So I’ve been waitlisted and in one discussion I noticed that people were saying they got their decisions mid-april…the deadline for opting in on the waitlist is 18th April- wondering if opting in earlier makes a big difference? actually, I was a bit unsure about berkeley…also, can someone tell me a little more about the optional essay that they ask us to write? What exactly do they want from that? Is it like the personal essay?
Also, is it possible to opt in on the waitlist, then NOT attend, if accepted?
Opting in earlier vs later makes absolutely no difference. Accepting a spot on the waitlist means they’ll just reconsider you (vs. the other waitlist students) once they know how many spots are open.
The optional essay, from what I know, should include new, compelling information that would make Berkeley want you. Just keep it positive!
And yes, you don’t have to attend if accepted off waitlist. Waitlisted really only means “we’ll consider you again in a bit.” You can even SIR off accepting on waitlist, but not matriculate if you get into a better school.
@MindCastle15 I would imagine Berkeley has a ranked list as Berkeley is as focused on “choosing a diverse class filled with a certain quota of certain kind of people” but rather more focused on just choosing the most talented students possible. So at an Ivy, if a trombone quit, they would need to look at all the trombone waitlists again after the deadline (since you don’t know who will accept the spot).
But at UCB, if a trombone quit, if someone that has a high rank on the WL, he or she will get accepted regardless of whether the student is a musician or athlete or scientist. Thus, UCB does not have to wait for everyone on the waitlist. If someone is ranked very high that they will get in regardless of how many people choose to attend the waitlist, they will just accept them right away.