Does Waitlisting = Loss of Negotiating Powers & Hope for Financial Aid?

[Guest]

Hi guys,

Quick question on wait listing. I have been wait listed at my dream program for a masters degree and am working hard to get off of it to the best of my ability by sending in additional LoR's, Essays, significant papers, and final grades. I am also visiting the campus which I hope will help my case.

Anyways, I have been accepted at several other programs and so far know of an 60% scholarship and I also expect 80% support from another school. Having been wait listed at my top choice I realize that if I get off it might not be feasible to go if they don't offer me funding. My first question is whether or not I lose financial aid by being wait listed and accepted later? Also I'm wondering if, in the event that I do get off the wait list, I can do the standard showing of other financial aid offers and hope for financial support or if I lose that?

Edited March 17, 2012 by Windfish

[Nerd_For_Life]

Sorry, I don't know the answer to this but I am really looking forward to reading the responses because I am in a similar situation in a very competitive program. Anyone have experience with being wait listed and any funding offers that followed once you got off the wait list?

[NeuroGal]

I can't speak to master's programs but you can always email the admission's director and ask. If you email them, tell them your situation, and ask for more information, you will find your answer. It makes sense from their perspective. If you are waitlisted that means you are a good enough candidate for their program and if they offer you admission it will likely be late. They don't want to offer someone admission who can't actually attend the program or who doesn't want to because that puts them in a bind of having a slot unfilled (potentially). So it's in their best interest to hear from you and know where you stand in all of this. If you say you can attend if you get financial aid, but if you don't then you'll have to decline a potential offer, they will want to tell you!