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- Apr 9, 2003
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I already sent an update letter including specifics of what I am doing now and why. Any ideas as to what else I can do to up my chances of getting off the waitlist when the time comes?
Originally posted by lola
cydney, i did not mean to target my post at you.
Originally posted by Gumshoe
Addendum:
Provided that you don't say some asinine thing like "I love chicago, or I love new york, or the weather in SF is great, thus it's a good fit" I think the above is true. Now, I do understand that you have to seem unique in one way or another. You don't understand how many times, though, people have told me said advice ... I mean, I REALLY wanna be a doctor, that's why I'm going to be a good fit. As long as your school doesn't BLOW, I'll be a good fit.
Gumbo
For schools that have a lot of waitlist movement or those that reveal waitlist ranking, I can see the point of being persistent and bugging them w/ phone calls and letters.Originally posted by Allygator89
If the waitlist is ranked, and it is taken in order, is there any real point in sending LOIs and calling every so often?
I can understand if the waitlists are tiered, but I am having a hard time justifying doing anything when the ones I am on are ranked...
Originally posted by monkeyarms
when you call, just talk to the secretaries and be sure you are nice and enthusiastic. don't worry about annoying anyone; everybody on the waitlist is doing something similar. don't ask to talk to the dean, mostly because it is unlikely you will get him/her on demand. you'll be better served by directing letters and e-mails that way. also, contacting other faculty at the school and asking about the program or research or something can definitely be helpful. one must not forget that adcoms are only groups of people trying their best to pare down a massive group of qualified applicants into a class. many of the faculty talk to each other and the more your name swirls around the better. fatigue is a factor for these committees, and it is a well known fact that persistence pays off. show no shame and be relentless. rather than be annoyed, i think most people will be impressed with your effort. the trick is to be creative with each contact. don't blow your load all at once! as long as you contribute something new to your cause each time, chipping away at the waitlist should pay off. lastly, do not be afraid to show some personality in your correspondence. jokes, sarcasm, emotion, and honesty can all win points for you when done tastefully. this requires a great deal of tact and delicacy, but makes you stand out if you pull it off. best of luck!