2013 Waitlist Blues

[Psychonergic]

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Waitlist Blues, Revisited. I have seen these threads for past years, and figure it's appropriate to continue the tradition for those of us who share that special academic purgatory known as "the waitlist". This is my second year applying, and every application has resulted in rejection, except for the school I was most excited for. The school has a history of making offers to quite a few students on the waitlist (possibly geography related). All of my interactions with the DCT have been incredibly positive and assuring - fingers crossed! Anybody else out there in the same pickle?

 

[cara susanna]

I actually started the first Waitlist Blues thread back in 2009. I still remember how difficult those few weeks were. It turned out well for me and I hope it does for you guys as well!

 

[Psychonergic]

I appreciate that thread, too. I read a decent portion of it and had the dual experience of anxiety and hope - sounds like the makings of a Kierkegaard essay, right? Also, I was more optimistic when I realized we were waitlisted at the same program, only in different years.

 

[Promotetruth]

If you are on the waiting list you may be able to improve your chances by showing interest. This is especially true if you are wait listed at a PHD program that accepts few students or one that uses a mentorship model. Typically each faculty member establishes a list of a few potential "accept"'s but the program usually can't exceed the number of funded slots they have so each faculty member (sometimes with approval of the entire faculty) conveys offers but must wait to see if one is accepted or not before moving to the next on the list. Valuable time is wasted if someone holds an offer and ends up declining. So, faculty try to keep others on their line, so to speak, so that those on their waiting list don't accept other offers. At the same time, faculty are trying to figure out which is their next best pick, if the one currently holding a position declines it. If they move to someone else marginally interested in their program, they will likely loss the others they view as acceptable. So, short of promising you a slot, they try to keep you interested by conveying that you are likely to get an offer (without saying it directly). So, given 2 students who may be close, or even not, but both acceptable, the faculty member will likely go for the one he or she thinks is most likely to accept the offer since they surely will end up with nobody if they extend an offer to the wrong person. That is the game. Give it right back. Convey strong interest to any programs you really want to go to-since the faculty at each are doing the same to the students. Spend your time reading the faculty member's research and message their egos. If, on the other hand you are really low on their list, conveying interest can't hurt because you are unlikely to get an offer any way. So, don't worry that showing interest will make you seem less attractive as a candidate. It won't.

 

[cara susanna]

I appreciate that thread, too. I read a decent portion of it and had the dual experience of anxiety and hope - sounds like the makings of a Kierkegaard essay, right? Also, I was more optimistic when I realized we were waitlisted at the same program, only in different years.

Glad it made you feel some hope (even if mixed with anxiety)!

If it is the program I'm at now, you definitely have a good chance--a lot of people turn down offers due to the less-than-desirable geographic location.

 

[PhD 4 Me Plz]

I made the "alternate pool" at U. of Akron and North Dakota Counseling Psychology PhD programs. I was wondering if anyone could ease my restless uncertainty with this process. If you are familiar with this form of "academic purgatory" please help with any details.

 

[141811]

Glad it made you feel some hope (even if mixed with anxiety)!

If it is the program I'm at now, you definitely have a good chance--a lot of people turn down offers due to the less-than-desirable geographic location.

I am waitlisted as a high alternate (whatever that means) at George Mason. Does anyone know what the chances are, generally speaking or specific to this school? This experience has been crushing.

 

[Psychonergic]

Glad it made you feel some hope (even if mixed with anxiety)!

If it is the program I'm at now, you definitely have a good chance--a lot of people turn down offers due to the less-than-desirable geographic location.

That is truly refreshing to hear. Some of us actually enjoy intense winters, and I'm thankful for the folks who don't. Still, as the days pass, I imagine that I will become more fidgety. Fingers crossed!

 

[Psychonergic]

I am waitlisted as a high alternate (whatever that means) at George Mason. Does anyone know what the chances are, generally speaking or specific to this school? This experience has been crushing.

