Wait Listed?

[dan0075]

So I got this message today from UC Santa Barbara, where I have applied for the PhD program in their Theatre Department. When she writes that I am on "a waiting list" I'm not sure if it means that (A) I am on the traditional waiting list (i.e., offers have already been extended to the first string and my admittance is dependent upon who accepts or declines) or ( I am in the same pool with all of the potential admits and the amount of funding available will determine which of us gets in.

My other question - should I ask for clarification, or just wait to see how it plays out over the next couple of weeks?

Anyway, here's the message. I'd be interested to hear from anyone with similar experiences...

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This is just a quick note to let you know that our Graduate Admissions committee has met recently and that we are interested in your application.

However, putting together an incoming class is rather like doing an elaborate jigsaw puzzle, especially since, as you may have heard, funding in the California system this year is very tight. You are on a waiting list right now that contains some very talented young scholars. At present, we are waiting to see if any funding from our program might be available, the better to determine if we are able to offer Teaching Assistantships.

Right now, it's difficult for me to estimate when I will have more information for you; but I will certainly keep you posted as things develop. Meanwhile, on March 10th, we are hosting a graduate student conference where our current and prospective students present their work. If you are interested in visiting UCSB to meet our faculty or even wish to present a 15-20 minute paper at the conference, please let me know. Please note that presenting a paper is totally optional, and you are welcome to just visit without presenting anything. At the moment, we do not have a budget to support your travels, but there is a slight chance that we might be able to reimburse portions of your travel later. We will get to know about the situation more in detail after Feb. 24th.

[Bats]

It sounds to me like you are in the finalist group. However, that whole (unfunded) graduate student conference invitation is a bit vague and confusing. There are definitely some mixed messages at play here interest/funding-wise.

Regardless, I'd be feeling good about things if I were you. Seems promising. And for what it's worth, I also applied there and I haven't heard anything.

[Helpplease123]

Definitely promising. Sign up for the conference and ask to present a paper (if you have one)...the letter says it's optional but clearly you have the opportunity in that to put yourself ahead of all the others on this list...