2009 wait-list blues thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Thanks Freudianslip and CaraSusana, I will reply and wait until 4/1. I suppose it would appear a bit anxious and annoying- and I am none of those things... really!!! 😎 lol, at least I can sit on my hands and make it seem that way until they accept me. :laugh: Thanks for your advice!
 
argh...i'm hoping its not a super strict mentorship model...they like people to have a "secondary" mentor and encourage people to work in more than one lab, even though you do start off with one specific mentor.

is it nuts that I'm trying to send out "good vibes" to whoever this girl is, hoping she gets into some fantastic other school that is her first choice with a million dollar stipend so she can turn this school down? hehe...

good vibes mystery girl...good vibes

:laugh: I like the way you think! I think I'll give it a try, seems a little more humane than some of the other methods.
 
thank you poang and olivia 🙂 i got an email this morning for an acceptance to the suffolk clinical psych program!
 
Okay, so I'm now on four waitlists. I feel like the eternal bridesmaid 🙁


I'll probably be in the same boat soon. I'm currently waitlisted at three schools, but it has been a long time since I've heard from the last school I am waiting on and I think they sent out some admits and rejections already. This in my experience means I am waitlisted.

Hey, but on the bright side, the odds look good. It is very likely that you are going to be accepted somewhere. Good Luck:luck:
 
So... my top choice school sent me an e-mail informing me that there was a "very good chance we'll be making you an offer in the near future." Five days later, BAM rejection 🙁

This morning, I got an e-mail from another school telling me that they're still sending out acceptances and that I'm "definitely in their top list."

Needless to say, I'm not holding my breath. Geez, this whole process has made me so cynical!
 
I know what you mean! I had schools say that they really liked me and I was a good candidate blah blah blah, then not accept me.
 
Last edited:
Hi guys,

I don't know if anyone is still interested but I had to turn down Hofstra so hopefully this will open up a spot for someone.
Good luck!
 
So... my top choice school sent me an e-mail informing me that there was a "very good chance we'll be making you an offer in the near future." Five days later, BAM rejection 🙁

This morning, I got an e-mail from another school telling me that they're still sending out acceptances and that I'm "definitely in their top list."

Needless to say, I'm not holding my breath. Geez, this whole process has made me so cynical!

Oh I know what you mean! My top choice emailed me with a fellowship offer. Then two weeks later with a financial aid award. When I called to find out if that means that I am accepted, they said no, it's "in case."

I think after this process is over, I'll *need* more help than I'll need to offer.
 
Oh I know what you mean! My top choice emailed me with a fellowship offer. Then two weeks later with a financial aid award. When I called to find out if that means that I am accepted, they said no, it's "in case."

I think after this process is over, I'll *need* more help than I'll need to offer.

That is down right evil. 😡 Maybe you shouldn't go there even if they decide to admit you. That sounds a little too weird to me.
 
I was just waitlisted at my 4th school. Ughhhh.... I can't take the waiting! And now it is the weekend. Hopefully lots of people are thinking of their acceptances and making some decisions for Monday. It's crazy to feel like you could make it this far and not get in. The good news is that as of Sunday we officially only have 1 more month to wait!
 
Haha, you know you're a grad school applicant when you actually are like "Aw man, it's the WEEKEND." 😉
 
For those mentioning being waitlisted at numerous schools, would you mind shedding some light on which ones? If there is some reason you would like to remain anonymous, that's understandable, but if not it might be beneficial to know which schools have already waitlisted people...
 
For those mentioning being waitlisted at numerous schools, would you mind shedding some light on which ones? If there is some reason you would like to remain anonymous, that's understandable, but if not it might be beneficial to know which schools have already waitlisted people...

UMass Amherst, DePaul, Auburn, West Virginia University
 
Thanks......I forgot to add "Good Luck!" Being waitlisted at multiple schools is definitely still a positive. I hope it works out for everyone.
 
Hey, this is far off, but when I do email for a status update (if I have to, that is), should I mention that it's my top choice? At this point it's my only option, true, but it was my top choice before I knew that...
 
I'm waitlisted at:

UC Santa Barbara
Univ of Montana
Sam Houston State Univ
New Mexico State Univ (Counseling)

Apparently, I'm 1st alternate for two of these programs. Ugh, just waiting and keeping my fingers crossed.
 
Last edited:
Hey, this is far off, but when I do email for a status update (if I have to, that is), should I mention that it's my top choice? At this point it's my only option, true, but it was my top choice before I knew that...

I did, and the DCT was very encouraging, it didn't seem to hurt anything. I wrote that I had another offer, but that school was my top choice and the DCT told me that I was an alternate, but that if they're my top choice then I shouldn't feel bad about holding off on the other offer until close to April 15th because nothing is final at this point.
 
For those on these lists: SIUC and U of Montana, I declined offers there, so hopefully you'll move up!

