Acceptance early January... Funding waitlist!!

[H.E.]

That's it. I may be sick... I need someone to hold me up.

I was accepted at my top choice program in early January for a Ph.D. in Applied Math. However, my offer did not include financial support. It stated that I might be given one depending on the department's budget development. I reached out to my POI about the situation. He expressed enthusiasm, mentioning my application is considered strong, and there is a good chance of obtaining funding. Following my POI advice, I wrote to the grad school coordinator to reiterate my interest in the program and inquire about the funding situation. His response included:

"We will not know exactly regarding the financial support until later. One major reason is because the currently admitted students with financial support have until sometimes in April to make their decision. After that, there will be budgetary considerations and the ranking of the students who are in the waiting list for financial support. Based on my past experiences, this unfortunately might take quite a bit, depending on various factors. In the meantime, if I will have any update I will let you know as soon as possible. "

My impression is the waitlist is unranked. Would you say I am a strong candidate for funding given the above response? Anyone care to share a similar experience being on the waitlist funding and how it turned out to be? Also, any advice on how to play my cards well and improve my chances of being funded?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[donasen]

I'm in a similar position in a US university. I was offered admission in January, but placed on a funding waitlist sort of, at the end of August. My Potential supervisor who happens to be a director of the department earlier gave me firm assurances of funding, only for him to later inform me that I'm on a wait list sort, that they're working to secure funding for me or that, if one of the offer holders decline the offer, I might enter. So everything now depends on two factors, either they get additional funding to take me or one offer holder declines. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I also hold an offer for  top London School, but I really like this American school. Let's keep up the faith and hope for the best and if possible, let's connect elsewhere to see how things progress. 

[H.E.]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It seems like we are both on the same boat, but congrats on your acceptance; well done. I understand the emotional fluctuations and hard work we've put into this. I sincerely hope it works out for us. The pandemic has certainly caused funding cuts and even more factors involved beyond our control. Have you thought of writing a letter of continued interest sometimes close to the April 15th deadline?  Thinking of having another of my professors write a rec letter to admissions; any thoughts on this? I would be happy to connect!

Edited March 17, 2021 by H.E.

[donasen]

13 hours ago, H.E. said:

Thanks for sharing your experience! It seems like we are both on the same boat, but congrats on your acceptance; well done. I understand the emotional fluctuations and hard work we've put into this. I sincerely hope it works out for us. The pandemic has certainly caused funding cuts and even more factors involved beyond our control. Have you thought of writing a letter of continued interest sometimes close to the April 15th deadline?  Thinking of having another of my professors write a rec letter to admissions; any thoughts on this? I would be happy to connect!

I have quite been in touch with my supervisor who happens to be the director of the school of journalism. The previous Friday, he wrote to me to assure me that they're working on funding for me and I shouldn't think that they've forgotten me. Indeed the pandemic has really wrought havoc. Do you mind sharing your school with me? Mine is Michigan State.