Congratulations for making it to this point of the process! I'd look carefully at the admissions stats from George Mason and compare how many offers were made to the incoming class. If you find that many more offers were made than the number of matriculants, I'd say you're in a good space. Good luck!

 

[member9184]

I have been wait listed at my top choice program, and I am finding the waiting to be so extremely difficult. I am in a interesting situation, in that I was told I am the first alternate for my POI (that's not the interesting part🙂) and that I will be the person given an offer if my POI has a chance to extend another offer.

Here is the main problem, I will be getting married this May My fiance will also be graduating law school this May. To get a job my fiance must past the bar in the state we will be living in, and each state has a deadline for when you can register for the bar. Each state also has a fee for registering for the bar (a fee of over 1,000 dollars per bar exam) The state deadline for registering for the bar is April 1st. This puts me in a difficult situation because I can only wait until March 31st to hear back from my POI.

I am clearly in a situation in which a person sitting on their offer for a long time is extremely detrimental, because if the person waits until April 1st or after to decline I have lost my opportunity to take an offer from this school.

Needless to say, waiting has been very hard for me

 

[PhDMiss2014]

I have been wait listed at my top choice program, and I am finding the waiting to be so extremely difficult. I am in a interesting situation, in that I was told I am the first alternate for my POI (that's not the interesting part🙂) and that I will be the person given an offer if my POI has a chance to extend another offer.

Here is the main problem, I will be getting married this May My fiance will also be graduating law school this May. To get a job my fiance must past the bar in the state we will be living in, and each state has a deadline for when you can register for the bar. Each state also has a fee for registering for the bar (a fee of over 1,000 dollars per bar exam) The state deadline for registering for the bar is April 1st. This puts me in a difficult situation because I can only wait until March 31st to hear back from my POI.

I am clearly in a situation in which a person sitting on their offer for a long time is extremely detrimental, because if the person waits until April 1st or after to decline I have lost my opportunity to take an offer from this school.

Needless to say, waiting has been very hard for me

The year I applied the person sat on their offer until the end of March before releasing it so that the offer could then be extended to me. Waiting was the second most stressful thing I've gone through. The first being the match process this year. Good luck to you !

 

[Promotetruth]

Concrete suggestions 1) If you know that you would accept an offer at a particular school let them know so they have you in mind as their next pick if an offer is declined. 2) Do not let programs know if the reason you know you'd go is that you have not gotten in else where. 3) If you are wait listed at your top rated place but you have gotten other offers call Top Pick and let them know you are holding offers, feeing pressured, but really want to be at Top Pick. 4)Don't be discouraged if you were told you'd get Dr. Bigshot's next offer but now heard someone else received an offer from that same program-because faculty usually divide up the lines so your best bet is for someone earmarked for the same lab to decline. 5)if you get an offer make sure it is one you want by reading the program's literature, reading the disclosure tables and asking the hard questions.

 

[snowcherries]

Concrete suggestions 1) If you know that you would accept an offer at a particular school let them know so they have you in mind as their next pick if an offer is declined. 2) Do not let programs know if the reason you know you'd go is that you have not gotten in else where. 3) If you are wait listed at your top rated place but you have gotten other offers call Top Pick and let them know you are holding offers, feeing pressured, but really want to be at Top Pick. 4)Don't be discouraged if you were told you'd get Dr. Bigshot's next offer but now heard someone else received an offer from that same program-because faculty usually divide up the lines so your best bet is for someone earmarked for the same lab to decline. 5)if you get an offer make sure it is one you want by reading the program's literature, reading the disclosure tables and asking the hard questions.

This is great advice, especially points 1 and 3. Last year at around this time, I was holding an offer from a school I really liked and was waitlisted at my first choice. I sent them an email letting them know that while I had other offers, School X was my first choice and I would remain on the waitlist for as long as necessary. They responded with the news that I was first on the waitlist, which raised my hopes a lot. Ultimately, I only had to wait about a week before being accepted to that school, and I'm really enjoying my time as a first year there now. Let your top choice know that you're interested and don't lose hope!

