaiting Reviewer Scores” and “Awaiting Final Decision” together?
I submitted a paper on ScholarOne last month. Now, after reviewer scores and after awaiting recommendation, the status shows " Awaiting Reviewer Scores" and " Awaiting Final Decision" together. What does this mean?
This means that the manuscript has been sent for peer review and the peer review has likely been completed, and now the journal is awaiting the final scores from the reviewer/s. The final decision - whether to accept or reject the paper - depends on the reviewer scores, which is why the status of your manuscript would have been updated to both "awaiting reviewer scores" and "awaiting final decision". If you do not hear back from the journal after a few more weeks, you can follow up about the status of your manuscript.
You will also find this handbook useful: Handbook: Keep Calm And Wait: A Guide To Understanding Journal Statuses
We wish you all the best and hope for a positive response.