"On hold" vs. "Waitlisted"

[in1Q84]

What is the difference? Does "on hold" mean that they have not even looked at my application? Or, is "on hold" like below waitlist? I'm confused. Neither is good. But, just wanted to know... 🙁

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[EM2BE]

What is the difference? Does "on hold" mean that they have not even looked at my application? Or, is "on hold" like below waitlist? I'm confused. Neither is good. But, just wanted to know... 🙁

On hold means not rejected at this time. Yet, not on the wait list if they have that at that program too. Some may use on hold to mean wait list.

 

[in1Q84]

So, does "on hold" mean "reviewed and not rejected yet" or "not yet reviewed"?

 

[drsaahill]

I believe it is : "Reviewed but Not Rejected"

 

[in1Q84]

Yea, I asked my adviser today. He said the same... Thanks.

 

[roja]

Generally reviewed, often means waiting for some other piece of information. At this point, it may mean waitlisted or anything in between.

Early on we use on hold for applicants that would likely get an interview or on the wait list but are missing certain pieces of information. After the dean's list came out, we rereviewed all these and either put people on a waitlist, invited or declined.

There is no absolute answer as each program will approach this differently

 

[in1Q84]

Thank you for that information.

 

[wndrboy777]

How do you know if you've been wait-listed? Did the programs let you know, or did you have to contact the programs yourself and ask? I haven't heard back from several programs, and I'm wondering if I'm wait-listed/on hold, or if there are some that just don't communicate that they don't have an interview spot available for you. Thanks.

 

[in1Q84]

For waitlists, I usually get an actual emailing telling that I am on a waitlist. It may not specifically say "waitlist," but it might say something like "we will contact you when interview schedule opens up."

 

[roja]

If you are interested in a program, call them and let them know, ask them your status.

this shows interest and may cause them to review your file and offer you a spot.

Be polite when asking. NEVER be rude to the program coordinator.

 

[Colbert]

For places that inform you that you're waitlisted and then offer you an interview, are you already lower down their rank list to start? For instance, do I have enough of a chance to get into a place that offers a place after waitlisting to make it worth flying across the country for?

 

[roja]

Absolutely not. There are a finite number of interview spots. (most places I am familiar with offer about 150 interviews). We had almost 700 applicants. Waitlist is at least 100 deep. Many of them in the same 'competitiveness' pool. It just isn't feasible to interview everyone. So, if you get an interview and its a place you like, go. Have a stellar interview. I have seen people on the waitlist interview and then match. Don't put your ego to much into this. If you really wanted to interview at the program, really like the location etc and you get an interview, take it.

If it was just one of many, isn't high on your list then you might not want to 'waste the time.'

If you do take the interview, I would highly recommend not going in with that chip on your shoulder. A seemingly disinterested interviewee will be dropped lower than an friendly, interesting open one.

 

[in1Q84]

I'm currently on 4 waitlists and 4 "on hold" - whatever that means. In retrospect, I think this has to be related to my application not being complete until very late. I would love to interview at the places I've been waitlisted at. What are my chances of actually hearing back from them? Also, I'm especially concerned because the places that I am waitlisted at are pretty competitive programs. So, it makes me wonder who in their right mind would cancel their interview at really competitive programs. What can I do to improve my chances of actually getting an interview off waitlist?

 

[gutonc]

i would love to interview at the places i've been waitlisted at. What are my chances of actually hearing back from them?

50% ± 50%

 

[KarCan]

I've heard pros and cons about both methods. I too have not heard from several programs and would like to call the Residency Coordinator to get a status update (at this point if it's a rejection, I would like to know). Would this method be ok?

Thanks for your help 🙂

 

[roja]

Calling the program coordinator is fine. Be very nice and polite. Don't call every day.

 

[Colbert]

Absolutely not. There are a finite number of interview spots. (most places I am familiar with offer about 150 interviews). We had almost 700 applicants. Waitlist is at least 100 deep. Many of them in the same 'competitiveness' pool. It just isn't feasible to interview everyone. So, if you get an interview and its a place you like, go. Have a stellar interview. I have seen people on the waitlist interview and then match. Don't put your ego to much into this. If you really wanted to interview at the program, really like the location etc and you get an interview, take it.

If it was just one of many, isn't high on your list then you might not want to 'waste the time.'

If you do take the interview, I would highly recommend not going in with that chip on your shoulder. A seemingly disinterested interviewee will be dropped lower than an friendly, interesting open one.

Certainly would love to go to the program and very interested in it; it isn't an ego issue at all. It's more of $500-600 plus 2-3 of traveling that I hadn't allotted for problem. If I am able to juggle things around and go I was just hoping to be on equal ground with the other applicants and not on the second tier list.

 

[roja]

If a program offers you an interview, they are interested. Imagine going through 600 applications.. depending on the order you read them and the spots you have available, some people you would love to interview just don't get offered, they get waitlisted.

if you think you will love the program and you were offered an invite, I would say go for it.