Are updates essentially required on the waitlist?

[frosty42]

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It might vary based on the school, but I just got my first WL so I’m wondering if updates/LOIs are essentially a soft requirement to be accepted off the WL.

I honestly don’t have much to update on so I’m not sure how to go about contacting this school to let them know I’m still very interested. I don’t want to harm my app by sending a BS update, but out of all my interviews, this school is pretty much my top choice.

If I don’t send any letters at all, am I essentially giving up my chance to be accepted (because people who do will be higher priority than myself)?

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

I know it’s probably not the answer that you’re looking for but it depends. Some schools have a ranked waitlist in which the ranking of applicants is determined by the score given by the admissions committee. At these schools, especially ones that don’t rereview candidates, it is unlikely to make a difference.

Other schools like Georgetown want waitlisted candidates to send updates or letters of intent. Old school specific threads can usually help determine which category a school falls into.

 

[YCAGA]

It depends

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Ask the school but realize nothing really moves until the CMYS process begins and applicants have to narrow down to one acceptance.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

placeholder to edit: CYMS process