So how exactly does the waitlist process work???

<p>I've been accepted to seven schools, none of which are my top choices. I got waitlisted at four schools, including my top choice, Reed. I got rejected at my second choice...:(.</p>

<p>Here's my question. If I stay on the waitlist at Reed, does that mean I forgo all other offers of admission? I thought most schools require you to notify them of your decision in like, May and Reed probably wouldn't let me know until later. Can someone please explain the process to me, or give me a link to a similar thread? Thanks.</p>

<p>You should accept a place at another college or university by the deadline (~ May 1st I think for most places). Make sure that you have a place to go next year. Then, if you end up getting off the waitlist at Reed after that, you can notify the college and tell them that you got off the waitlist and will be attending Reed instead. Colleges understand that this happens (although you probably won't get back the deposit you gave to the other school).</p>

<p>That works? I thought there were restrictions about that sort of thing. What about housing arrangements and all of that at the school I send a deposit to?</p>

<p>Can you do this for more than one waitlist? I have been waitlisted at two places and accepted at one. Can I stay on both waitlists and accept the actual offer from the other school?</p>

<p>I second that question...I've actually been waitlisted at four schools, and while Reed is my number one, I might want to consider staying on the list for Whitman as well.</p>

<p>Here, check this out:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.princetonreview.com/college/apply/articles/decision/waitlist.asp%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.princetonreview.com/college/apply/articles/decision/waitlist.asp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>And, as far as I know, you can accept places on multiple waitlists.</p>

<p>" What about housing arrangements and all of that at the school I send a deposit to?"</p>

<p>You'll probably lose your deposit and the college may need to turn to their waitlist to fill your spot.</p>

<p>Remember to give some thought to whether you really want the waitlisted school THAT much more, though. I've been waitlisted at three colleges, but when I compare the colleges I've been accepted at to the ones that put me on their waitlists, I don't see that much of a difference. I have stayed on the waitlist for my top choice school and plan to do everything I can to get in there, but I realize now that it isn't absolutely necessary that I go there. Remember, you applied to all of your colleges for a reason. Surely the ones you got into have some redeeming qualities and you could see yourself being happy there.</p>

<p>As a final note, I don't suspect you of staying on the waitlist of a school that you aren't absolutely dying to go to. But others who are considering this should remember that the spot you take on the waitlist of a school makes it that much more difficult for another kid who wants it more to get in off that waitlist.</p>

<p>I really want to go to Reed, and I think part of the reason I didn't get in is because I didn't visit. I missed the deadline for the alumni interview requests (my own fault). Is there any way for me to redeem myself?</p>