Wait list waiting

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Completely depends on the school, although being waitlisted usually means you have a tolerable shot of getting in. It all comes down to other folks rejecting the offers, though. If you're actually looking for odds, my completely non-empirical ballpark guess would be anywhere from 20-80% probability of getting an offer once you're waitlisted, depending on the school. Some schools will give you an idea of where you are on the wait list and will update you if/when your position changes, which is nice, but some won't.
 
laclac21 said:
I was just wondering how often people were accepted off the wait list? Any thoughts/examples would be appreciated...
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It also depends on your position on the waitlist. If you're at the top, then your chances are better than if you're the 7th or 8th person down.
 
When I was waitlisted by my top choice (a well respected PsyD), I was devastated. I figured that they wait listed anyone who didn't make it and it hurt me as if it were an outright rejection.

I eventually had an offer from a local school for a different program where they offered me the research I wanted and the ability to teach undergrads first year... and I was hesitant to accept b/c of my wait list status.

So, I sacked up and straight up called the school. I asked the dept secretary how many people were on the wait list and how often people got off the wait list. She was extremely gracious and helpful and I was more proud after the call than I had been during the entire interviewing process.

It turns out that they only wait listed 2 students and I was next in line (the good news). It also turned out that she had never known a student to make it off of the wait list during her five years as dept secretary b/c the other students always accepted their offers.

She told me that I could wait until the deadline passed if I wanted to be certain but that the department had already confirmed 9 of the 10 candidates for admission.

So, my advisement, if it's killing you, just call and ask. It can't hurt at all. It helped me be able to move on and make another decision.
 
does anyone know when the wail list get moving. I am wait listed at Wf I really want to go there. I read that 35% of the class comes off the wait list. I have other acceptances and want to look at the future. if I get into WF it would be a done deal..... I hate this not knowing
 
dr midnight said:
does anyone know when the wail list get moving. I am wait listed at Wf I really want to go there. I read that 35% of the class comes off the wait list. I have other acceptances and want to look at the future. if I get into WF it would be a done deal..... I hate this not knowing
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You will notice that the acceptance list is growing daily. Those people will start making decisions in March, and declining any offers they have left after making their choice for acceptance. At that point the schools start moving down the waitlists. It's a slow and painful process for the people who are on the lists (I know, I was one of them last year). I am sorry to tell you that it will likely be the end of March and even into early April before you hear one way or the other. 🙁
 
psychwanabe said:
You will notice that the acceptance list is growing daily. Those people will start making decisions in March, and declining any offers they have left after making their choice for acceptance. At that point the schools start moving down the waitlists. It's a slow and painful process for the people who are on the lists (I know, I was one of them last year). I am sorry to tell you that it will likely be the end of March and even into early April before you hear one way or the other. 🙁
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Hey April is ok even May well I wish I knew now!!! But before May 15th would be good. If I have no chance I wish they would just let me know. Wf is my first choice... I do still have 1 more late interview So months of limbo...🙁
 
Ok, so I have a question about a specific school. I figured I'd throw it out there and see if anyone knows. I am on the waiting list at Kent State, and I am curious how many people they generally wait list and if the odds of getting accepted off the list are good there?
 
Hey guys,
I'm waitlisted now at all the schools where I interviewed - all four of them. I've received an educational delay from the Army to go to grad school, but if I don't get in then I have to serve at the needs of the Army. Talk about stress - It's eating me up just waiting. Unlike many others, applying a second time around for me is not an option.
 
My best advice about being on a waitlist it to check in every couple of weeks (not too often 'cause it gets annoying) with either the DCT, head of admissions, or your POI (whoever you think is making the decisions). Since being in grad school, one thing I've noticed is that they really want to take people off the wait list that they think are going to come, so that the numbers stay good. When it comes time to look at wait list people, my advisor has often mentioned, "well, this person has been contacting me a lot and seems really invested" and "well, this person we liked hasn't contacted me since they learned they made the wait list, so maybe they're not interested in coming." And it has DEFINITELY had an effect on who was asked next.
 
I'm on a wait list at one of my top choices.....come on please!
 