 

[member9184]

I just received an email telling me I have been accepted off of the wait list!! I am beyond thrilled!

 

[Psychonergic]

I just received an email telling me I have been accepted off of the wait list!! I am beyond thrilled!

Miracles do happen! Congrats!

 

[PsychedTriGirl]

.

 

[somedaypsych]

...

 

[smearedblackink]

.

 

[Enk5]

I'm an alternate at both Louisville and Texas Tech. I really liked the programs at both and would love the opportunity to get in at either.

 

[Psychonergic]

Seems like there was a lot of activity on gradcafe, today. Can't help but imagine the shifts that happen across the country with even a single acceptance. There's got to be better ways of passing the time!

 

[Syphax]

I am on the wait-list for my top choice but have a good offer elsewhere. So I am biting my nails to find out whether I got in, but I am not completely overwhelmed with anxiety like I would be if I hadn't received any offers.

Still it would be nice to have some certainty so I can make concrete plans with my family.

 

[A Nony Mouse]

....

 

[futurecatlady]

Just got off the wait list for my first choice! No more academic purgatory for me!

 

[Psychonergic]

Just got off the wait list for my first choice! No more academic purgatory for me!

Congrats! Today seems like it's been a busy day for acceptances...hopefully there is more good news to come for many wait-listers!

 

[futurecatlady]

Thank you!
I'm sure there'll be more good news on this thread pretty soon. 🙂

 

[compassionate1]

Another wait - list hopeful here too.

Good news to all!

Compassionate1

 

[Emia]

I have been placed on the alternate list for my top choice as well. I have no idea where i stand on that list since the answer to my question was that they don't necessarily place their alternate list applicants in order. does any one of you know what that mean?

 

[Psychonergic]

I have been placed on the alternate list for my top choice as well. I have no idea where i stand on that list since the answer to my question was that they don't necessarily place their alternate list applicants in order. does any one of you know what that mean?

That's a puzzling response. Perhaps acting on the advice of previous posters is worth considering i.e. reinforcing your interest in the program & affirming that you will enroll if made an offer.

 

[lmbarbar]

That's a puzzling response. Perhaps acting on the advice of previous posters is worth considering i.e. reinforcing your interest in the program & affirming that you will enroll if made an offer.

You might be an alternate for a specific student. I have seen that happen, as welll.

 

[Psychonergic]

If you are dreading the weekend because administrative offices are closed....then you might be on a wait-list.

 

[xyzpsych]

It sucks that you are waitlisted by your top school and have no other offers at this point, that you are an international student and you can't possibly find a job with an MA in counseling in the States ('cause no one wants to bother to sponsor your work visa). However, you still might want to try it out and thus delaying going back home. If I don't get accepted and don't find a job within 1 year, I'll go home, but I'm not sure what I'll do--we don't have a mature counseling profession, and you still need a doctorate to be able to work in the good agencies.

So I'm figuring life out... Glad to hear some similar anxieties here (though not entirely overlapping...)

 

[Psychadelic2012]

I have been placed on the alternate list for my top choice as well. I have no idea where i stand on that list since the answer to my question was that they don't necessarily place their alternate list applicants in order. does any one of you know what that mean?

Programs that aren't "mentor-model" programs will do that. If you didn't apply to a specific professor, this is probably the case. I think they tend to shuffle the waitlist around based on who accepts, to get the best mix (whatever that means) in the incoming class/cohort.

 

[Emia]

Thank you all for your replies. I did apply to a specific professor of interest.

 

[yikehulaha]

Got wait-listed at Penn State a month ago as the first alternate and am still waiting for the person who got the offer to decline so that I can have the offer...I want to go to PSU so badly 🙁

 

[Psychonergic]

Got wait-listed at Penn State a month ago as the first alternate and am still waiting for the person who got the offer to decline so that I can have the offer...I want to go to PSU so badly 🙁

I hear ya! PSU has some very interesting research going on, and I'm sure your spot on the waitlist is coveted. Time is still on our side...hang in there!

