<p>I was waitlisted by Grinnell College. My father (who is an alumni) received a courtesy phone call just a few days before I received my waitlist letter from head of admissions. She essentially told him that if I wanted to be admitted, then I would need to call Grinnell a top choice of sorts and promise to attend if admitted. I'm also apparently on high priority since my dad went to Grinnell, though I think my chances of being removed are quite low.</p>
<p>I've since written a detailed "Why Grinnell" essay, and clearly stated that I would attend if admitted. I've had a teacher write a supplemental rec, sent in a list of recent achievements, my GC has spoken with the head of admissions and put in a good word, etc. I've given it my all!</p>
<p>When will I start to hear about the waitlist situation? Is there anything else I can do to bolster my application?</p>
<p>It does sound as if you have given it your all. The problem is, Grinnell won't know if it has room to take people off the waitlist until they hear from all of their accepted students. That may not happen until May 1. I know that a couple of weeks can seem like an eternity at a time like this. The one other thing you can do is to do your best on your academics for the rest of the school year. Wouldn't want to make it off the waitlist and then have an acceptance rescinded because your grades tanked. Hang in there--it's been a tough year for a lot of people!</p>
<p>From what I've learned about the waitlist process, you are doing all you can. We are in the same boat with another school and I fear it won't all shake out until June. The final thing you can do is get excited about whatever college you are putting your deposit on, so that if you do end up elsewhere you won't feel bitter about it. You may end up at Grinnell or another school, but wherever it is, give it your best shot.</p>
<p>YES!!! As i mentioned on a thread elsewhere, I got in on the 21st of April(what a phonecall)! I was STUNNED! I also got a full scholarship which has lifted a major burden off my parents who up until recent have been wonderning how on earth they will finance a US education considering that I am an international student. I still have other waitlists to wait for but will be completely thrilled if Grinnell is where I end up! Good luck to you all!</p>
<p>PS: All i did was write a pinpoint one page essay on why I wanted to be accepted off the waitlist and what I had achieved in the previous academic term. Nothing was over-elaborate. Just keep heart and hope things come good.</p>
<p>Congratulations born.to.amaze! Where else are you waiting to hear from?? Where do you think you'll go next year?</p>
<p>Gah...I'm kind of worried...I haven't heard yet about the waitlist, but you did! Maybe it's because you're an international applicant. I really hope I get in...</p>
<p>Does anyone around what time waitlisted applicants started hearing back last year?</p>
<p>Well, I'm still waiting to hear from Johns Hopkins, Amherst and Wesleyan but unless these colleges can match my Grinnell offer in terms of finances (especially considering the unbelievable cost of a college education these days), it's highly unlikely i'll be headed anywhere other than Iowa. If anything though, I thought I'd be at a disadvantage being an international applicant. A belief that domestic students get first priority when the waitlist is involved, had slowly integrated into my thinking but as fate would have it, I've heard from Grinnell before anyone else it seems. The best advice I can give you is to be open to all possibilities. Don't pin all your hopes on Grinnell but don't fall for this common misconception that getting off the waitlist is parallel to the impossible. Good luck...</p>
<p>Grinnell just increased FA for international students this year, I believe. Congratulations, born.to.amaze--aren't we all? And Onilawliet, I hope you get good news.</p>