Anx73B said:
Hey guys,
I'm waitlisted now at all the schools where I interviewed - all four of them. I've received an educational delay from the Army to go to grad school, but if I don't get in then I have to serve at the needs of the Army. Talk about stress - It's eating me up just waiting. Unlike many others, applying a second time around for me is not an option.
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I have now been wait listed at 5 schools, still no offers in hand. I feel like it's going to be a looooong wait 🙁
 
This is painful!!!! I've been waitlisted (toward the top I'm told) at my top choice school the thought of someone else settling for a spot there as their second choice is heartbreaking! But, I guess I'll have to do the same thing if I get accepted someplace else; take that spot form someone who's first choice it may have been.

Here's hoping that the waitlists get moving soooooon so maybe everything will fall into place ... or maybe not. This is agony!
 
pinktater08 said:
Ok, so I have a question about a specific school. I figured I'd throw it out there and see if anyone knows. I am on the waiting list at Kent State, and I am curious how many people they generally wait list and if the odds of getting accepted off the list are good there?
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I was waitlisted there last year and didn't get in. 🙁 I didn't get the impression that they have long waitlists. It sounded like my POI had offered to one and maybe waitlisted two. I was first alternate, but the person who was originally offered the spot took it (that %$#@)! 🙄
 
pinktater08 said:
Ok, so I have a question about a specific school. I figured I'd throw it out there and see if anyone knows. I am on the waiting list at Kent State, and I am curious how many people they generally wait list and if the odds of getting accepted off the list are good there?
Click to expand...

The stats about the students that schools post (at least the clinical programs, it seems) usually give you a good idea -- they'll usually post the number of offers extended and the size of the incoming class. So you can often gauge based on # of offers vs incoming class size.
 
Oh my; I applied to and interviewed at one school, and got the letter today, telling me I have been waitlisted😡

The letter stated , that they will contact me by the end of April, if that is of any comfort to others here.

I had to sign a copy, where I had to state if I was still interested or not.

Good luck everyone👍
 
rollomayfan said:
The stats about the students that schools post (at least the clinical programs, it seems) usually give you a good idea -- they'll usually post the number of offers extended and the size of the incoming class. So you can often gauge based on # of offers vs incoming class size.
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Can you let me know how?

I don't get it; if we had , lets say, 20 interviewees, and 160 applications, and they take 8, how would I know😕
 
psychometric said:
Can you let me know how?

I don't get it; if we had , lets say, 20 interviewees, and 160 applications, and they take 8, how would I know😕
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You can tell by comparing these two areas on the student data charts:
  • # of students accepted for admission*
  • Actual size of incoming class*
*NOTE: they may have different terms for these, but you'll be able to tell how many people tend to take offers. If there are a lot of students accepted for admission compared to actual size of incoming class, that means many of the first-round acceptances were declined.

If you're still confused, PM me and I can send you example links from schools.
 
Hi all,
I am sick of waiting. . . I am "a very strong applicant" and on the top of three wait lists now! I am also still waiting to hear back from one school where I recently interviewed. Do I have a shot??? Has this happened to any of you?
- nn
 
there's a chance to get in. I just got accepted after being on my number 1's wait-list yesterday.
 
Congratulations, phdplease, that's awesome news and I can't wait to see your post on "where I'll be going next year"! I'm in the same situation, alternate list for my #1. Channel some of that positive energy my way, please!!
 
Ugh….I’m first alternate at two schools now!! Anyone want to commiserate with me? This whole waiting it out thing is horrible. 🙁
 
hey jude,
this sux!!! i am trying so hard not to think about this application process throughout my day. my plan is to keep myself occupied, patient, and open-minded about other possibilities. have you been accepted anywhere yet? good luck to us and everyone else in our crappy situation.:luck:
- nn


HeyJude said:
Ugh….I’m first alternate at two schools now!! Anyone want to commiserate with me? This whole waiting it out thing is horrible. 🙁
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i'm #1 alternate at my #1 school. where, i think, few people actually decline admission offers. i soothed myself through the early stage of this whole process by repeating the mantra: "by April 1st, it'll all be over..." but amazingly the system has found another way to make me crazy. ahh. psychology.
 
neuronerd1 said:
hey jude,
this sux!!! i am trying so hard not to think about this application process throughout my day. my plan is to keep myself occupied, patient, and open-minded about other possibilities. have you been accepted anywhere yet? good luck to us and everyone else in our crappy situation.:luck:
- nn
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I was accepted to one program with poor funding and I've decided that won't work for me. So what happens with these waitlists is going to dictate whether or not I start school this year! eeeek! Ok...back to *not* obsessing.
 
