Is There Any Evidence For Hidden Waitlists?

[GradStudent987]

Hello, everyone!

I've heard allegations that several philosophy PhD departments keep "hidden" waitlists. I'm highly skeptical of this, since most departments admit or waitlist far more than enough candidates to fill their incoming cohorts. But I'm willing to be persuaded. What evidence is there for the existence of hidden waitlists?

[Mischief]

Yeah, when I applied to Georgetown the grad director told me directly that I was on hold in this way and I was checking with places before I accepted an offer.