Today I found out I am an alternate at my 1st choice, and the POI said it's common for alternates to get offers (there were only a couple of us applying to the lab). BUT I also have an offer from my second choice, which I feel like I need to say yes or no to soon--is it okay to hold out a little longer to see if I move up the list on my 1st choice? How long? I'd hate for the lab at my 2nd choice to not get a student b/c they are all snatched up if I say no too late. I hate this pressure. Also, if I do wait a bit longer, what do you say to the POI at the 2nd choice school when they call to see where you are in the process?
 
PsyGirl: Problem is I don't have any other offers, so there's no real "reason" to bring it up.

jclinical: Have you told your 1st choice that you have an offer from another school and, therefore, would like to know what your chances are/status is/etc?
 
Hi guys! Today is officially one month before the misery of waiting ends!
 
Hi guys! Today is officially one month before the misery of waiting ends!

Not exactly, people have until April 15th, according to the APA, to make decisions. Once the decisions are made, it will take some additional time for schools to get back to waitlisted applicants.

I learned from some people of another reason which delays waitlisted applicants from hearing one way ro the other: people who were accepted did not initially hear about their funding. These accepted applicants can't make a decision because they are waiting to see how much money they will receive from the school.
 
😀 Hey guys, I was waitlisted at the last school I had left in my options, and recieved an offer for admission today. The first choice applicant has decided to go elsewhere (and i am SO happy he made his decision early!) so keep your head up!! Good luck!!
 
Congrats, PsychStudent!

GiantSteps: I know, but at least after April 15 it will not be THAT much longer, I hope.
 
Hi Guys! Talked to the program director on Friday. She called me and was very nice, saying how much they liked me (if only it meant something...🙄). She said that I might need to wait till the middle of April.....So far no one has rejected the offer...I asked how many usually reject, she answered that usually 1-2-3 applicants reject their offers...I only can hope that 2 persons would like to go somewhere else....

In any case I will accept their Master's degree offer if I don't get the PhD spot. The directot told me that competition between BA applicants is much higher, than between MA/MS applicants. And they mainly have BA applicants....and offer 4 spots for BA applicants and 4 spots for MA applicants...
 
Yes, I may go the MS route as well (at another school, though) if I don't get admitted off of the waitlist.
 
Is anyone facing this situation... you get accepted into program A, but would rather go to school B, where you are waitlisted...you have to accept on April 15th at school A, but still have a shot at getting into school B on say, the 16th? Arrrggg
 
That is frustrating indeed! If it were me, I probably wouldn't talk to the people at school A as rainedallnight suggested. If you end up going there, it might be really awkward if you don't get into B and then must go to school A. I wouldn't really want that following me for a few years especially if my POI knew about it. If i were in your situation, I would probably just accept offer A. There are no guarantees with offer B and there is no way of knowing that offer B will ever come to fruition. If offer A is a school you could see yourself happy attending, it might be best to just get this whole process over with.But then again, I hate ruminating and I'd probably be ruminating about this constantly if I had this going on. As April 15th approaches, think about this :if two schools want you, you're obviously a very intelligent person. You don't want to end up going nowhere. Also, have you heard back from all of your schools or would you still have some you'd be wanting to go to more than these two?
 
Last edited:
Is anyone facing this situation... you get accepted into program A, but would rather go to school B, where you are waitlisted...you have to accept on April 15th at school A, but still have a shot at getting into school B on say, the 16th? Arrrggg

Sounds very frustrating! Have you discussed any of this with the DCT or your POI at school A? They may be willing to give you a bit of time after 4/15 given the extenuating circumstances. I know that would put you in the awkward position of implying to them that their program isn't necessarily your #1 choice. In my experience, though, faculty are pretty understanding of the fact that their program isn't going to be every applicant's first choice, and that situations like this will arise. And at any rate, they're not going to revoke your offer just because they find out they weren't your first choice. I would maybe wait until a week or so before 4/15, and if you still haven't heard from school B, then bring up the issue with school A.
 
For those on these lists: SIUC and U of Montana, I declined offers there, so hopefully you'll move up!

Today I found out I am an alternate at my 1st choice, and the POI said it's common for alternates to get offers (there were only a couple of us applying to the lab). BUT I also have an offer from my second choice, which I feel like I need to say yes or no to soon--is it okay to hold out a little longer to see if I move up the list on my 1st choice? How long? I'd hate for the lab at my 2nd choice to not get a student b/c they are all snatched up if I say no too late. I hate this pressure. Also, if I do wait a bit longer, what do you say to the POI at the 2nd choice school when they call to see where you are in the process?

Yeah-- I'm in exactly the same situation. Argh! I have no idea how to handle this and still have a good relationship with the POI at school #2 if I get accepted at school #1. Advice??!!
 
Same situation here. The DCT kept pressing me for a reason why I was sitting on the offer, so I finally told him (honestly) that I was waitlisted at another great school .
 
