Help with waitlist letters

[fishdoggg]

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This message is for those of you who got into school off a waitlist--

I am on the waitlist of some schools I'm desperate to get into. What should I say in my letter to convince them to push me to the top the "alternate pool."

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[siempre595]

The answer is persistence. Just keep sending them stuff, emails, letters, updates about anything you're doing. Make phone calls, email your interviewer, email a dean, etc. Keep doing it, every few weeks. If your name keeps coming up, they won't forget you. I was waitlist queen, and got off 2 great lists. Trust me, the lists are well used at some schools, keep your name on their minds and you'll likely get off one of the lists.

 

[fishdoggg]

thanks very much. what do you say when you call them? just keep asking about your status??

 

[PBMaxx]

Is it too early to start with regular updates, phone calls, or letters? When is a good time to start the WL campaign?? I've sent a letter of intent to my top choice, and am working on interest/update letters to a couple of other schools I've been waitlisted at. Should I keep it up, or wait until the beginning of May?

 

[Hoya11]

Persistence is KEY. Dont just call and be bashful and ask for your status and say thank you very much. "I just wanted to let you know you are my #1 school and if you accepted me I would go. I am sorry to bug you, but I really want to do all that I can to support my application, is there anything else I can do?"

Offer to come in for another interview, they will turn you down, but offer anyway. CAll the person who interviewed you if he/she liked you. Email them, the dean, send additional LORS and write something that shows you want to get in or agree with a certain philosophy or something. Just do something that other applicants arent doing...

 

[ball372]

just from my personal experience: i never called (because I wasn't sure if i would be an annoyance to them), but i sent in updates EVERY two weeks. I made sure to do new things (and continue doing them) so I could write about new experiences, etc. Keep writing and updating them (go out of your way to do new things during that period, and stick to it - so it's not just for one update. Good luck!!!

If needed, you can get one of your mentors, professors, PIs, etc to write you an updated reference letter, as well.