<p>So I'm completely oblivious to how waitlists work.
If I accept a place on the waitlist, does that mean that I am committing to the school while the school still has no commitment to me? Do I have to make a deposit?
Can I wait and see if I am accepted without me accepting a position on the waitlist?
Also, can I request that my financial aid package still be determined?</p>
<p>I was also waitlisted at Smith.</p>
<p>Hi artobsessed</p>
<p>My daughter was waitlisted by one of the schools she applied to; this was new for us and she wasn’t sure how to feel about it or how to respond either. More experienced users can probably give you better advice but I can give you a little feedback on the situation as I understand it.</p>
<p>First, take heart that getting waitlisted is not a rejection. Basically the school is saying that you are qualified to attend, and they would like to have you if space becomes available–they just don’t have enough openings to accept all the candidates they liked (one of which is you!)</p>
<p>I’m sorry I dont know what Mount Holyoke’s specific policies are regarding deposits. I should think one would not be required to accept a space on the waitlist though. Did they ask for one? In the meantime, you should go ahead and make a deposit at your first choice of institutions where you were accepted, by that school’s deadline (likely May 1). If a spot opens up at MoHo (or Smith) after that which you decide to accept, you will likely forfeit the deposit at the other school.</p>
<p>You must accept the position on the list in order for them to still consider you for acceptance. However, it does not consitute an outright commitment to attend, if an offer should come your way.</p>
<p>I don’t know the answer to the financial aid question, sorry, but my sense is probably not. However, it wouldn’t hurt to contact the fa office for more information.</p>
<p>Here are a couple of articles that might help with your decision:</p>
<p>[You’re</a> on the Waiting List. Now What? - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/05/waiting/]You’re”>You're on the Waiting List. Now What? - The New York Times)</p>
<p>[CollegeData</a> - Prepare & Apply - Waitlisted! Now What?](<a href=“http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_getinarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10140]CollegeData”>http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_getinarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10140)</p>
<p>Hi Artobsessed! Tamari is right, you must accept your place on the waitlist in order to be considered if a spot in the class of 2017 becomes available. By accepting your spot on the waitlist you are not committed to choosing Mount Holyoke – if you are accepted, the choice will still be yours although the Office of Admission will probably give you a relatively short period of time to decide whether you would like to accept their offer (so that they can offer the spot to someone else on the waitlist if you say no). Accepting the waitlist spot is not a monetary commitment – you do not make a deposit. If you are admitted you will find out about your financial aid package, but you won’t be able to find out otherwise. </p>
<p>If you’re very interested in coming to MHC, you should accept your spot on the waitlist! The amount of people accepted off the waitlist varies from year to year, but it is worth a try if you’re serious about Mount Holyoke. </p>
<p>Please let me know if you have any other questions!</p>
<p>Does anyone know how MHC chooses from the waitlist? I read that MHC doesn’t rank for the waitlist.</p>
<p>Sportskid45 – You’re right, MHC does not have a ranked waitlist. If you’re very serious about MHC, make that clear to the Office of Admission! Be in touch, send in additional supporting material, and if you would definitely choose MHC if offered admission, let them know.</p>
<p>@MHC Thanks! One question though, if MHC doesn’t rank then how do they pick who gets off the waitlist? Or is it multiple things?</p>
<p>Does anyone know on average how many people get offered a place after being waitlisted?</p>
<p>@dennm078
2012(last year):30
2011: 0
2010:77
2009: 0
2008:14
2007: 0
2006:5
2005: 0
2004:52
2003:33
2002:26
2001:49
2000:18</p>
<p>@sportskid45, thank you for the data! The usage of the waitlist really varies from year to year, it all depends how many admitted students choose MHC. Since MHC doesn’t rank, the office of admission takes various institutional priorities into account (geographic diversity, etc) in order to form the best possible class, and may also be influenced by student’s demonstrated intention to enroll at MHC if admitted off the waitlist.</p>
<p>Figured I’d say hi 
I’m waitlisted for the class of 2017 and have accepted my spot on the list I emailed some extra info to admissions, and now it’s just a waiting game…woop</p>
<p>@MattieR91 I also accepted my spot on the waitlist. If you don’t mind me asking, what did you send? I plan on writing a letter letting them know that I really want to go to MHC.</p>
<p>@sportskid45 thanks so much for that information. Interesting how much it varies- I guess you never know!</p>
<p>@sportskid45 I don’t mind at all, well, Darcy Thoma (who seems to be the admissions counselor for the waitlist) actually did my interview, so I just sent a letter with some extra information of what I’ve been doing between then and now, and re-iterating that I love MHC and would go if accepted. So, we’ll see I guess :)</p>
<p>Is Darcy Thoma the general contact for everyone on the waitlist or should students reach out to their regional rep?</p>
<p>@Kelbee, I addressed my extra info letter to Darcy but that’s because she’s my regional contact and she did my interview. I’d submit any ‘waitlist specific’ questions to Darcy, and any extra information to your regional reader, as they will know you a little better from reading your application Does anyone know roughly when we might hear? I mean, I’d imagine after May 1st, but what if people decline offers before May 1st?</p>
<p>I think if MHC is top on you’re list then it is worth waiting on the list. They still want you, they just don’t know if they have enough spots.</p>
<p>I don’t think yield is a huge factor here. Applicants to women’s colleges in general are pretty self-selecting, and that alone will protect much of their yield. They also give up pretty hefty merit scholarships to top applicants as well, so the waitlist is probably students they would like to take after they hear from their admitted group of students. As long as you show that you’d really bring something to their college as well as continued interest, once space opens up, you’ll have a better chance of getting off the waitlist.</p>
<p>@MHC2015 Are transfers on the waitlist accepted on a rolling basis?</p>
<p>Hey guys So I emailed MoHo with some questions and this is the response, figured it might help some people with similar questions. I asked about ranking, financial aid and whether it’s Fall or Spring acceptance.</p>
<p>"Dear Mattie,</p>
<p>Thank you for writing. The wait list is not ranked, but if we move to the wait list we will be heavily influenced by a student’s intention to enroll, as well as our own institutional goals and priorities. We still pledge to meet full demonstrated need as determined by the College for wait listed students. Indeed, financial need is one of many factors we take into consideration when making admission decisions, as well as transcript, rigor, writing, and involvements.</p>
<p>Typically if we move students from the wait list we move them into the fall class, however I will make note of your willingness to enter in the spring. Let me know if any questions pop up in the future.</p>
<p>Warmly,
Darcy"</p>
<p>@MattieR91
Thanks for posting that email. It helps to clear some things up.</p>