How static are the waitlists?

[Spelbo420]

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I was told today I am in the first 20 of a waitlist...just curious as to how the waitlists typically move, and if my chances are decent...this was my only interview, so I gotta take it or leave it

 

[Spelbo420]

Also, I have been told the deadline to accept everyone at schools is May 15...they told me to wait to reply with any correspondence until late April or early May, because they will not know anything much else until then...so, is the ball out of my court (since I am already ranked on the waitlist), or do I need to send something else (new rec letter, thank you email, etc.) to take action...sorry if these answers have already been posted, as I am not around much

 

[jennie 21]

It really depends on the school. Some schools have more movement off the waitlist than others. I think on average schools take anywhere from 20-40% of their classes off the waitlist, but it really varies from school to school. I'd say that if you're one of the top 20 people on the waitlist you probably have a good shot, though! Good luck!

BTW, I could be wrong about schools taking on average 20-40% of their classes from the waitlist...anyone more knowledgable than I am please feel free to contradict me.

 

[Street Philosopher]

if you're 20th on the waitlist, you'll probably get in sooner or later. i don't know of any school with an entering class with less than 20 off the waitlist... maybe except mayo

 

[edfig99]

Originally posted by Spelbo420
Also, I have been told the deadline to accept everyone at schools is May 15...they told me to wait to reply with any correspondence until late April or early May, because they will not know anything much else until then...so, is the ball out of my court (since I am already ranked on the waitlist), or do I need to send something else (new rec letter, thank you email, etc.) to take action...sorry if these answers have already been posted, as I am not around much

yeah, i wouldn't hound schools with anything -- if an applicant is found annoying, the waitlist can easily turn into an "R". Wait lists are pretty fluid, and i would agree that schools can dip as much as about a third of their class out of the waitlist. once the may 15th deadline comes, or people get the FA packages they're waiting for, or that dream acceptance, they're liable to let go fo a spot you are bidding for. and if that school really does rank the waitlist, and really does have you listed in the top 20 then you do stand a good chance. no need to send any new rec letters because the committees are probably already done meeting and no one will read it. a thank you or "i'm still interested" email/letter (ONLY ONE) is probably okay.

good luck.

 

[Spelbo420]

well, ill just keep my fingers crossed...thanks for the encouraging words...🙂

 

[Allygator89]

Do you mind me asking, what school? That may put it into perspective a bit.

 

[eschauberger]

Waitlists in general for most schools are extremely volatile from year to year. They can rarely guesstimate how many students will be pulled off and statistical analysis are basically worthless as the number jumps around a lot from year to year. A lot of this has to do with things happening in the world. Case to point, last year Univ Wisc only pulled like 3 people off the waitlist, in previous years it was high as 25. They said they thought it might have something to do with Sept 11th--less people deciding to go too far from home.
-=Eric

 

[SolidGold]

If you are in the top 20 of a waitlist, you should get off of it definitely by the end of May and no later, depending on the school of course. Waitlist movement really accelerates after May 15 when those with multiple acceptances must give up all but one spot.

I'm actually in sort of the same position at my top choice school. All I can do is wait it out. If the director of admissions tells me that he is "confident that I will be offered an acceptance before all is said and done off the waitlist," I have to feel at least somewhat relaxed, but its not an acceptance until its an acceptance.

 

[JM.]

I think you will be fine. THere is also a thread on this, but the search function isn't working so I couldn't find it - it classed the schools into those having low, medium, high and varying waitlist movement. Happy Waiting 😉

 

[weirdo700]

Well if it is the University of Iowa (cuz its one of the schools that recently gave decisions), I just called and they gave me some info for the out-of-state waitlist. 99'-63, 00'-32, 01'-41, and 02'-33. Looks like if you are #20 you are guranteed. Unfortunately I'm not even in the top 40. Now if you are talking about a school like Stanford, I think you would only have a slight chance if you were in the top 5.