Waitlist?

[deianeira]

Is it a nicer form of rejection or that they want you, but not as much as the other people in front of you?

[rising_star]

It may not end up being a rejection. If people who they've accepted turn down their admissions offer, the department can admit you. That's the point of having a waitlist.

[Minnesotan]

I'd think of it like a queue. If enough people take care of their stuff in a timely manner (i.e. accept offers elsewhere), you'll get in before the window closes. =)