<p>I know that there are many threads on this topic but I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on how to get off the waitlist at Deerfield. I've got nowhere else to go (maybe Andover, haven't heard from them yet) and I want to know if there's any way to improve my chances. Any help would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I was also waitlisted at Deerfield (along with 4 other schools), and I’ve been stalking these threads, but I haven’t seen anything that would help the chances of someone waitlisted… I have replied to their email (my decision was emailed 'cause I’m an int’l applicant) saying that Deerfield is my favorite and I was happy to be even waitlisted. Also, after March 15, I will be contacting my interviewer. 
good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the comment aaralyn. I was thinking that I could send a dance clip to Deerfield if they could take it since I didn’t send one in as part of my application. I hope you end up getting accepted to at least one of the 5 schools you were waitlisted at!!! :)</p>
<p>yongatilla – Here is some information regarding the Choate waitlist. It probably applies to DA as well.</p>
<p>How does the Wait List work?</p>
<p>As we hear from students who are admitted, we begin to see the class take shape. As the class takes shape, we also begin to see who from the Wait List would best complete that class. This is why we don’t number or order the Wait List; until we see who is enrolling, we can’t know who might fit best. </p>
<p>Does Choate always go to the Wait List?</p>
<p>Typically, we do. The challenge is that we don’t know if it will be boarding boys, day girls, 11th grade, 9th grade, etc. We might go to the Wait List for several students in one grade, but none in another. There are years when there is no or very little movement to the Wait List because more accepted students enroll; and of course, when fewer accepted students enroll at Choate it gives us more opportunity to go to the Wait List. It can be quite unpredictable. </p>
<p>When might we know something? </p>
<p>As April 10 approaches (the reply date for admitted students), we will know a lot more about our enrollment situation. While you can send updated grades or information before the 10th, there will be very little happening until April 10 draws near. It is around that time that we evaluate if we have space and if we do, whom we’ll offer admission. Again, we’ll be looking for the applicants that best round out the class. This is an important discussion point with your child. It is not simply a matter of being the “best student” on the Wait List etc. If we do have the opportunity to offer admission, it will be by phone from an admission officer. </p>
<p>What if I applied for financial aid?</p>
<p>Funding creates another variable. Unless we have additional funds to offer, this becomes an obstacle. To offer financial aid to a Wait-Listed candidate, we would need enough money to “come back to us”—that is, admitted applicants with financial aid would have to enroll elsewhere and return our budget to positive territory. This can be stressful and trying at times. I appeal to parents to manage expectations and realities for your son or daughter in this regard as well.</p>
<p>Hope this helps – it was just to clarify that a lot of factors contribute to whether or not you are taken off the waitlist, most of which you can’t control. Hopefully, you’ll be off the waitlist soon enough! Best of luck.</p>
<p>yongatilla; No problem, and I think it would be great if you sent in a dance clip. But again, I’m just a fellow applicant, so I’m not sure. I sent in a recording of my piano & violin with my application, so I suppose it should be similar. I hope you get moved off the wait list too! :)</p>
<p>well, if one of my other top schools would move me off of THEIR waiting list, a spot at Deerfield would open up haha. Best of luck to you guys, sending in tapes will most DEFINATELY help. Also, possibly send a letter telling them Deerfield still remains your number one and how badly you want to attend. If you’re grades have improved maybe send those too.</p>
<p>i’ve also done some stalking, but most of the info I’ve found has to do with college wait lists. I’m considering calling admissions at Deerfield to see what I was lacking in my application. I’ve read that talking to the admissions officers and reenforcing your interest/telling them that it’s your #1 choice can sometimes help you, but I don’t want to come off as pushy…Do you think it’s a good idea to talking to them or should I send a letter instead?</p>