dchris

I can't say anything for length of time spent on a wait list, as I was informed at the beginning of February and am STILL waiting 2 months later. As the US graduate school deadline is April 15, I am supposed to know for sure by then. However, my program did give me the equivalent of a ranked wait list, and this really seems to vary greatly based on the type of program. Biological anthropology programs are very small, only admit students if they are funded (meaning an acceptance is also an offer of funding), and my top choice program is only admitting 4 students this year. They also chose 4 "alternates" in case any of the 4 offered admission decline, and these alternates are ranked (their version of a wait list). Of the 4 slots, there were also 6 professors competing to have a student accepted. Therefore, the ranking could be based on the actual candidates stats, or it could be based on the professors wanting to accept certain students. My POI has been incredibly accessible through my entire application process, and emailed me himself to inform me of my "wait list" spot as #1 alternate, meaning I am first in should any of the top 4 decline. He has since corresponded with me several times as I have received other offers, but can give no exact idea of how good of a chance I have of getting in. I would say that if you are in good contact with your POI, email them directly and discuss your chances of being accepted off of the wait list, and be honest about other offers you have or have not received. It doesn't hurt to reiterate that you are very interested in the program, but at this stage it doesn't make a difference if you are sending more information/letters of rec etc. as the admission decision has essentially been made--if a spot opens up you will get in, if not you won't.