Hello all.
I will try to be as concise as I can, but this has been on my mind for the past week. I have an issue concerning schools that someone may be able to help me out with. So far I have been accepted to three PsyD. Programs (U of Denver, U of Roosevelt, and The Chicago School). I have also been waitlisted at a couple PhD. programs (U of Cincinnati, Central Michigan, Illinois Institute of Technology, Xavier University--PsyD). If I had to choose now, I would take U of Denver (great program, faculty, and location). However, if an acceptance from either CMU or U of Cincinnati came through I would have to re-evaluate my situation.
I don't want to keep other potential graduate students waiting, as I know how annoyed I would be if I were in their position (having an answer, whether yes or no, is better than waiting). Is it fair to wait until April 14th before deciding? I've put in a lot of hard work to afford myself some choices, but I know everyone else has as well. Any advice would truly be appreciated.

P.S. As a side note, can I get anyone's thoughts/experiences of Roosevelt/IIT/and Chicago School? Surprisingly, I came away impressed with Chicago School over the others. Roosevelt had a very odd, informal orientation day.

Thanks for the advice and good luck with all of your schools everyone. I know this entire process is very overwhelming, flawed, and exhausting.
 
I am in a similar situation as you, NewPsychStudent! I feel your pain... I am waitlisted at my top choice, and accepted at a second choice. I'm afraid to lose my shot at my top choice, if I accept before April 15th, but I hate to be holding a spot someone else could have!
Also, anyone have any ideas on what happens if a school calls you after April 15th? What if I accept with my second on 4/15 and then my first choice calls me!?!??! 😱

...one more question... to accept, do you ahve to CONTACT them on/by April 15, or do they have to have recieved it in writing by then? Can I wait until 5:00 on April 15th to call them?... that might be bad right?
 
cai said:
...one more question... to accept, do you ahve to CONTACT them on/by April 15, or do they have to have recieved it in writing by then? Can I wait until 5:00 on April 15th to call them?... that might be bad right?
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I think that you have to notify your schools about your decision by noon on the 15th.

hey jude, i'm in the same spot. i have been accepted by the only program i do not want to attend (i decided post-interview) because it is not a good fit. so, if i do not get into the 4 schools i am waitlisted at, i will have to figure out a new career or do this again for the 3rd time!
 
Hey,
I think it is perfectly fine to wait until April 15th. This is a huge decision that has required a lot of preparation and for you to limit your options because you're concerned for the other waitlistees just doesn't make sense to me. 1> you don't know if the waitlistees are even still interested. 2> If they didn't get into any program, they can still accept after April 15th so no worries there. 3> The worst that you could be doing is just making someone else go through what you are going through right now. Unfortunately that's the name of the game and if you can't handle that then the rigors of grad school might do you in for good. I say, if you want to hold out then hold out to April 15th. Just to clarify I'm not advocating holding on to a position that you are not interested in at all - I feel that is irresponsible. But holding onto a position you are willing to go to is perfectly legit. Good luck!!!
 
neuronerd1 said:
hey jude, i'm in the same spot. i have been accepted by the only program i do not want to attend (i decided post-interview) because it is not a good fit. so, if i do not get into the 4 schools i am waitlisted at, i will have to figure out a new career or do this again for the 3rd time!
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ah good to know there are other people in my boat.
 
NewPsychStudent said:
Hello all.
I will try to be as concise as I can, but this has been on my mind for the past week. I have an issue concerning schools that someone may be able to help me out with. So far I have been accepted to three PsyD. Programs (U of Denver, U of Roosevelt, and The Chicago School). I have also been waitlisted at a couple PhD. programs (U of Cincinnati, Central Michigan, Illinois Institute of Technology, Xavier University--PsyD). If I had to choose now, I would take U of Denver (great program, faculty, and location). However, if an acceptance from either CMU or U of Cincinnati came through I would have to re-evaluate my situation.
I don't want to keep other potential graduate students waiting, as I know how annoyed I would be if I were in their position (having an answer, whether yes or no, is better than waiting). Is it fair to wait until April 14th before deciding? I've put in a lot of hard work to afford myself some choices, but I know everyone else has as well. Any advice would truly be appreciated.

