nlhmr

I just wanted to say that, I was accepted, today, so it is possible even it if it is extremely late!

I agree with most of that, although I don't think she was saying that to be overly optimistic, she holds a lot of weight in the program (she started it) so I'm assuming after talking to the person she given some kind of information that created that impression. It wouldn't make sense for her to come out with that kind of information for no reason, especially since I hadn't asked for it. With that said, once again, I don't think it is sure thing by any means, and you're right, she could be completely wrong. I just don't think that the list quite works that way in this situation is all, the program has less than 20 students across 6 years, which is what made me think it might have to do with funding since they don't admit students who are not fully funded. I agree that it's important to remain realistic, and it is good to be brought down to earth in case it doesn't work out.

I was notified a week ago from a professor in the program I applied to (who I had been in contact with, but was not on the admissions committee this year) that she had spoken to the head of the admissions committee and that she "thinks I'm at the top of the waitlist" and that I "will likely receive an offer before the 15th", but then she explicitly said she doesn't know more than that, and can offer no certainty. I haven't heard anything since then. I tried not to, but I've been really been over-analyzing this message. It would be really helpful to get an objective take on that. Is she saying that I am going to be admitted, and if that's the case, why are they waiting so long to let me know? Last year the program admitted one student (!) and I was rejected outright, I'm wondering if maybe it has to do with funding? This is the only program I applied to so I can technically wait as long as possible, but of course it's pretty miserable to do that.