<p>It is not urban legend. One of my D’s classmates got in just days before school started in the fall. I know that sounds impossible to survive, stress-wise, but it does mean that there is always hope, especially with a waitlist. </p>
<p>My D turned down one waitlist (but was flattered by it), accepted another. She received an offer very quickly (meaning she was among the first to be contacted once they knew their yield). We were glad we’d considered that school’s pros and cons all through April, because it was a very strong candidate until the very last moment. She didn’t attend, but again has always felt gratified that she was “good enough.”</p>
<p>Emmybet - these kids were not on a waitlist, that is what makes this so unbelievable. I totally think waitlisted kids will get late calls…but those not on the list? If the school even has one and I have never heard of anyone being w/l by this program…hhmmm…</p>
<p>I think there is a lot more shuffling around that goes on in these programs (and colleges in general) than we ever really hear about. I’m not entirely sure the late entry in my D’s class was on an official WL either.</p>
<p>You can be hopeful but your child should be committed to whatever school he/she accepts. Being accepted in the late summer to another school happens but really not that often, usually it just one or two spots that open up after the other accepted student gets admitted to their preferred school or a family decides they can’t afford it or something else happens. It’s called “summer melt” and again, maybe 100 kids across every theatre program in the country are chosen and mixed around but it’s not something to count on or even think about.</p>
<p>Once your child has acceptances investigate those schools only. Send whatever you might need to the waitlisted schools but move on. Let your child decide on a school and “fall in love” with that school. No school is perfect, most schools are great.</p>
<p>Yes, amtc, all excellent points. Our job as parents is to help our kids feel confident and happy about their choice in the spring.</p>
<p>A very big change in the summer is rare - and I’d say is only for someone who truly can’t find contentment with their decision, or has no other option to go to school.</p>
<p>As I said, we kept her WL school on the spreadsheet just so she wouldn’t have to do a complete mind warp if she did get in. </p>
<p>In a bigger sense, though - while I agree “no school is perfect, most schools are great,” it’s never too late to make a change. I hear way too many stories of kids who really don’t want to do what is the “right” decision, and it can lead to some pretty rough times. If nothing feels right, stay on WLs, check in with the schools over time, talk about a whole new set of ideas. </p>
<p>But no, my point is not that somehow the world will shift on its axis and all kinds of spots will miraculously open at your kid’s top choice. This process isn’t - and maybe shouldn’t be - as cut and dried as we often think it is.</p>
<p>More good news tonight! D accepted to BFA Acting at University of Illinois. Illinois actors have a strong presence in Chicago, but not so much nationally. However, they just hired a top guy from NYU, so who knows!</p>
<p>Also got the expected “no thanks” from UMich.</p>