clinical.psych

Hi everyone, I got waitlisted at my first-choice program at LSU and I am struggling with coping. To give more context, I believe I am #2 on the waitlist, so I would get an offer if the other applicant declined, or if the POI receives additional funding for a second student. They applied for a grant in the fall and are waiting to hear back from them. I feel as if I have a better chance of waiting until April 15th for the POI to get funding because I highly doubt anyone would decline an offer from this program and POI - it's unimaginable for me. What might be some reasons for applicants to reject an acceptance offer? I've read a lot of posts about people's experiences with waitlists but I am still feeling a bit defeated. When I read other people's success stories, I am happy for them but I also know that each program and application year is different, especially this year with COVID and how that may severely impact this POI's chances of getting funding for a second student. I hate that being waitlisted places you in a state of purgatory because I want to do anything in my power to increase my chances of getting an offer. I've thought of a few ideas like reaching out to fellow applicants and asking them kindly what their intentions are with their offer, but I realize this is a terrible idea. Another idea I had was emailing the DCT and asking them what their experience has been like with waitlisted applicants or how long it typically takes for a professor to receive funding after they applied for a grant in the fall. I guess my question is: Is there absolutely nothing I can do to ease my nerves about this? With 2 months left until April 15th, that is a long wait and this program is truly my dream. It's actually been affecting me so badly that I haven't been able to be excited about other programs that I've gotten interviews and an acceptance offer from. I hope I do not sound like I am whining, complaining, or ungrateful. I am more than appreciative to be in the position I am in, but the amount of weight I placed on this program is coming to bite me. This past week I have ruminated a lot and have lost sleep on this, and that should tell you how badly I wanted to be offered an acceptance letter. What are your experiences like if you have had a similar experience with mine?

So I shouldn't do it then? I'm getting a mixed feeling between not asking them at all or just waiting a few weeks/month before asking them. I totally understand your answers and I am not trying to dismiss them - just want to make sure I am comprehending right so I don't mess up. Thanks!

Hi everyone! So I recently got waitlisted at my top choice university. Although it is great that I was waitlisted, I am gutted that I was not the first pick. I wanted to ask a question if it is ethical to reach out to the other interviewees, ask if they got the offer, and how likely they are to take that offer? Or would that be inappropriate? Any input would be helpful as I deal with the pain of being waitlisted. I am fairly certain that I will not get off this waitlist in the upcoming months.