Email from Program Director

[PhD Work]

So, I’m waitlisted, a select group, for my PhD program. The email explains the waitlist process and the funding available. It also states that before I accept another offer, I should contact them. The email ended with “I want to emphasize how interested we are in your application.”

After I read the email, I emailed the department admin assistant with a couple of questions, and the reply came from the program director. He explained that he doesn’t think it’s a good idea to let applicants know their rank on the waiting list. He ended the email by asking me to stay in touch.

How much hope should I have about an offer from the program based on the above info?

[CafeConGabi]

The last line where they said "keep in touch"... whaaaat???? Don't they need to keep in touch with you to tell you that you're off the wait-list??? 

IDK. Maybe I'm reading too much into it? Still though. 

I would be open to it. 

I've also been placed on a wait-list and I can relate to this experience. In the meantime I'm going looking for other pieces that may help me make a decision should I get off the wait-list.