Another long-time lurker emerging from the shadows. Interviewed 28 Jan, decision 9 Feb.
Despite prettylittle's interviewer's assertion, I can confirm from my own decision documents that there
is a priority waitlist. To quote:
"At this point in time, we are unable to offer you a place in the CMED class of 2020 (entering in August 2016). However, we would like to offer you a spot on our priority waitlist, from which offers will be extended as space becomes available. The priority waitlist only contains a handful of applicants and we expect that we will be able to extend offers to this list before the April 30th decision deadline for accepted applicants. You may accept or decline your position on this waitlist using the online admissions system."
"We anticipate that all applicants from the priority waitlist will ultimately be accepted into the CMED class of 2020. No additional updates to your application are needed at this time."
I also know another staffer in my department is on the same priority waitlist, so I don't suspect a misprint or recycling of letters from other admission cycles.
Congrats to all who secured direct admission... the rest of us hope to join you soon!