Got waitlisted...Now what?

[never_had_coffee]

Hello!

I was waitlisted at a school I'd love to attend. What, if anything, should applicants do when they're waitlisted? Is it beneficial to reach out to professors, admissions officers, the director of graduate studies, or even current students, to express interest or say I haven't committed to another school? Or should I let it go until I hear from them?

For context, I'm applying to PhD programs in Communication/Media Studies (plus one in Gender Studies), hoping to enroll in Fall 2022. The school says they'll contact me if a spot opens up, I can reach out with any questions in the meantime, and if I commit to attend another school, I need to tell them.

Thank you!

[PsyDuck90]

Unfortunately, there's nothing to do but wait. Applicants typically have until April 15th to make decisions, so you may not hear back until then. Programs assume that you're still interested unless they hear otherwise (such as if you email and say you have accepted an offer elsewhere). 

[never_had_coffee]

On 1/27/2022 at 7:15 AM, PsyDuck90 said:

Unfortunately, there's nothing to do but wait. Applicants typically have until April 15th to make decisions, so you may not hear back until then. Programs assume that you're still interested unless they hear otherwise (such as if you email and say you have accepted an offer elsewhere). 

This is all helpful to know. Thank you so much –– I appreciate it!