<p>I got waitlisted to Hamilton, my top school. Sucks, doesn't it? Anyone know what our (waitlisted students, that is) chances are and what we can do to improve them? Anyone have any waitlisted stories they want to share?</p>
<p>Hi, Hamkidmaybe,</p>
<p>Last year there were 1,136 applicants placed on Hamilton’s waiting list, and they ultimately admitted 34. This information is found on page 6 of the “Common Data Set: 2011-2012” found on Hamilton’s website: [Institutional</a> Research - Home - Hamilton College](<a href=“http://www.hamilton.edu/oir]Institutional”>Institutional Research & Assessment - Hamilton College)</p>
<p>If you haven’t done so already, I would send the admissions office an email or letter explaining why Hamilton is your first choice, and what you will be able to contribute to the Hamilton community if accepted off the waiting list. The odds are not good, but it’s worth a shot. </p>
<p>Where else have you been accepted? You will need to make a deposit prior to May 1 to secure a spot.</p>
<p>I just looked at the data and it looks like only 500 or so accepted a spot on the waiting list. 34/542 got accepted last year, 54/532 the year before, so their average is a lot closer to 8.2% or so than it is to 3…right? I’ll probably (reluctantly) put my deposit down at Skidmore or Trinity (neither were my first choice and neither gave me enough $$).</p>
<p>Yes, usually about half of the wait listed applicants withdraw from the waitlist, so the acceptance rate off the waiting list is around 6-8%. Good luck.</p>
<p>I was waitlisted too :(. Luckily I got into NYU and Colgate. I chose NYU, but Hamilton is still my first choice, so I shall wait for hopefully good news.</p>
<p>Do you know when we hear back? I know at least one kid at my school has gotten off a waitlist.</p>
<p>By May 1st (next Tuesday), Hamilton should have all responses back, so they should be in the position to start assessing the wait list. I would guess that most of the candidates who will get admitted off the wait list will hear some time during the month of May, although, there might be a handful who hear as late as June or even July. Sometimes they lose a few students during the summer if they are admitted late off the wait list of other schools.</p>
<p>Do you think it would be too late or look bad if I got an extra teacher rec. sent in today or tomorrow (or Tuesday at the utmost latest)?</p>
<p>As long as you believe it will be a very strong recommendation, I’d go for it, but try to get it submitted ASAP.</p>
<p>I will take a stab, based on personal experience. First determine if you are truly a student that should be accepted. Many times a school will place a student on wait-list because they think that the student is more likely to attend a different school. Why waste a spot on someone who has no intention of accepting? If Hamilton is your to-die-for school, and you are a strong candidate, let them know it in writing. I don’t think an extra teacher recommendation will help much. The admission department does a decent job of sifting through each application, but sometimes a student’s passion for Hamilton isn’t exactly clear. Most importantly, make sure that your grades continue to improve. This time of year is when most seniors shift it into cruise. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’ve done pretty much everything: written a heartfelt letter, got a teacher rec, and had my guidance department vouch for me…waiting now is going to be excruciating…</p>
<p>It being May 6, I wonder when in May they’ll let us know.</p>
<p>I know Vanderbilt and Chicago already got back to their waitlisted students so it should be any day now I guess…</p>
<p>Has anyone heard back yet? I haven’t but was just wondering.</p>
<p>I haven’t heard anything yet. I wonder 1. How they notify you. and 2. If you don’t get in, will they let you know so you’re not waiting forever.</p>
<p>I’m sure they’ll let us know even if we don’t get in. I doubt they’d let us think we have a shot indefinately, they wouldn’t do that to us. One of my parents’ friends is an alum. Idk if it’s too late to ask her/if it would even help to get a letter…</p>
<p>It’s not too late, they’d just have to move quickly. My uncle wrote me a letter, he is an alum. Not sure how much parent’s friends could help but it’s worth a shot in my eyes. I talked to some admissions officers and they said that they are still waiting to finalize how many they are taking. Doesn’t sound like they are too far in yet.</p>
<p>Okay, I had it sent. Everyone I know is hearing back from their waitlists…so nervous for Hamilton…</p>
<p>Anyone hear back yet? Its getting well into May so I hope it’s not just me still waiting haha.</p>
<p>Hamkidmaybe:</p>
<p>Perhaps you should consider calling the Admissions Office to see what’s up.</p>