I’m asking this for @mathman1201 since he’s currently taking a break from CC.
Mathman told me that he recently received a phone call from someone on the admissions team at a certain school where he is waitlisted at. The person who called said that they were looking at his application folder and that they liked his academics (grades, test scores, academic accomplishments) and his ECs, called him intelligent, and said that there was “always a chance of him getting off the waitlist.” The admissions person who called also said that they were trying to find applicants who were (paraphrasing here) “applying for the right reasons.”
Anyways, mathman would like to know if it is normal to receive calls from schools where you are waitlisted, and, if it is unusual to receive these types of calls, should he read much into it?
Thanks and he appreciates your input. 
No, not normal! I’ve never gotten a call without calling them first.
I forgot to add that this is a GLADCHEMMS school that called him.
I think this may be a good news. Hope he conveyed the message that he would definitely go if accepted.
Tell Mathman we are rooting for him - and hoping this is a good sign. Don’t count chickens though…
OK, he’s got a chance now for a comeback. But he’s got to take action.
Tell him to follow up right away with an email to that AO, expressing enthusiasm and, per @payn4ward, stating clearly that he would definitely go if accepted. Even if Mathman has said this in a phone conversation, it is better to say so again in writing where such a declaration has more impact. Better still, follow the email with a hand written note saying the same thing. Also, if he has any new positive developments, great grades, an award, an achievement, he should include those as well in the email and the note.
At this point, he’s clumped together with other kids who all look good on paper. The one with the most initiative, passion and commitment will stand out, after all the grades and scores and ECs are considered. Tell him not to give up. It ain’t over 'til it’s over.
It sounds like they originally may have put him in the “Swimmer/athlete” pile. The right reasons are up to debate. Once he figures them out (academics, for example), he could have an authority figure in the ‘right reason’ domain (Math teacher?) who has NOT previously written a recommendation write one on the school’s form over the weekend and submit it directly to the person who made the call, emphasizing the traits and qualities that are the ‘right reason’ traits.
Fishing expedition is my guess. Anticipating that they night need to pull off kids from their wait list, they are going to their top wait list candidates and seeing how interested they are. Do they have other offers and would decline if a spot is offered or do they remain strongly interested. I think @agincourt offers great advice in post #5.
What Agincourt and Payn4ward said…and I am really hoping he gets a spot!
Yes this is definitely someone trying to see if @mathman1201 has committed elsewhere.
They won’t offer anything until after A10 depending on Yield. Looks like he is at the top of the wait list. He needs to express interest.
Just one other thought. Why did they call @mathman1201 instead of his parents?
@sgopal2: I do not know for sure, but I know that mathman took control of the application process, so I would assume that he put down his phone number for the contact information.
Thank you everyone @stargirl3 @payn4ward @Britmom5 @Agincourt @ItsJustSchool @doschicos @twinsmama @sgopal2 @jdewey for all of the responses! Mathman expresses his sincerest gratitude for all of the input and advice.
I am thinking that this is the time when the principal or counselor follows up with a phone call. “Mathman is awesome and he would be a great fit at your school. He will be going there if he comes off the waitlist…”
Mathman said that he does not want to sound anxious or desperate, which is making him uncertain as to whether or not he should email the AO that called him. He says that he thinks he sounded very anxious and jittery in his phone call (from nervousness) so he is worried he left a bad impression. He would like to know if it is acceptable that he mainly expressed his interest in the phone call or if he should go ahead and send the email and note.
No-- especially if he feels like he sounded jittery and unsure-- don’t just leave it with the phone call. Absolutely follow up in writing, as mentioned–say he’ll be there if offered, add any new info or accomplishments he’s got, and restate what he loves about that school and why he’d be a good fit. That’s not desperate sounding-- it’s showing serious interest.
It is best to have someone else endorse him. He should also follow up with written communication (email or note) not only expressing interest, but also highlighting the ‘reasons that matter’ that he is best at (especially if anything, ANYTHING, good occurred since the application was submitted).
Written correspondence can be attached to a file and evaluated by multiple people. Spoken words are not so easily captured.
It’s not like he’s asking a girl out on a date or something. No need to come across as cool and nonchalant. It will not smack of desperation to show STRONG interest. No adult, especially an Admissions Officer, will find fault in an applicant for showing enthusiasm for going to their school. He needs to write the and get it out by tomorrow. I would not wait. I agree with asking his advisor/counselor or principal to place a call or send an email as well.
Agree with all of the above STRONGLY, needs to be followed up with email and hand written note, has he an adult somewhere who can call and speak for him??