<p>Is waitlist selection need-aware? And if you do get selected, can you expect FA comparable to what you would have gotten as a regular admit, or is it more of a “last to the table gets the scraps” kind of scenario?</p>
<p>Some schools ARE “need aware” for the wait-list. That’s probably because at that point, they have limited funds left and need more “full pay” kids. That’s not the case with every school, but it is true with some schools.</p>
<p>Which schools wait-listed your child?</p>
<p>Last year S was waitlisted at 4 schools (8 acceptances, 4 waitlists, 3 outright rejections). His GC told him she didn’t make calls or write letters to get kids off waitlists (unlike what happens at many schools, particularly private ones). She did suggest that he write a letter and include any recent accomplishments (there were some). But he never did any of that. He stayed on 3 of the waitlists, just to see what would happen. He ended up being taken off one waitlist (but didn’t attend).</p>
<p>mom2collegekids–he’s been waitlisted at Skidmore and Brandeis.</p>
<p>My D was on the waitlist for her top two choices. She met with her school counselor the day after (March 31) and her GC called those two schools while my D was in the office. GC asked these two schools what a student can provide additionally. Both schools suggested that my D can send extra letter (e-mail) to the regional rep. to give school an update. She sent e-mail twice in 1.5 month. The first e-mail was long to update what she had been doing since application was submitted. The second e-mail was sent at the end of April. It was a short e-mail to just touch base. She received the phone call in mid-May to get off the waitlist from her top choice school. Also as school GC suggested, let waitlisted school know student’s parents will support him/her financially (only if this is a true statement). Good luck.</p>
<p>Add Vandy to my D’s waitlist list. Sigh.</p>
<p>Say, would expressing interest in a different department - say engineering vs arts & science improve one’s odds of moving off the WL? Perhaps there are more A&S applicants than engineering or vice verse? Or am I grasping at straws?</p>
<p>Thanks for the responces all. D and I just came back last night from a long weekend visit from U Maine which will be the school she will accept, they gave her enough grants that it is the smart money choice. U maine makes alot of sence except one, the program is stronger at U Washington (the WL school) and is more supportive of her particular research intrest. D has contacted the advisor at UW and notified her of beign WLed, she said she’s see what she could do. Mom2colkids, we did find out there would be specific program money available so it shouldn’t be as bad as I once figured (looking at worse case scenario). If she or I believed in signs I’d say all signs have pointed to U Maine.</p>
<p>So, we will take all of your sound advice, and she will accept at U Maine, I’ll encurrage her (which the recent visit helped) and we will cross the path of acceptance off the WL if she’s ever presented with it. Its a crapy thing to have happen particularly when the department was interested in her.</p>
<p>Best of luck, LTemplton. Sounds like you and your kid have made a good decision.</p>
<p>timeflew, Sorry to hear about Vandy.</p>
<p>I got wait-listed at Kenyon, U of Richmond, and Reed College. U of R and Kenyon were total shocks. I have no idea why they wait listed me- I thought I was a good match for each. </p>
<p>Reed College was totally expected (I actually feared a rejection letter) because I need FA and my test scores and GPA were exactly “average” for them. Plus, my case was weird. </p>
<p>I’m only getting on Reed’s waitlist, and enrolling in UNC-Chapel Hill in the meantime. </p>
<p>Wait list story:
My friend (from NC) was denied at every single school she applied, except UNC because she only applied to reaches (yeah, not a good idea). She was wait-listed at William and Mary and was generally devastated about the whole college process. So, long story short, her GC got the president of her school (does Exeter have a president? maybe it was her dean) to call W&M on her behalf. Basically, the head honcho told W&M that she was a great, solid kid and that they needed to admit her. They did, and she’s really happy there now!</p>
<p>*</p>
<p>is waitlist selection need-aware? And if you do get selected, can you expect FA comparable to what you would have gotten as a regular admit, or is it more of a “last to the table gets the scraps” kind of scenario?</p>
<p>he’s been waitlisted at Skidmore and Brandeis.*</p>
<p>Hmmm…I’m trying to remember if Brandeis is “need aware” for its waitlist. Anyone??? Don’t know anything about Skidmore’s policy. Anyone know???</p>
<p>*And yes, we thought we had a range or reach, match, and safety, but always thought those reaches were WITHIN reach. Again - naive! *</p>
<p>Sorry to hear about Vandy. 
What are her match & safety schools???</p>
<p>*D and I just came back last night from a long weekend visit from U Maine which will be the school she will accept, they gave her enough grants that it is the smart money choice. U maine makes alot of sence except one, the program is stronger at U Washington (the WL school) and is more supportive of her particular research intrest. *</p>
<p>Well, we’re glad to hear that your D is liking UMaine!! What is her major?</p>
<p>Another waitlist story…D applied to 13 schools with a clear first choice but many she was very excited about. Deferred ED from her first choice (an ivy) and then waitlisted last March. Enrolled at wonderful second choice and, though saddened, still excited about the school she’d be attending. Even though the WL school said not to contact them, she sent 2 emails over the next 8 weeks or so detailing what she’d accomplished since her application and stated that the school remained her first choice and she would attend if admitted. GC at her school also contacted the school one time although it was difficult because either one or two others in her small graduating class had also been WL’d and all had chosen to remain on the list. The night before graduation the call came–she was admitted. She was thrilled and her experience this year has been wonderful. Of course, I believe she’d be happy at her second choice too; it’s just that when your kid wants something so badly, you want it for them too. </p>
<p>Hang in there to those who are on waiting lists–it can happen but try to remember that you can be happy at other schools too!</p>
<p>Her major is Physical Oceanography. Maine has a undergrad Physical program but is traditionally biology based and focused and labeled Marine Science. UW has a strong undergrad Phy Oceanography program and numerous opportunities.
We looked for programs that offered proven hands on Oceanography at a undergrad level.
At both schools these programs bring in substantial funding, so they are not in danger.</p>
<p>As for the WL, Unfortunately my D’s GC has not been helpful at all up to this point, but after reading some of the success stories I will encourage her to speak with them and to possibly send an additional e-mail. If not she can transfer (if that makes sence) or do her grad work there</p>
<p>I won’t be relying on our GC, either. My D is in a competitive program at a LARGE public school and there are only 3 GC’s for 420 seniors. They are wonderful, but overwhelmed. </p>
<p>Great advice from many posters - I’m going to encourage my D to be a polite, squeaky wheel. . .</p>