socigrad

Yeah, I can offer some insight! The basics are this: a department will often offer more people admission than there are spots. Inevitably, some will say no and then once they hear back from all applicants the department offered admission to, they’ll move to the waitlist if there’s space available. For example: Let's assume a department wants 6 new students this fall. Depending on their historical yield rate (the percent of applicants who accept an offer), they’ll often admit more students than the department space available, assuming some of those admitted say no. Let’s assume they offer 10 admission. At the same time, they notify 5 people that they're on the waitlist. After all 10 applicants who were offered admission respond, let’s assume only 4 accepted the offer. Now, the department will return to waitlist and offer 2 students a spot until the 6 new student spots are filled. Assuming those 2 people say yes, the department has a full cohort of 6 people! Then, the remaining 3 applicants on the waitlist will be notified there is no more space available and, ultimately, an official rejection will arrive. Often, waitlists are ranked (i.e., the waitlist of f5 has first choice, second choice, etc.), but they would not be. Alternatives to this model are only offering admission to the top 6 people in a department's applicant pool and then waitlisting, say, the next 8 top applicants. You can also decline a spot on the waitlist, especially if you have an offer from a school you know you will go to. It's a bit long, but I hope that helps! I was waitlisted at 2 schools (IU Bloomington and Northwestern) in the 2021 cycle and got into neither. I was notified in mid April, around the 11th/12th or so. Likely, you won't hear back until close to that date because those offered admission have until April 15th to decide.

That's all grad school is, to be honest, is throwing things out and seeing what sticks! Perhaps your accelerated study will be a benefit, but don't be afraid to apply to MS sociology programs. They're a great way to get research experience!! (And publications too) Best of luck though! I'm happy to help with any questions :)

Congrats!! Hope it's a fantastic fit! Best of luck in your next chapter Where were you accepted to & where did you decide to go???

Hey! is anyone accepted to IU Bloomington planning to decline their admission offer? It's my #1 & I'm currently waitlisted. Just wanna know