<p>I posted this is a different forum but got no response and thought maybe it fit better here.</p>
<p>Thanks for any insight you might have.</p>
<p>My oldest D (Grad. Sr.) is reviewing her list of acceptances (6) but honestly still has an eye on her "Wait List" (3). She was accepted at a top 10 LAC with a great package but it was/is not her first choice, in fact she has a "lesser ranked" LAC on her wait list that she would prefer.</p>
<p>I expect she will take the admit she has but may also want to go on a "Wait List"</p>
<p>So my question, knowing that "Wait Lists" are a long shot - is it worth the stress of "Hoping" (Her parents are definitely ready to move on), and more importantly how does a need for Financial Aid effect "Wait Listed" student...can you still receive financial aid or is the "Wait List" completely need aware.</p>
<p>The answer is “it depends”. There are schools that are need blind and meet full need that do not extend this provision to wait listed students. But there are also cases, and I know of some personally as well as what I 've seen on this board, where financial aid accompanied the wait list offer. </p>
<p>It definitely is not worth the stress, IMO. I say for the student to fill it out and the forget about it. It’s a lottery ticket. Focus on what you have. If your student does clear the list and get enough aid, then it’s time to consider it, but otherwise move as though it is not an option.</p>
<p>^^exactly. Some colleges have enough of a financial aid budget to also cover WL’ed students. Others do not.</p>
<p>If you know the school is need-aware in admissions (Tufts or Colgate or Reed, for example), and you would be willing to attend at full-pay rates, definitely let them know. Once on the WL, it is hard to obtain money from a need-aware college.</p>
<p>Call the school. Ask their policies.
Is the WL ranked or prioritized?
How do they pull off the waitlist?
Does it help to send in “Updated info” or a letter why you remain interested?
What is the aid policy?</p>
<p>Also review the CDS to see what the WL stats were recently to see if it is even worth it. In the meantime, continue to move on. I know - easier said than done.</p>
<p>I agree with calling the individual schools. My understanding is that for many schools, they will pull full pays off the waitlist first. It is hard to get this bit of info out of schools. With that in mind, I would think the likelihood of getting off the list is small.</p>