<p>Hi
Recently I was waitlisted to BC and CMU and I was wondering how these things work.</p>
<p>For example, BC says: "We will not decide if any students will be admitted from the waiting list until after May 1."</p>
<p>If the decision comes out after May 1st, what about the colleges that you're already in? Don't we have to reply to colleges on whether we will be attending or not BY May 1st?</p>
<p>I got into college and I was pretty content on going to one, but I would go to BC and CMU over it if I got in from the waitlist because they are much higher ranked and better suited for me. But I'm not sure how we are supposed to wait for the waitlist decision if it comes out after the deadline of responding to my already-accepted college.</p>
<p>Can someone explain how this works?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>You submit your deposit to the school to which you have been accepted and wish to attend, while also remaining on the waitlist of BC and CMU. If you are offered a spot from one of the waitlists, then you simply inform the original school of your new preference, you withdraw, and will forfeit your deposit (usually $200-$500 - not much in relation to cost of college). Happens all the time.</p>
<p>I agree with Hinsdale. The important thing is to make sure you send a deposit to the school you will likely attend. Don’t hedge your bets on the waitlist.</p>
<p>Thanks, this clears up a lot for me guys.</p>
<p>One more question.
Why would anyone not waitlist? Isn’t there basically nothing to lose?
There are no downfalls of putting yourself on waitlist, is there?</p>
<p>I’m going to deposit and put myself on the two waitlists, but there are no downfalls are there?</p>
<p>No downfalls. But if you have no or little interest in attending the school even if offered a spot, then many people will decline the waitlist offer in order improve the chances of those more inclined to the school. Many people have been accepted to preferred schools and have no reason to stay on any waitlists at choices farther down on their lists.</p>