P.S. As a side note, can I get anyone's thoughts/experiences of Roosevelt/IIT/and Chicago School? Surprisingly, I came away impressed with Chicago School over the others. Roosevelt had a very odd, informal orientation day.

Thanks for the advice and good luck with all of your schools everyone. I know this entire process is very overwhelming, flawed, and exhausting.
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Regardless of whether you will eventually accept an offer from one of the three that you hold offers to, especially if you are accepted off of a waitlist elsewhere, I would definitely be calling 1-2 of the programs that offered you admission in order to decline their offers. This is, of course, if you have adequate information to make your decision among those 3. If you do not, then you need to obtain that information and make your decision. Holding onto multiple offers for an extended period of time is usually considered bad form (PLEASE note that I said USUALLY before someone decides to jump on me with all the exceptions).

If you decide on Denver, great. Call the other 2 up and tell them "no thanks." This does not mean you have to go with Denver if one of your waitlists comes through for you. You can make your decision between Denver & the newly received offer(s) at that time instead of holding umpteen offers simultaneously when you know that you're not going to those other programs regardless.

G'luck! :luck:
 
Hi, I'm in the same boat...waitlisted at my top choice. I'm the first alternate....I'm extremely disappointed. At this point its 50/50 for me, as in I have a 50% chance of getting accepted if the person declines the position and 50% chance of rejection if the person decides to attend the program. Sigh.
 
Sarahanne said:
Hi, I'm in the same boat...waitlisted at my top choice. I'm the first alternate....I'm extremely disappointed. At this point its 50/50 for me, as in I have a 50% chance of getting accepted if the person declines the position and 50% chance of rejection if the person decides to attend the program. Sigh.
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I'm on that boat as well. Got an email from my POI at my top school saying that my chances now are 50/50. Someone says no and I'm in. This is just do nerve wrecking to know that someone out there holds your future Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!

Being in that situation I'm an advocate to making decisions in a timely manner. I don't think anyone should rush but definitely not hold more than two offers at a time and notify the program as soon as possible when the decision is made.

Of course I won't be upset if I get the news on April 15 but thats just torture. LOL
 
I'm also suffering through the wait list blues ... in my case it's difficult because I have not received ANY offers, so this wait list situation is my only chance of starting a doctoral program this year. I am trying to stay positive and be philosophical: if it's meant to be, it will be.
 
So i was also just waitlisted at my top choice. Next alternate 🙁

But heres my question...What happens if the person turns it down on the 15th and I am contacted on or after the 15th..but I have already been forced to pick among the schools I was accepted at by that point. Am I able to change my mind after the receiving a later offer????? How does this work?
 
PsychNerd3 said:
So i was also just waitlisted at my top choice. Next alternate 🙁

But heres my question...What happens if the person turns it down on the 15th and I am contacted on or after the 15th..but I have already been forced to pick among the schools I was accepted at by that point. Am I able to change my mind after the receiving a later offer????? How does this work?
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I'd call the program and ask how many offers are still up in the air so you'll have a better idea of your chances. If there are many still open check back on April 15 before accepting any other offers. hopefully by then you have a definite answer. Good luck!!!
 
Hi all,
I finally have good news - I got accepted into my first choice (UCSB) off of the alternate list! So, it is possible. Don't let the fat lady sing until April 15th.

Good luck! :luck:
 
NewPsychStudent said:
P.S. As a side note, can I get anyone's thoughts/experiences of Roosevelt/IIT/and Chicago School? ...Roosevelt had a very odd, informal orientation day.
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I was a tad apprehensive last year when my acceptance leader to Roosevelt had a slew of typos. Although, I cant comment on much other than that.
 
