<p>A friend just got waitlisted a few days ago...pretty down. </p>
<p>But how come the decision came so early?? </p>
<p>And also, do you guys think the fact that he had applied for financial aid made the difference? (Overall, he had seemed quite confident about getting in but right now is down because he feels now has no chance of getting into any of the bigger Ivies). </p>
<p>Anyone else out there in the same boat? And does this now mean he has no chance of getting into the bigger Ivies? (H, P , Y etc)</p>
<p>Just because one Ivy waitlisted your friend doesn't mean another won't accept him... Nothing is guaranteed in college admissions - especially in the Ivies. Don't sweat it; I'm sure he'll get in somewhere amazing (if you apply to all the Ivies, you really can't go wrong) and he'll be happy wherever he ends up!</p>
<p>Could it be that Penn waitlists some very strong candidates because they suspect they will go elsewhere if accepted to one of the "bigger" ivies?...I think I´ve seen cases like this before with Penn...although this is just speculation. But it seems colleges also game to avoid being rejected by highly qualified applicants.</p>
<p>I was waitlisted too and im just wondering if theres anything you suggest I do to improve my chances because Penn is definitely my top choice. I dont have amazing SATs (but a good rank and GPA) and im pretty sure they waitlisted me because of how much i knew about penn and the fact that i stated it was my indisputable 1st choice in the “why penn” essay. Should i write a letter reiterating my point or call admissions? And when would be the best time for this?</p>