Being placed on the waitlist before/without an interview.

[BCAA]

Has this happened this cycle? Is it rare?

 

[Waggles]

Yes this does happen. It depends on the school. I believe schools that do this will reevaluate your file at a later date once the interview season has gone forward.

It is better than a rejection!

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

Myself and others have been pre-interview waitlisted at AZCOM. You can check the school specific threads for stats as well as other schools that have done so.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I believe the term is being put on hold, and yes it happens frequently and especially if your application is submitted later and thus put on top of a huge pile.

 

[DrMeows]

I don't think it's that rare. And to agree with the poster above it's called a "hold." I was actually placed on hold at a school, a month later received an interview, and was accepted to that school. So it's not a total death sentence! Send updates and make sure they don't forget you.