<p>So I was put on the waitlist, and I'm wondering what my honest chances of getting off the list are. I've heard at best around 4% of waitlisties are offered admission, is that true?also is there any way to help my chances?</p>
<p>Statistically, your chances are 5%. However, don’t be discouraged. The vast majority of people who get waitlisted at UChicago never do any sort of follow-up, thus severely diminishing their chances of getting in.</p>
<p>To have the best possible chance of getting in off the waitlist (speaking as one who got in off the waitlist), I’d advise the following path, no more -because more starts to look desparate- and no less.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Write a thoughtful, concise letter to the admissions office thanking them for the opportunity, and indicating that you still very much hope to go to UChicago. Again, do not sound desparate (i.e. no “I haven’t gotten in anywhere else help me!”).</p></li>
<li><p>Get two of the people who wrote you recommendations to send a follow-up recommendation. Tell them that you’re on the waitlist, and that giving UChicago some additional feedback would be extremely helpful. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>That’s it. Can’t guarantee it’ll work, but it did for me, and it certainly improves your chances over one who simply checks the “want-to-stay-on-the-waitlist” box and never contacts UChicago again.</p>
<p>@UChicagoGrad: thank you for your thorough instructions. I am also waitlisted at Chicago, and I can (and will never) give up my dream school, even though I am accepted to some prestigious colleges.</p>
<p>My only doubt is, when shall we send the materials? Do we have to e-mail them? fed-ex them?</p>
<p>Just send them via regular mail. I would include your letter with your response to the waitlist notification. Have your two recommenders send their follow-ups separately. Keep in mind, UChicago admissions almost certainly won’t start to consider waitlisted applicants until after May 1st, so you have plenty of time to respond to them between now and then - regular USPS will be just fine. </p>
<p>EDIT: But make sure you get this all done soon!</p>
<p>If you’ve gotten in off the waitlist, you will probably be notified in mid to late May.</p>
<p>UChicagoGrad-What about if you need financial aid plus want to get off the wait list?</p>
<p>That’s a question best posed to the UChicagoPSAC.</p>
<p>Can we email the letter?</p>