Hey guys,
So I got waitlisted by MCS 
, and I have joined the priority waitlist. CMU is my top choice school, and I would love to somehow increase my chances of getting off the waitlist, if it’s possible. I was browsing through the forums and the CMU Waitlist FAQ, and there are mentions of a continued interest letter/statement that I can’t seem to find much info about. I haven’t received any emails from CMU nor have I found any place to actually submit such a letter. Would you guys recommend that I email CMU asking about this letter or just send one in? I just really want some way to show CMU how much I want to attend.
Thanks
From CMU’s FAQ for their waiting list:
"What else can I do?
If you remain interested in the Waiting List, you’ll receive information after May 1st regarding how to submit a statement expressing continued interest in Carnegie Mellon. "
I’m assuming this is for people registered on both the PWL and regular WL.
But considering the release date of decisions for the PWL is may 6, wouldn’t after may 1 be an extremely sorry time for both students to write a statement and admissions to read them?
Why would demonstrated interest matter for the wait listed students?
Schools use ED to goose their admission selectivity metrics, since these students enroll at a nearly 100% rate. But how does having a high yield off the wait list matter? They just move to the next name on the list when someone turns them down.
The waitlist is already ranked, there is nothing you can do, they have already ranked your app and will accept according to the ranked order.
YZamyatin, I feel like maybe colleges would want to offer admission to the students that actually truly wish to attend. Maybe I’m wrong, but why else would they ask for a statement of continued interest?
Bored1997, if the waitlists are already ranked, why would they ask for statements on their wait list FAQ?
"I’ve decided to remain active on the Waiting List, now what?
Please return your Waiting List Reply Form by April 10 if you wish to remain active on the Priority Waiting List or by May 1 for the Regular Waiting List, and we encourage you to communicate your continued interest in Carnegie Mellon by completing the written statement of interest that’s part of this form."
I also couldn’t find a place to actually submit this written statement.
Check the CDS it says ranked ( CDS= Common data set) @usernamehi
Took my chances and emailed a LOCI to the undergrad admissions office. This morning I got a response thanking me for the additional info and that my recent achievements would be put in file for further review. Since the Waitlist is ranked idk how much of a difference it’ll make but it obviously doesn’t go ignored.
Best of luck to you in the wl process btw
I am priority waitlisted at CMU. Is showing continued interest and sending current grades will help? Also, I already have looked at the common dataset, but it doesn’t say how many out of waitlist pool are PRIORITY waitlisted. I would like to know if the chances of getting in from CMU priority waitlist is pretty high or not. Thanks!
It varies greatly from year to year for individual schools. There is just no way to know in advance.
However, CMU now knows how many have accepted a spot on the PW list. Give them a call and ask (and come here and let us know!)
They should already have a mid year report from you. I doubt interim semester grades eill be worth much.