Kel Varnsen

Congratulations! That is definitely something to be proud of. I was just going to ask about your AOI and then saw someone else had already asked. I hope you don't mind sharing.

Yeah, that is tough. If it were an offer, I would definitely visit in your position. But that is expensive for a wait list visit. I was set on accepting Indiana, but this Columbia wait list just changed everything (i.e., made everything more complicated) for me..

Are you attending the open house? I've already begun looking at flights. It's really unfortunate that the event is so close to the April 15 deadline. It kind of forces people to decide in one week. I imagine a lot of people won't make a decision until they've visited.

Yeah, I ended up asking him and he told me the same. So I guess each of us on the list has a distinct AOI? What is yours? Mine is mind / cognitive science.

That depends very much on Columbia. If I don't make it off the Columbia wait list, I will most likely accept Indiana. If I do make it off the wait list, it will still be a tough decision. I have to admit that I want to go to Indiana the most. I'm just told I'd be crazy to throw away Columbia and am dealing with that pressure..

Thanks. Good to know.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Could any of the Columbia people give an indication of whether they plan to accept or decline? I know we all just heard several hours ago, but I'm on the wait list, and it would be really helpful just to know if you're even considering turning it down.

Claiming another Columbia waitlist. Did Akeel give you an indication of where you are on the list? He didn't for me. Also, did he say anything about reimbursing your flight to the prospective students event? I ask because usually people at the top of the list are reimbursed, so it's an indication of where you are on the list. For me he just said he hopes I attend and more details about the event will come soon.

I emailed Gwen tonight to turn down the acceptance. So you've moved up another spot. Good luck!

She emailed me last night to say I've made it off the list and offer me an acceptance. So you've definitely moved one spot up the wait list. I am fairly certain that I'll accept one of my other offers, but I'm a bit reluctant to turn down the Rice acceptance at least until I've visited the two schools I'm interested in. So I'm sorry to make the you and the others wait, but I may hold off on turning it down for now. Also, she told me that the top two people on the wait list receive invitations. So that gives you an indication of where you are on the list.

Did Gwen offer for you to visit Rice? She said I'm at the top of the wait list and invited me. But I will most likely turn down an acceptance even if I get it. If it means the next person on the wait list can have my invitation, I'll let her know immediately.

Is anyone here on the wait list for Rice? If so, did Gwen offer for you to visit in March? I'm at the top of the wait list but will most likely give up my spot. If it means she will extend the invitation to someone else on the wait list, then I will do so immediately.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Hi, I'm claiming one of the UMD posts. I'm currently debating between UMD and Indiana. UMD is a bit lower ranked overall but they have a stronger program in my area of interest (mind and cognitive science). If anyone has any thoughts on choosing between overall stronger programs and programs with strong specialties, I'd be interested in your input.

Sorry about the confusion guys. I'm claiming the Indiana (non HPS) acceptance and one of the Duke wait list posts. I didn't post any stats just because I'd rather not share. But I can comment here that I'll most likely accept the offer and I have no knowledge about other offers.