Making it off the waitlist to victory - Is 6th on a waitlist (for 2 spots) a good chance?

[Imalthica]

So, I've been waitlisted to Tulane EEB (a relatively small program, I don't believe they get too many applicants), and apparently I'm 6th on a list to fill two positions in a lab. Tulane's my first choice, and I really, really hope I get one of those spots. Does anyone think I've got a chance? I know the process involves some luck, but I'm just curious about other people's experiences with this?

[Ternwild]

Well, the majority of programs get applications from some pretty top mark people who actually have no interest in joining the program as it is their "safe school."  Speaking to admissions directors, if a university has 40 spots, they will often give out acceptances to about 60-80, because they anticipate the majority of those accepted will not attend, esp those who are extremely high marked.  That said, universities have found themselves with over admitting too many students as too many accepted, but in some cases they find they don't have enough.  This is what a waitlist is for.  In order to get accepted off a waitlist, you have to hope over half of the admitted won't attend.  As for your case, since it is a smaller program, it is very possible that 7 people (how many you need to decline) will have to fall off the list. That said, expecting 7 people to concede access to a lab they applied to in a small program might be right on the edge of pushing it.  You might want to not hold out and plan for not getting it, just in case.

P.S.  I went to undergrad at Texas A&M and can tell you a bit about it, in PM, if curious.

[Imalthica]

27 minutes ago, Ternwild said:

Well, the majority of programs get applications from some pretty top mark people who actually have no interest in joining the program as it is their "safe school."  Speaking to admissions directors, if a university has 40 spots, they will often give out acceptances to about 60-80, because they anticipate the majority of those accepted will not attend, esp those who are extremely high marked.  That said, universities have found themselves with over admitting too many students as too many accepted, but in some cases they find they don't have enough.  This is what a waitlist is for.  In order to get accepted off a waitlist, you have to hope over half of the admitted won't attend.  As for your case, since it is a smaller program, it is very possible that 7 people (how many you need to decline) will have to fall off the list. That said, expecting 7 people to concede access to a lab they applied to in a small program might be right on the edge of pushing it.  You might want to not hold out and plan for not getting it, just in case.

P.S.  I went to undergrad at Texas A&M and can tell you a bit about it, in PM, if curious.

A&M is a back-up for me since I'm trying to make it to a school with my partner (linguistics), and A&M isn't great for him. It's still an option though, especially since it's funded! I really want Tulane, especially since I'd have access to two great mentors. Anthropology out-right rejected me (too competitive, I guess), but my POI there still really wants me, so he's hoping I'll get into EEB. My EEB POI seems to want me and has said she likes my project ideas, but told me today I'm further down on the shortlist because of "fit" and not "qualifications and enthusiasm". It's likely because I'm trying to do an inherently multidisciplinary project, and would want to combine both her and my other POI's expertise to complete it. It's just frustrating, because I need combined expertise from two advisers to accomplish what I want, but many people I've reached out to don't seem to want to go that route...

I wrote her up a clarification about why I chose her, and believe her to be a great fit for me, and vice versa, but I don't know if it will make a difference. I also asked her if there was anything I could do to move myself up on the waitlist, and told my other POI about everything, but again, no idea if this will impact my chances

[Ternwild]

7 minutes ago, Imalthica said:

A&M is a back-up for me since I'm trying to make it to a school with my partner (linguistics), and A&M isn't great for him. It's still an option though, especially since it's funded! I really want Tulane, especially since I'd have access to two great mentors. Anthropology out-right rejected me (too competitive, I guess), but my POI there still really wants me, so he's hoping I'll get into EEB. My EEB POI seems to want me and has said she likes my project ideas, but told me today I'm further down on the shortlist because of "fit" and not "qualifications and enthusiasm". It's likely because I'm trying to do an inherently multidisciplinary project, and would want to combine both her and my other POI's expertise to complete it. It's just frustrating, because I need combined expertise from two advisers to accomplish what I want, but many people I've reached out to don't seem to want to go that route...

I wrote her up a clarification about why I chose her, and believe her to be a great fit for me, and vice versa, but I don't know if it will make a difference. I also asked her if there was anything I could do to move myself up on the waitlist, and told my other POI about everything, but again, no idea if this will impact my chances

That's because professors have no control over admissions committees.  The most she can do is put in a good word for you during admissions (which has passed).  You have your place on the waitlist and there is literally nothing else you can do.  Emailing the professor won't get you anywhere and, if anything, will annoy them if you pester to much.  If you feel you want to stay in contact with them, just ask them about their research, previous papers, what research is like in their group, etc., but stay away from pestering the admissions decision.  Just plan on going to Texas A&M (hate that school, but you may like it) and if you get in to Tulane, it'll be a surprise.  Just assume it's a rejection, for now.

Edited February 10, 2019 by Ternwild