High Alternate List Question

[clinpsydreams2018]

Like many people in this process, I've been placed on an alternate list.  Trying not to lose hope as this program was my top choice, and I've been told that I'm a 'high alternate.'  With that being said, I'm reading the programs brochure and it references "CUDCP GUIDELINES FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL OFFERS AND ACCEPTANCES."  In it, it states the following:

 

b. A reasonable designation of the student's position on the alternate list is encouraged (e.g., high, middle, or low on the alternate list.) If such designation is used, the operational definition of "high on the alternate list" is that, in a normal year, the student would receive an offer of admission (but not necessarily funding) prior to April 15 decision date.

 

Does anyone know anything more about this?

[Sparkybob]

For the school I am wait-listed for, which is in the middle of the list they told me if they alert me late enough, I have until like April 30 ish to accept or reject their offer.

I figure they mean they hear applicant reject their offers earlier in the cycle.

Edited February 15, 2018 by Sparkybob

[TakeruK]

2 hours ago, clinpsydreams2018 said:

Like many people in this process, I've been placed on an alternate list.  Trying not to lose hope as this program was my top choice, and I've been told that I'm a 'high alternate.'  With that being said, I'm reading the programs brochure and it references "CUDCP GUIDELINES FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL OFFERS AND ACCEPTANCES."  In it, it states the following:

 

b. A reasonable designation of the student's position on the alternate list is encouraged (e.g., high, middle, or low on the alternate list.) If such designation is used, the operational definition of "high on the alternate list" is that, in a normal year, the student would receive an offer of admission (but not necessarily funding) prior to April 15 decision date.

 

Does anyone know anything more about this?

No one can really know whether the people who chose the phrase "high on the alternate list" in their communication to you decided to follow this guideline or not. And furthermore, you, nor anyone else here would know if this is a "normal year" for that particular school or not. 

But if they are following the operational definition, then it sounds like the school is indicating that you have a reasonable chance of getting admission, but not necessarily funding, due to others choosing other programs before April 15. Not sure how anyone else can provide more information for you though!

[clinpsydreams2018]

4 minutes ago, TakeruK said:

No one can really know whether the people who chose the phrase "high on the alternate list" in their communication to you decided to follow this guideline or not. And furthermore, you, nor anyone else here would know if this is a "normal year" for that particular school or not. 

But if they are following the operational definition, then it sounds like the school is indicating that you have a reasonable chance of getting admission, but not necessarily funding, due to others choosing other programs before April 15. Not sure how anyone else can provide more information for you though!

Yeah, it definitely sounds like there are multiple variables involved here.  Don't want to be a bother by asking the head of the department these questions.  Unless, do you think this would be appropriate?

[Clinapp2017]

2 hours ago, clinpsydreams2018 said:

Yeah, it definitely sounds like there are multiple variables involved here.  Don't want to be a bother by asking the head of the department these questions.  Unless, do you think this would be appropriate?

No, it’s not appropriate. They’ve told you where you are on the list. If you have gotten another offer you want to take, then maybe contact them and explain that you are trying to make a choice and are interested in waitlisted program for x,y,z reasons but need to figure out if you should take your other offer. That’s the only time I’d reach out after knowing where you are. 

[TakeruK]

1 hour ago, clinpsydreams2018 said:

Yeah, it definitely sounds like there are multiple variables involved here.  Don't want to be a bother by asking the head of the department these questions.  Unless, do you think this would be appropriate?

They won't know either since how do they know if it's a normal year or not until the season is over?

You have got all the information you could get at this point. In the future, if you are facing a deadline to choose whether or not to take an offer from another school or wait for this one, then that would be a good time to inquire again for an update.

[clinpsydreams2018]

Thank you, @Clinapp2017 and @TakeruK.......