 

[cam88]

I hear ya! PSU has some very interesting research going on, and I'm sure your spot on the waitlist is coveted. Time is still on our side...hang in there!

On grad cafe I noticed a week ago someone posted their POI had let them know all offers had been accepted. Same day I received an email from my POI saying I would not be getting an offer (I had also been told i was an alternate).

 

[xyzpsych]

On grad cafe I noticed a week ago someone posted their POI had let them know all offers had been accepted. Same day I received an email from my POI saying I would not be getting an offer (I had also been told i was an alternate).

Do you by any chance know how many they waitlisted and how many of the waitlisters eventually got accepted?

Thanks😍

 

[yikehulaha]

On grad cafe I noticed a week ago someone posted their POI had let them know all offers had been accepted. Same day I received an email from my POI saying I would not be getting an offer (I had also been told i was an alternate).

I emailed my POI every two weeks for updates on the offer status, and I was told I am still the first on the list. I guess each lab has their own list of waitlist...

 

[xyzpsych]

If you are on the waiting list you may be able to improve your chances by showing interest. This is especially true if you are wait listed at a PHD program that accepts few students or one that uses a mentorship model. Typically each faculty member establishes a list of a few potential "accept"'s but the program usually can't exceed the number of funded slots they have so each faculty member (sometimes with approval of the entire faculty) conveys offers but must wait to see if one is accepted or not before moving to the next on the list. Valuable time is wasted if someone holds an offer and ends up declining. So, faculty try to keep others on their line, so to speak, so that those on their waiting list don't accept other offers. At the same time, faculty are trying to figure out which is their next best pick, if the one currently holding a position declines it. If they move to someone else marginally interested in their program, they will likely loss the others they view as acceptable. So, short of promising you a slot, they try to keep you interested by conveying that you are likely to get an offer (without saying it directly). So, given 2 students who may be close, or even not, but both acceptable, the faculty member will likely go for the one he or she thinks is most likely to accept the offer since they surely will end up with nobody if they extend an offer to the wrong person. That is the game. Give it right back. Convey strong interest to any programs you really want to go to-since the faculty at each are doing the same to the students. Spend your time reading the faculty member's research and message their egos. If, on the other hand you are really low on their list, conveying interest can't hurt because you are unlikely to get an offer any way. So, don't worry that showing interest will make you seem less attractive as a candidate. It won't.

Thanks for the advice! It actually made me think that I should email to reiterate my interest. However, I want them to know that I'm very interested in their program, but I don't want to come off as too desperate or pushy. What suggestions do you have about how we email them? And how often would you think is a good amount of waiting period?

Thank you!!

 

[xyzpsych]

This is great advice, especially points 1 and 3. Last year at around this time, I was holding an offer from a school I really liked and was waitlisted at my first choice. I sent them an email letting them know that while I had other offers, School X was my first choice and I would remain on the waitlist for as long as necessary. They responded with the news that I was first on the waitlist, which raised my hopes a lot. Ultimately, I only had to wait about a week before being accepted to that school, and I'm really enjoying my time as a first year there now. Let your top choice know that you're interested and don't lose hope!

Hi there,

Could you give some suggestions on how we actually email them? I don't have another offer from another program and I'm only waitlisted at this one program. I want to re-iterate my interest, but doesn't want to sound too desperate or pushy--even though I really DON'T have another option. And, how often would you say is a good frequency of contacting them? PS, I haven't contacted them yet since I was told about my status the on 3/4.

Thanks!!

 

[Emia]

Hi there,

Could you give some suggestions on how we actually email them? I don't have another offer from another program and I'm only waitlisted at this one program. I want to re-iterate my interest, but doesn't want to sound too desperate or pushy--even though I really DON'T have another option. And, how often would you say is a good frequency of contacting them? PS, I haven't contacted them yet since I was told about my status the on 3/4.

Thanks!!

I could really benefit from a sample email too. I have been contacting my POI every 2 weeks, is it good frequency?

