<p>Thought I would post the following concerning WL in an attempt to clarify the situation.</p>
<p>First keep in mind that most of your top schools are “self selecting” when it comes to applications. That means that the most of the students that apply are at the top of the application class. Meaning that if there were sufficient spaces available in the freshman class most would be accepted and would be more than capable of being successful. Unfortunately that is not a real life scenario since there are far more applications than spaces available. That leaves admissions with the very difficult task of constructing a freshman class that will yield the desired number of students.</p>
<p>Schools attempt to construct a mosaic that reflects the personality and feel of the school and campus. To do this admissions attempts to find the right pieces for their particular situation. In order to accomplish this every possible variable is considered. Individual stats (GPA and standardized tests) are just a beginning. To get a real feel one must consider essays, recommendations, ECs, geographical and ethnic distribution, interviews and any other information available. Then add in early admission, scholarship recipients and a host of other variables. Then calculate conversion (how many will accept the offer of admission) and you have the number that can be admitted. </p>
<p>At the first “cut”, there is a small percentage of obvious admits and obvious rejects. After that it becomes a lot more difficult. In effect the majority are truly students that the school would like as students. Once again, unfortunately it becomes a numbers game. A school has only limited spots available – so now it is up to admissions to put together the proper mosaic to complete the class. Also remember that every school has a different feel and personality. Thus every mosaic is different and looks for different pieces. So, just because a person did not receive an acceptance does not reflect poorly on them. It just means that at decision time, it was felt that someone else was a better fit in that particular situation. That same person could be a better fit in another situation.</p>
<p>So now that someone is offered a place on WL what is the situation?
First if you accept a place on WL, you are under no obligation to attend if offered admission in the future. In fact if a better or equally enticing situation is offered by another school, my recommendation would be to accept it and forward a deposit. If offered future admission by the first school, then you have to make another decision. Stay with the second school, or accept the new offer and lose your deposit.</p>
<p>If you accept a place on the WL then do so if school #1 is truly the place you want to be. Take another look at your application and previously submitted materials. Identify area that could be improved and figure out how they could be enhanced. Contact your admissions representative (that person is your chief advocate) and let them know of your interest along with forwarding any additional info. Do this in a reasonable manner without becoming an annoying stalker.</p>
<p>Somewhere about the middle to the end of April, the school will begin receiving deposits from accepted students. Historical conversion rates (date sensitive) will be looked at to see how this year is faring compared to previous years. If the conversion rates are higher than past years, the offers from the WL will not be made till later. If the rates are lower or similar to past years, then you will see the first round of offer made before the end of April. Offers will be made to come as close as possible to the desired personality of the new freshman class. Candidates are not ranked but will be re-examined from the WL. Once again it will be about best fit, which are not always the highest stats.</p>
<p>Subsequent rounds of offers will be made depending on acceptance and any attrition that may take place. Every school must always consider “summer melt”, or people that sent in deposits and end up not attending. Once again historical stats are used to project these numbers.</p>
<p>I hope this clears up some questions. Unfortunately, every year there is an avalanche of bitter posts after decisions are announced. I hope that people understand and accept these for what they are. Most applicants to top schools have been the best at what they do. As a result being offered a position on a WL is a major disappointment. This is not a reflection on their achievements, because the school probably would have liked to have them as students. Unfortunately there just are not enough spots to accommodate everyone, so admissions did the best they could to achieve what they felt was the desired mosaic for the new class. Best of luck to everyone and I am sure you will see that it will all work out in the end.</p>