High Alternate Position

[freudianswan]

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I just was told by a school I am a "High Alternate," and that they do expect that they will, eventually, be able to offer me a spot with funding in their program with my POI. While it was noted there was a chance I will not be admitted, it was all, seemingly, prefaced with an expression that I will eventually be offered a spot. Is there any more to this that I am missing? I am relatively excited, but I know I should not get my hopes too elevated...

 

[Member1928]

I would like to think that, although nothing is a guarantee, if a school says that they do expect to admit you, then you're likely in very good shape. Schools usually know, or have some idea, how deep they tend to go in their alternate list. Also, there's always the possibility that your POI is interested in taking two students, but a second offer can't be made until another applicant (to a separate POI) turns down his/her offer.

I think you're in good shape, but don't count your chickens just yet...

 

[freudianswan]

I would like to think that, although nothing is a guarantee, if a school says that they do expect to admit you, then you're likely in very good shape. Schools usually know, or have some idea, how deep they tend to go in their alternate list. Also, there's always the possibility that your POI is interested in taking two students, but a second offer can't be made until another applicant (to a separate POI) turns down his/her offer.

I think you're in good shape, but don't count your chickens just yet...

Thank you for the response! I was looking at the stats, and the program traditionally seems to admit anywhere from 3-6 people from the wait list per year in the last 7 years. Not enough confidence to cancel my lease and change my address, but enough to (maybe) let some of the application stress down 🙂.

 

[calimich]

Thank you for the response! I was looking at the stats, and the program traditionally seems to admit anywhere from 3-6 people from the wait list per year in the last 7 years. Not enough confidence to cancel my lease and change my address, but enough to (maybe) let some of the application stress down 🙂.

Hang in there. When I went through the process several years ago I was notified I was the "first alternate" and that the chances I'd get in were very good. I was also told it may come down to the very last day -- it did. It was an amazing change of plans as my wife and I had already decided on a back-up plan in case I wasn't admitted and were looking at places to live in a different city. I got the call, was offered funding, and accepted on the spot.

As I've moved through the program I've heard similar stories from at least one person in every cohort.
Good luck!!

 

[fresnel]

In some programs the alternates are not clearly ranked although they may be loosely so-perhaps there are some alternates that would be good fits for a couple of different labs, and sometimes some faculty members remain up in the air in terms of how many new students they want. It can get as complicated as a faculty member deciding to admit 2 students if they get So and so, but only one if so and so doesn't come. But, it almost always helps perspective students if they make it clear that they will come if they get an offer--since faculty members know there is a danger that they give an offer to someone who drags their feet for so long that, by the time the decline comes in, every one else is placed. So if you are on an alternate list, convey that there is no place else you'd rather be then in their program.

 

[MCParent]

In some programs the alternates are not clearly ranked although they may be loosely so-perhaps there are some alternates that would be good fits for a couple of different labs, and sometimes some faculty members remain up in the air in terms of how many new students they want. It can get as complicated as a faculty member deciding to admit 2 students if they get So and so, but only one if so and so doesn't come. But, it almost always helps perspective students if they make it clear that they will come if they get an offer--since faculty members know there is a danger that they give an offer to someone who drags their feet for so long that, by the time the decline comes in, every one else is placed. So if you are on an alternate list, convey that there is no place else you'd rather be then in their program.

As a faculty member now, I think most of this is on point except for the "make it clear you would come" part. In my experience, this sort of thing ("this school is my top choice," etc.) is a very easy thing for anyone to say, and I'd give it 0 weight. I'd much rather someone be super clear about good fit with me and the program. There's no way I'd pass up on an offer to an outstanding candidate because I'm afraid zhe would go elsewhere.

But, yes, things are often more up in the air than applicants assume.

 

[fresnel]

Yeah, I agree few PIs would take someone they know is ready to come over someone much better who is an unknown in terms of whether they will come. But, you never can tell. If two students are very close, some might go with the one who has expressed a lot of interest over one that may hold an offer but eventually reject it-leaving the faculty member with an empty slot.