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Being placed on the waitlist before/without an interview.

Started by BCAA
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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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.