whats the difference between an unranked and reanked alternate list

[missDDS]

---

Members don't see this ad.

In terms of selection, if this is a waiting list, how does an unranked one work?
If there is a spot open, and they arent choosing based on gpa/DAT then what are they basing it on??

Thanks

 

[Oracle DMD]

At MWU we have an unranked waitlist/ alternate list. so if a spot is open, whoever made the best impression at the interview gets the spot. That's why it's so important to keep in touch w/ the school after you interview. Don't be annoying, but every now and again (once a month maybe) make a phone call, send a letter, or email; just to keep your name floating around.

 

[nydds25]

At MWU we have an unranked waitlist/ alternate list. so if a spot is open, whoever made the best impression at the interview gets the spot. That's why it's so important to keep in touch w/ the school after you interview. Don't be annoying, but every now and again (once a month maybe) make a phone call, send a letter, or email; just to keep your name floating around.

That sounds like it is ranked by the "impression made at the interview". How is that unranked. I know one school which is unranked which is a complete random selection.

 

[Rubber Dam Man]

From what I know, schools that have an unranked waitlist re-evaluate all those who were waitlisted and select the best "on-paper" candidate. It may vary from school to school, as I have heard in the past that many schools will say that they do not rank candidates on their waitlist... however when it comes down to selection... they simply pick the one with the most solid numbers. So in essence, it is ranked.... they just don't put a number by the name?

 

[Chops]

At Columbia, they told us that because their list isn't ranked, if you are on the wait list and really want to get in, you should send them an email every so often letting them know that you are interested and would accept an offer if they gave you one. So I'm sure the unranked is sort of based on GPA and DAT scores and the impression you made, but also on how interested you are, and probably on other things, too.

 

[Oracle DMD]

That sounds like it is ranked by the "impression made at the interview". How is that unranked. I know one school which is unranked which is a complete random selection.

no it's not ranked. when a spot opens up, they talk about it and make a decision. ranked means that applicants are ranked 1-100 and they let people in starting at one. if there is no rank, you have the opportunity to improve your chances to get because there is nobody in front of you on a list...because there is no list. some schools have a ranked list. we do not, which is good news for waitlisters.