<p>From the WaPo: [April</a> the cruelest month for college hopefuls | Lifebeat | projo.com | The Providence Journal](<a href=“The Providence Journal: Local News, Politics & Sports in Providence, RI”>The Providence Journal: Local News, Politics & Sports in Providence, RI)</p>
<p>"How to get off the wait list: The best method, gleaned from conversations with many college admissions officers, is pretty simple, and seems to work. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you, the student, have to do all of this yourself. If your parents or counselors make these calls or send these e-mails, you are going to be labeled a wimp and left on the wait list forever.</p>
<p>First, call the admissions office to get the e-mail address of, and maybe speak to, the officer who handled applications from your high school. Tell that person who you are and what high school you attend so she can pull up your file. Say you were very happy to get the wait-list letter because it means you still have a chance to go to this college. Tell the officer that her school remains your first choice, by far, and that you do not mind losing the deposit you will put down May 1 on your second-choice school if she eventually has good news for you. Tell her you will be sending her a letter soon making your case.</p>
<p>Then write that letter, and send by both e-mail and snail mail. In the letter, reiterate what you said about this being your first choice, and about being happy to lose your second-choice deposit. Tell her three of your talents or interests that you think would add value to her campus, like experience in tutoring disadvantaged students or a gift for organizing debates. Tell her three aspects of her campus that would add value to your life, such as the entrepreneurs club or the study abroad program. Then send it off and pray."</p>
<p>Best of luck to you!</p>