Waitlists?

[Keyser Soze]

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Hello all.

I've recently received letters from two schools I've interviewed at telling me that I am on their waitlist (or alternate list, acceptable list, acceptance range list, alternative candidate list, not-quite-so-great list, dullard list, "you suck" list, ha-ha-wait-6-months list, depending on the school you're referring to).

Does anybody know what the real chances of getting accepted off of waitlists are, given the fact that my interviews have occurred very early at rolling admissions schools?

The letters, of course, hint at a shred of hope...I just want to know whether we're generally talking about a 1/10 or a 1/3 chance here.

Thanks so much for any responses, and best of luck to everyone out there reading this post!

 

[Djanaba]

It *totally* depends on the school.

There's nothing wrong with asking a school how many are on its ha-ha-wait-6-months-list (or waitlist, if you prefer) and whereabouts you may be on that list. It's also ok to ask how many from that list have been accepted the last couple of years. This should give you a better picture, and let them know that your interest continues.

 

[Dave2K]

Your "chances" of getting in off the waitlist are entirely determined by the school's policy of waitlisting (is that even a word?) Usually, students are given a rank on the list, and if enough prospective matriculants decline the invitation, the school will begin sending acceptance letters to the highest ranking members of the list. Like the previous poster stated, you should definitely contact the school to find out your position on the waitlist and some historical information on how many students are accepted off such lists. However, since it is still early in the process, they may still be in the process of ranking and establishing the list. Good luck!

 

[lilycat]

Also, depending how interested you are in these schools, from what I understand, it doesn't hurt to write them a letter at some point (say this winter) and update them on what you have been doing since your interview/application, esp. if something has majorly improved about your application. It shows you are still very interested in the school, and could help you move up the waitlist rankings. Good luck!

 

[redpatch]

Since you are a Turkish gangster who by the way is a fugitive from justice you have very little chance of being accepted. But if that is just a very cool chat name I think waitlists are a way of telling you you are pretty cool and depending on how many drop the list ahead of you, you might soon be buried in medschool texts. I would advise contacting the school every two weeks or so writing down the date you do and what was said. Little POLITE reminders that you are very eager and very grateful for getting this far are a good thing. Be very nice to the staff that answers the phone because they do have a great deal of "institutional" power. You want allies everywhere. Good luck and if not this time try again I ahve many classmate who did and it is worth it.