Waitlists at Penn and Columbia - which one is easier to get off?

[DrSus]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys,

So I got waitlisted at my top 2 choices, Columbia and Penn (regular tier 1). I have a feeling that Columbia's waitlist is easier to get off than Penn's but I definitely know I'll be happier at Penn...I can only write one letter of intent....should I sacrifice "playing it safe" for a school that I really want to go to? 😕 Thanks!

 

[SBBunny]

Hey guys,

So I got waitlisted at my top 2 choices, Columbia and Penn (regular tier 1). I have a feeling that Columbia's waitlist is easier to get off than Penn's but I definitely know I'll be happier at Penn...I can only write one letter of intent....should I sacrifice "playing it safe" for a school that I really want to go to? 😕 Thanks!

NO. If you love Penn and it is honestly your first choice, that's the school you should send a letter of intent to. Penn's waitlist has a good deal of movement, so it's not a lost cause! Keep Columbia updated and they'll know that you still like them, so you'll still have a chance at their waitlist. Don't say that a school is your top choice if it isn't.

 

[Panamaaa]

Don't say that a school is your top choice if it isn't.

Anyone who lies about a school being their top choice should be stoned in the streets, IMHO.

 

[Textuality]

I'd say choose the school for which you can write the strongest letter of intent/interest, and just send a letter of interest to the other.

 

[Gospe1]

I've heard that Columbia asks you to withdraw from your other waitlists if you are accepted.

 

[meddoc1]

I have heard people sent letter of intent and interest to all the school. Is that illegal?