Wait list, what now?

[portraitofsarah]

Hi All,

 

I've been lurking here but just now had something to post about. I just found out I got wait listed at a top choice school for me. I'm thrilled because I assumed I'd been rejected and the language is very encouraging (the words "high on our wait list" were used). The email ends inviting me to ask questions about the program and to be in touch.

 

What questions are appropriate in this situation? Do I proceed as if I had an offer of admission in terms of asking questions about the program (though obviously I don't have an offer of admission)? How do I show interest and how often is it appropriate to check back my wait list status?  Thanks!

 

 

[thebeatgoeson]

I think it's probably best to go ahead and ask questions as if you were granted admission.  After all, you want to make sure you don't get caught with your proverbial pants down if you get your notification of acceptance on April 14th.  If a question isn't answered on the website, go for it.  For example, I asked about the funds available to help admitted students come visit, and my contact seemed more excited about my initiative/interest than anything else.

 

That said, the DGS I'm talking to called me, was very friendly, invited questions, etc.  You have to read your situation specifically and cater your questions to the sort of response you got.

[Datatape]

First off, congrats on the waitlist.  It's meant to be a compliment and the fact that you are specifically stated to be high on the waitlist shows they have an interest in admitting you.  The first thing you do should be to send a response email either to the DGS or graduate secretary (whoever said it would be appropriate to contact them) stating your interest in the program and how it is one of your top choices, which reinforces the fact that you would be a good choice for them to pull off the list.

 

Don't ask questions about funding yet.  Once you have the acceptance in hand, that will be the time to ask about funding.  Do ask questions about the size of the cohort, possible classes that will be offered in your field in the fall, and about whether the DGS could put you in contact with a graduate student in your field so you can get some insight into the program.  If they extend an invitation to visiting weekend, take it.  You want to position yourself in the most attractive light possible to make it all the more likely they ultimately extend an offer to you.

[Timmy_the_Tooth]

First off, congrats on the waitlist.  It's meant to be a compliment and the fact that you are specifically stated to be high on the waitlist shows they have an interest in admitting you.  The first thing you do should be to send a response email either to the DGS or graduate secretary (whoever said it would be appropriate to contact them) stating your interest in the program and how it is one of your top choices, which reinforces the fact that you would be a good choice for them to pull off the list.

 

Don't ask questions about funding yet.  Once you have the acceptance in hand, that will be the time to ask about funding.  Do ask questions about the size of the cohort, possible classes that will be offered in your field in the fall, and about whether the DGS could put you in contact with a graduate student in your field so you can get some insight into the program.  If they extend an invitation to visiting weekend, take it.  You want to position yourself in the most attractive light possible to make it all the more likely they ultimately extend an offer to you.

 

Glad I read this before I sent my waitlist email. Thanks, Datatape.