Last edited:
I just declined an offer at the Queens College clinical neuropsychology program. So hopefully that will result in good news for someone on the waitlist!

This was after I was accepted at UIC after originally being an alternate -- so keep hope, it really does happen!
 
Has anyone else heard back from St. Louis U in regards to being accepted/rejected/waitlisted?

They told me I has a "high alternate" for admission and I'm going crazy since no one else seems to have heard from them.
 
FYI I turned down an offer from LIU and removed myself from the waiting list at American...hope that opens up some spots for others!!
 
Wanted to let those waiting know that I released an offer today. Best of luck to you!
 
Yeah-- I'm in exactly the same situation. Argh! I have no idea how to handle this and still have a good relationship with the POI at school #2 if I get accepted at school #1. Advice??!!


I seriously developed an eye twitch this weekend after finding out I'm first alternate at my first choice and the POI at my (now) second choice where I have an offer is clearly getting anxious/agitated that I haven't decided yet and want to hold off a bit more.

I'm following the rules: only one offer in hand, declining other offers quickly, keeping schools updated...I have until April 15th, dangit! But of course sitting on an offer until then would stink (not just for me but for all the bottlenecked out there). Not to mention, it seems to be wrecking havoc on my relationship with the 2nd choice POI--what do you say: "I like the other school more, you'll have to wait on me longer even if it means losing all your possible alternates".

Maybe this thread should be called Bottleneck Blues.
 
Hey now, some of us don't have the luxury of a second choice giving us an offer, so it's staying "Wait-list blues" 😉
 
Just got word that I'm on the waitlist at Northeastern in the counseling PhD program. I'm getting jealous of all of you who've been accepted off of the list! I had 6 interviews (4 clinical and 2 counseling) and only 2 prospects left-both of which I'm on the "list" for.

And too bad that UMass turn-down wasn't for my POI! I was first on the list there, but the person who got the offer for the lab I wanted accepted it. Sometimes I feel like this is sooo similar to winning the lottery.
 
Hi folks. I just withdrew my offer to a PsyD program in New England. If you want to know the specific name, feel free to PM me. Good luck everyone. As a 2nd time applicant, I know the waiting game is brutal.

Peace.😎
 
I wanted to post this because I am almost done with my TOP clinical Ph.D program. This process can be blinding. Ph.D's in clinical psych are not all cracked up to what people think it is like. This process that you are going through now will be one you will go through for internship and for the job market. It does not get easier once you get in. I remember applying to Johns Hopkins post-bacc program and now realized I should have taken it. After acceptance into that program they immediately take you into their connections with med school (GW Med, Rochester Med). You have so many more options and respect. I am 29 now and I feel like it is a large possibility that I will STILL go to med school. You are at a turning point in your lives, really take a step back to see if the life you are living now is the life you want for the next 5-6 years and past that. I hope I am not bursting your happiness and dream bubbles, but what I wouldn't have given for someone to say this to me when I was in your position...
 
Thanks, but I think that most of us have decided it's worth it or we wouldn't be putting ourselves through this torture.
 
Anyone heard from Georgia State University? I'm still waiting, I got a vague response that I was an alternate when I emailed the DCT, but no real details, and it's too soon to bug them again.
 
Last edited:
For anyone wait-listed at BGSU, I just turned down an offer
 
I wanted to post this because I am almost done with my TOP clinical Ph.D program. This process can be blinding. Ph.D's in clinical psych are not all cracked up to what people think it is like. This process that you are going through now will be one you will go through for internship and for the job market. It does not get easier once you get in. I remember applying to Johns Hopkins post-bacc program and now realized I should have taken it. After acceptance into that program they immediately take you into their connections with med school (GW Med, Rochester Med). You have so many more options and respect. I am 29 now and I feel like it is a large possibility that I will STILL go to med school. You are at a turning point in your lives, really take a step back to see if the life you are living now is the life you want for the next 5-6 years and past that. I hope I am not bursting your happiness and dream bubbles, but what I wouldn't have given for someone to say this to me when I was in your position...

I think this is good advice! I read this and interpreted it as "if you have the impression that you're being tortured and can barely handle another moment, then sorry but there's only more ahead!"

Just because you're "willing" to put yourself through this "torture" once doesn't mean you're handling the torture well (and only you can know that) and doesn't mean that you're going to handle it well for the next 10+ years, which seems vital.

It's definitely something I thought about while on interviews because so many of them were RIGHT before match day.
 
No, it's not torture--I just was feeling down when I wrote that. And I meant the waitlist, not the application process. The waitlist is the worst, IMO. Some days are better than others, of course. This is the "wait-list blues" thread, where we're most likely to post our complaints, so it's not going to seem like the most well-rounded and rational thread.

And wouldn't this be more pertinent information for people who were accepted?
 
Last edited:
Top