Being waitlisted post-interview - odds of getting in/how to proceed? (Clinical)

[Ulmeyda7]

So I've recently found out that I've been waitlisted to my top program (UConn, clinical psychology) after being interviewed about 3 weeks ago. To get this information, I had to email my POI (Chen) asking about my status. He was very polite and informative, letting me know that I am at the "very top" of the final applicant list, but his lab had already sent out an offer and he would let me know ASAP about any additional offers.

 

Regardless, this was rather disappointing, to say the least. I thought the interviews went very well and my POI and I saw eye-to-eye on a lot of things. I absolutely love his work and I think the program would be perfect for me. Obviously, I'm still trying to remain hopeful, but it's frustrating to be left hanging after waiting so long post-interview. Additionally, this presents another problem when it comes to my grad school decisions. If I'm accepted to other programs I've applied/interviewed for (which at this point, seems at least possible), but not UConn, how do I move forward? Do I try and hold out for another shot at UConn next year, or settle for another program which I might not be so happy with?

 

Honestly, I just feel like I'm floundering right now, not knowing what to do. Does anyone else have experience with similar issues? Do I even have a reasonable shot at an offer? How do you deal with the stress of further waiting?

[briarcliff]

I have an offer from a solid program, but I'm still on the waitlist at one of my top schools.

 

Both schools are great (funded, good match rate, high EPPP pass rate, great practium/externships, etc.), but my waitlist school is a better match for me overall. If I don't get accepted off of the waitlist, then I'm definitely going to go to the school that did offer me a spot, but my waitlist POI seems optimistic, so I'm still holding out hope. I made a point to only apply to programs that I would seriously go to in case a situation like this came up, so it's sort of a no brainer for me not to reapply next year. As you know the whole application process is pretty terrible and expensive not to mention a complete crapshoot, so I'd say that you should definitely accept any offer you get this year, unless the only offers you get this year are truly terrible (unfunded, poor match/EPPP rates, etc.)

[neural-plasticity]

I had a similar dilemma as you did when applying to schools. I had a few options of places that I knew I wouldn't necessarily be happy with. Long story short, I decided it wouldn't be worth spending 5-6 years at a school you're not happy. I mean, really, in the grand scheme of things, what's one more year when you're already devoting so much time to an education? I was planning to wait and reapply next year until I got a last minute interview/offer at another clinical program I was really excited about. I think it is SUPER important to not just settle for a "PhD," but make sure it really is the right program you'll be happy with!

[Sujie]

I think you still have a chance of getting into your dream school. But, at the same time, I think it is reasonable to accept another offer. One of the professors I know advised me not to be too picky about PhD programs; meaning that at this stage you are a mature adult who can create his/her own learning environment and take everything the program has to offer. So why would you think you'll be unhappy at another program? I think it's a matter of personal attitude... And what stops you from doing research together with this POI even if you are not at his/her program? You can meet at conferences and also it won't do any harm to menntion that you are ready to collaborate on their research in future, if there is a chance...

[UnfortunatelyUpstate]

It is totally acceptable to let any other schools who accept you know that you are still in the process of making a decision. They expect that you may have other offers pending, so don't feel pressured to make a decision right away.