How much movement in waiting lists from now until school begins?

[situational]

This was my first application cycle and I ended up waitlisted for two. Definitely is looking grim though; both schools' waiting lists have not moved at all since I was informed I was on the wait list in March. For those more experienced with the application cycle, how rare is it for someone to get in from the waitlist? Is there always a chance of someone declining for a better school, and then not bothering to inform the previous school? I'd like to keep my hopes up, but it's dwindling and I am dreading having to go through the entire process once again.

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[nicolej5]

This was my first application cycle and I ended up waitlisted for two. Definitely is looking grim though; both schools' waiting lists have not moved at all since I was informed I was on the wait list in March. For those more experienced with the application cycle, how rare is it for someone to get in from the waitlist? Is there always a chance of someone declining for a better school, and then not bothering to inform the previous school? I'd like to keep my hopes up, but it's dwindling and I am dreading having to go through the entire process once again.

Your username says it best. It's situational. Call both the schools, ask how many were pulled from the list last year and ask if they foresee any further movement this year. Plain and simple.

 

[flypt]

This was my first application cycle and I ended up waitlisted for two. Definitely is looking grim though; both schools' waiting lists have not moved at all since I was informed I was on the wait list in March. For those more experienced with the application cycle, how rare is it for someone to get in from the waitlist? Is there always a chance of someone declining for a better school, and then not bothering to inform the previous school? I'd like to keep my hopes up, but it's dwindling and I am dreading having to go through the entire process once again.

Hey I totally understand where you're coming from. I too am waitlisted at two schools and I'm feeling like I may have to reapply..

 

[jamesmr8138]

I actually received a call from Widener University today offering me a spot, but I turned them down since I committed elsewhere. I've gotten two offers in the past two weeks, so you still have a good chance. Plus most programs that I have talked to claim that every year they always offer a seat or two a few weeks before class begins.

 

[pubicsymphysis]

Did they rank the wait list? It honestly depends where you stand. I would say those who hear back a week or two before school starts are rare. When I was on the wait list, I asked my ranking and how many they pull off the wait list annually. It helped me gauge where I stand.

 

[situational]

Your username says it best. It's situational. Call both the schools, ask how many were pulled from the list last year and ask if they foresee any further movement this year. Plain and simple.

Thanks. I found out that for one program, they took about 1/3 of their actual class in the end from the waiting list, and right now, there are less than twenty on the list including me. However, how many students had already been taken from the waitlist was not given out to me.

I honestly didn't want to call until you suggested it. I felt that perhaps my chances would be lowered if I bothered them that much, as in "Oh, it's this guy, the one who keeps pestering us about the waitlist status." Haha 😛

 

[situational]

Did they rank the wait list? It honestly depends where you stand. I would say those who hear back a week or two before school starts are rare. When I was on the wait list, I asked my ranking and how many they pull off the wait list annually. It helped me gauge where I stand.

From what I understand, there are less than 20 people on the list for this program, and no ranking; they review all the candidates each time there is a change.

 

[nicolej5]

Thanks. I found out that for one program, they took about 1/3 of their actual class in the end from the waiting list, and right now, there are less than twenty on the list including me. However, how many students had already been taken from the waitlist was not given out to me.

I honestly didn't want to call until you suggested it. I felt that perhaps my chances would be lowered if I bothered them that much, as in "Oh, it's this guy, the one who keeps pestering us about the waitlist status." Haha 😛

If anything they would say "oh hey it's that guy who's very interested in our program and hopes to get in...I remember him!" There's nothing wrong with being ancy and on a waitlist. Just always be respectful and thank them for their time 🙂

 

[FuturePT1]

I got an offer from 2 schools after being on their waitlists. Keep your head up 🙂

 

[Azimuthal]

I have heard stories about acceptance offers that were made a few days before the program orientation. If not local, be prepared for rapid relocation.

 

[situational]

I have heard stories about acceptance offers that were made a few days before the program orientation. If not local, be prepared for rapid relocation.

I'm really hoping that will be the case. The program said usually most waitlist changes will be by June 28th, but I am free to remain on the waitlist until the first week of school. A couple of my friends got accepted into different schools (law, medicine, etc), and some of them have received acceptances at several places, but did not bother to inform the prior programs that they accepted the offer to that they are going elsewhere, which I hope may be the case for me. I am definitely ready to travel across the country with nothing but a backpack and suitcase of clothes in a day's notice if need be.