I was just accepted off of the waitlist at Loyola Chicago (Counseling Psychology PhD)
 
Hey Everyone,

I posted above so bummed out about being waitlisted. I can't believe it but my top choice offered me the position in their program :hardy::hardy::hardy:👍 It does happen, just have patience and hope for the best. I wish you all the best and hope that everything works out!!
 
Argh, I think I may NEED a psychologist before this whole process is over. I'm waitlisted at two PhD programs and I loved both of them. I did get a message from someone on here that I interviewed with at one of them saying she was declining the spot. Then I sent an e-mail to my POI and asked where I am on the list. I'm first!! Soooooo, hopefully that means I'll be getting a call soon. Or maybe I was originally second and now I'm first because they've offered it to someone else? Ack!!

Well, at least I've been accepted into a masters program 😳
 
I'm with you moonflwr...I may also need a therapist after this process but for now you guys are all I have, haha! I'm next in line on two waitlists and one professor is taking two students so three random people whom are determining the future of my career! I think this long wait is rediculous. None of these people have accepted so either they are taking forever to make a decision or they're also on a wait list. I feel like I'm stuck in the biggest traffic jam of my life and there's nothing I can do about it!

I happy for the few people who have recently been accepted off the waitlist. But meanwhile the "acceptance thread" has come to a dead halt. Time to make up your minds and get this train-a-movin'. April 15th is quickly approaching (thank gd)!
 
I was completely depressed a few days ago. I thought I was going to have to go through this for a third time or switch careers. Suddenly I got into my top choice program. I applied there last year and received only a rejection letter in return. It's just so crazy how the world works. . . but somehow it did work out. . . I believe it will for you (and everyone else who is reading this) as well. 🙄


wannabePHD said:
I'm with you moonflwr...I may also need a therapist after this process but for now you guys are all I have, haha! I'm next in line on two waitlists and one professor is taking two students so three random people whom are determining the future of my career! I think this long wait is rediculous. None of these people have accepted so either they are taking forever to make a decision or they're also on a wait list. I feel like I'm stuck in the biggest traffic jam of my life and there's nothing I can do about it!

I happy for the few people who have recently been accepted off the waitlist. But meanwhile the "acceptance thread" has come to a dead halt. Time to make up your minds and get this train-a-movin'. April 15th is quickly approaching (thank gd)!
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neuronerd1 said:
I was completely depressed a few days ago. I thought I was going to have to go through this for a third time or switch careers. Suddenly I got into my top choice program. I applied there last year and received only a rejection letter in return. It's just so crazy how the world works. . . but somehow it did work out. . . I believe it will for you (and everyone else who is reading this) as well. 🙄
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What did you do between last year and this year's round to strengthen your application?
 
Is there a difference between being an "alternate" or being on the waitlist?
 
Does anyone else who's been waitlisted feel kind of angry? I don't know that I want to go to a school that thinks I'm second best. There's got to be a better way to do this. Or maybe I'm just being hypersensitive.
 
empathiosis said:
Does anyone else who's been waitlisted feel kind of angry? I don't know that I want to go to a school that thinks I'm second best. There's got to be a better way to do this. Or maybe I'm just being hypersensitive.
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You are not alone. But, if my first choice comes calling I will swallow my pride and go prove them wrong; I should have been their first choice.
 
empathiosis said:
Does anyone else who's been waitlisted feel kind of angry? I don't know that I want to go to a school that thinks I'm second best. There's got to be a better way to do this. Or maybe I'm just being hypersensitive.
Click to expand...

At times, I feel the same way - it's frustrating because you know you're a hard worker and know you'll be a good fit and do well in the program. Then I look at it like this: There were 20-40 qualified applicants that they had to choose amongst. Similar grades and GRE scores, all experienced with research, all with a solid background in clinical psychology and a genuine interest in the program. The decision isn't going to be easy for them; sometimes they just take a random chance on one candidate.

The fact that we got waitlisted is an honor; it's a sign they liked us well enough for us to come to their program and work with them in the fall. If they didn't think we were qualified, or if they thought we were terrible fits, we would've been sent rejection letters immediately following the interview.

Look at the current pool of grad students in each program: I'll bet anywhere from 35%-75% of the students had been waitlisted before accepting. This is just the way clinical psychology programs work.
 
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