Hey, guys, I just joined this thread because I’m currently agonizing over my college decision. I applied to Columbia through the QuestBridge regular decision program and was waitlisted. However, amidst to the chaos and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the transition to virtual learning, and my mom losing her job, the prospect of even considering Columbia as a serious college option was dismal, so I never responded to the waitlist offer. I realize now that the April 23rd and May 1st deadlines for the supplemental interest letter and waitlist decision form, respectively, have come and gone, so I completely understand if it isn’t possible to accept a spot now, but I am still very interested in Columbia. I have a couple of questions, but the main one for you guys is whether it is even worth contacting Columbia about my situation to see whether I could accept my spot on the waitlist. I normally wouldn’t even consider contacting after the deadline, but the combination of the unprecedented global circumstances and the fact that they accept off the waitlist until June 30th (ish?? not sure) and don’t rank waitlisted applicants made me wonder if it may be worth a shot. Thoughts?
Additionally, if you accept your spot on the waitlist and get an offer to attend, is it binding? Financials were the deciding factor in committing to the university I did, so if accepting a spot on the waitlist without first being able to see the financial aid package is a binding decision, that sadly won’t be an option for my family.
Please let me know what you guys think! I obviously won’t get my hopes up at even still being allowed to accept a spot on the waitlist, but it’s such a huge opportunity that I felt like I’d regret if I didn’t even try to explore the option.