<p>I was recently rejected by my top-choice school, but of the schools I had tied for second I was waitlisted at two (Columbia, Penn) and accepted at one (Chicago). I was planning on visiting the schools tied for second if I got in and deciding from there, but I'm not sure what to do with one acceptance and two waitlists. If by some miracle I got off the waitlist at Penn or Columbia, I'm still not sure what I'd decide. As I ponder what to do, I have a few questions that might help lead me to the right decision. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>How long does one have to respond to an offer of admission from the waitlist?</p></li>
<li><p>Are Penn and Columbia still need-blind for financial aid during the waitlist period?</p></li>
<li><p>Is it a bad idea to write that both schools are my number one choice if I do go the waitlist route?</p></li>
<li><p>Do these schools expect me to send updated grades? Would I be at a disadvantage if I didn't send my grades? What if I have a few Bs this semester for the first time in my HS career?</p></li>
<li><p>Are supplemental recommendations from relatives who are alumni any help at all?</p></li>
<li><p>My parents are telling me I should put down that I am one-quarter hispanic even though they had me just say white on the applications. I'm guessing this is a bad idea?</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>How long does one have to respond to an offer of admission from the waitlist? Depends on the school.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Not too long I would suspect. If offered, they need to know because they feel compelled to fill the vacancy.</p>
<ol>
<li>Are Penn and Columbia still need-blind for financial aid during the waitlist period?<br></li>
</ol>
<p>I would imagine so – that’s their stated policy.</p>
<ol>
<li>Is it a bad idea to write that both schools are my number one choice if I do go the waitlist route?<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Does it matter?</p>
<ol>
<li>Do these schools expect me to send updated grades? Would I be at a disadvantage if I didn’t send my grades? What if I have a few Bs this semester for the first time in my HS career? </li>
</ol>
<p>If they ask for grades, send them. You can’t change what you can’t change</p>
<ol>
<li>Are supplemental recommendations from relatives who are alumni any help at all?</li>
</ol>
<p>No. Why should they give any weight to an obviously unbiased rec?</p>
<ol>
<li>My parents are telling me I should put down that I am one-quarter hispanic even though they had me just say white on the applications. I’m guessing this is a bad idea?</li>
</ol>
<p>Switching classifications mid stream? New found Hispanic identity after Mar 30th? Smells pretty rotten to me.</p>