<p>I've been doing some research, and it seems like the percentage chance of being accepted off of waitlists are very low (like 2-3% for competitive schools). There are a lot of posts that are really generic about what one should do to get off the waitlist. However, can a person who actually got off a waitlist give some advice about what to do for the next 3 months to improve chances? I feel like one would have to do something extraordinary to be one of the lucky 20-50 applicants of a 1000 waitlist pool.</p>
<p>I got off of two waitlists last year (UNC - Chapel Hill OOS and Vanderbilt). Here’s what I can tell you about maximizing your chances of getting off of a waitlist…</p>
<p>Unless you have some big updates that you can report to admissions (ie. you won a big award or you achieved something extraordinary), the most that you can do is tell admissions that you are strongly considering the school and that you will attend if accepted. DO NOT try to get “creative” and write a gimmicky essay about why you want to attend or do anything of similar nature. I know you may be tempted to do so, but keep in mind that admissions officers are very busy people who don’t have time to deal with extra BS. All admissions needs to know is that there is a very good chance you will attend the school if accepted. Period. </p>
<p>An example of what I wrote to Vandy last year:</p>
<p>Me (to regional officer) - Mr. __<strong><em>, I am </em></strong> from __________, and I am currently on the waitlist. I am interested in remaining on the waitlist.
Regional officer - Thanks! Please let me know if you decide if Vanderbilt is your top choice
Me - Although I am currently enrolled at CMU, Vanderbilt remains my top choice school and I will attend if accepted
Regional officer - Thanks! You’ve done your part in expressing your interest, and at this point, it’s just a matter of waiting. </p>
<p>Was accepted the next day. Did the same thing with UNC, and eventually got off as well. Hope this helps</p>