 

[compassionate1]

Just a timely reminder of the wisdom of Dr. Suess:
( I hope this helps someone smile)

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

From "Oh, The Places You'll Go" By Dr. Suess

PS 1. I think this book should be required reading for all Grad students.
2. When Dr. Suess claimed that the Waiting Place is not for someone as bright as you... what did he have in mind? My take on it is that while waiting sometimes cannot be avoided, we still get to choose our attitude towards it... Try to go on with your life, as much as possible ( Say, check The Grad Cafe only once a hour, instead of every five minutes...Every little bit helps).

Compassionate1

 

[Psychonergic]

Just a timely reminder of the wisdom of Dr. Suess:
( I hope this helps someone smile)

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

From "Oh, The Places You'll Go" By Dr. Suess

PS 1. I think this book should be required reading for all Grad students.
2. When Dr. Suess claimed that the Waiting Place is not for someone as bright as you... what did he have in mind? My take on it is that while waiting sometimes cannot be avoided, we still get to choose our attitude towards it... Try to go on with your life, as much as possible ( Say, check The Grad Cafe only once a hour, instead of every five minutes...Every little bit helps).

Compassionate1

Thank you for this, it did make me smile! Something to meditate on over the next month and couple of days. *hanging in there*

 

[Psychonergic]

March 15th...we all know what that means: one more month!

 

[compassionate1]

Thank you for this, it did make me smile! Something to meditate on over the next month and couple of days. *hanging in there*

You are welcome! 🙂

Another attempt at humor:

On The Grad Cafe, some people just post acceptance / rejection / wait-list. Others, have added comments -- some more interesting ( and more polite) than others.

And the winner of this week goes to: The person who posted that it is ok that this did not work out because: "Anyway, NY would not be a good environment to raise my cats"!!! ( emphasis mine).

I mean, really people, (especially those resorting to completely trashing the school they just got rejected from): Just because the posts are anonymous does not mean it is OK to lose dignity. If you really thought that a certain program is so terrible, why did you bother applying there in the first place?

Just a point to ponder and a reminder for all that how we handle the process is also telling of who we are as people and prospective psychologists.

Peace 🙂

Compassionate1

PS 1. Just realized that the cat commented was not posted by a Psych applicant. 2. Just to clarify: The statement above about people trashing the program they got rejected from is not directed at anyone here, or at anyone in particular. Reading such comments made me think, though, about the importance of keeping oneself in check. The process matters as much as the outcome.

 

[compassionate1]

March 15th...we all know what that means: one more month!

Thanks. What's one month in the big scheme of things?

Hang in there everyone,

Compassionate1

 

[psych for path]

.

 

[somedaypsych]

What do you suggest doing when you have 1 strong offer and 1 strong waitlist spot? My situation is that the POI from the school where i've been offerred a spot is in close communication with me regarding the status of my acceptance of the offer and I'm not sure what to say anymore without disclosing that I am on a waitlist that I am strongly considering if offerred that spot. I feel like the time is ticking and it is becoming obvious that I'm considering other options, but I am extremely happy with the offer and don't want to seem ungrateful (and will definitely be taking it if I don't get off this waitlist, and very much might either way). However, it could be weeks before I know the status of the waitlist school.

why not email the school where you are waitlisted, letting them know you have another offer? maybe they will provide you with your spot on the WL.

i think programs are quite used to waiting for decisions. in fact, carefully weighing your options and taking your time is a prudent choice, since you are making a 5 + year commitment. i wouldn't think your POI would interpret this as ungrateful.

 

[PhDMiss2014]

Have you been in communication with the waitlist POI? I would contact him/her and explain your situation. Stressing that you'd much rather accept their offer if you ever get off the wait list ! Ask where you stand on the wait list and if any movement is happening. Hopefully, that POI will be honest with you and give you an indication of exactly where you stand, so that you can accept the current offer and not leave that POI hanging or make an informed decision to give the waitlist program more time. Good luck.

 

[psych for path]

.