Wait-list Limbo

[kmd2]

I just found out I am on a "short" waitlist, and I'm waiting to find out out if it's ranked.

Anyone have any advice for those wait-listed (perhaps ways to show you're still interested without pestering them) or any success stories ?

[jynx]

Wondering the same thing myself. I got a wait list letter the other day, but it clearly explained that 1) the list is unranked 2) they have no idea what my chances of admission are and 3) they will contact me as soon as they know anything. So I'm wondering, should I still try to keep in touch with them to show my interest? The tone definitely sounds like "don't call us, we'll call you," but I do want to show them that I'm interested if I can do so without being annoying. Thoughts?

I would also love to hear encouraging wait list stories, as I am on two wait lists with no acceptances yet...

Edited March 16, 2011 by jynx

[runonsentence]

I've been waitlisted by four schools, but the ones who think it is likely I'll actually move up high enough so that they can extend me an offer have said as much. If the school is really keen on keeping you as an option and thinks you have a good chance of getting a spot, in my experience they'll tell you so.

When I was applying for my MA (F09), I was only accepted to my current institution, but without funding, so I turned down the offer on the basis of not wanting to put myself in debt. About 2-3 weeks later, they suddenly had a funded spot open up and immediately called me to see if I'd be interested in taking it. This, I think, is indicative of the kind of practice you'd see if the school is pretty serious about you (i.e., if you're at the top of the waiting list). They'll keep you in the know because they really want to see you accept their offer.

If the school is really vague about the waiting list and you have other options, at this point I would consider those other options. (At least, that's what I'm planning to do.) Some schools keep long waiting lists to give themselves options and to ensure they bring in as many students as they can, and sometimes it's done in a way that's rather unfair to the applicants.

Edited March 16, 2011 by runonsentence

[ringo-ring]

A practical advice would be to find some ways to discredit the program you're waiting on. Having some connections on TV or newspapers is useful. Try to maintain the rumors until April 15.

[LJK]

A practical advice would be to find some ways to discredit the program you're waiting on. Having some connections on TV or newspapers is useful. Try to maintain the rumors until April 15.

Very practical

I think that it would be fine to send an email to your POI or to the DGS indicating that you are interested and would really like to hear back one way or the other from them before making your final decision before April 15th (if you have other options). They have no idea who on their waitlist is waiting to hear with baited breathe and who is basically discounting them since it wasn't an admit or who is waiting on multiple lists and likes other schools better, etc. I think it could only help to send a short email indicating that you would seriously consider an offer should they be able to make one.

[kmd2]

A practical advice would be to find some ways to discredit the program you're waiting on. Having some connections on TV or newspapers is useful. Try to maintain the rumors until April 15.

Thanks for the advice, all! I found that the list is unranked because it is so small...so I'm hoping that's a good thing! The guy who interviewed me also told me to keep him posted about internships and jobs I acquire (I'm in my last semester of undergrad). I'm keeping with the philosophy of showing my continual interest!

Best of luck to all!