Waitlisted at Harvard but Accepted at Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I was accepted at Stanford but wait listed at Harvard. Harvard is definitely still my top (for CS, don't ask why), and I plan on staying on the wait list and sending an update.</p>

<p>When I do, should I mention that I have accepted a spot at Stanford just in case but will definitely be attending Harvard if accepted? I believe this may lend me much more credibility as a CS applicant, or cause animosity from the admissions officers.</p>

<p>Also, I was wait listed at a few other Ivies, but probably wouldn't go even if accepted. Still, it's nice to keep my options open, but I'm afraid accepting a spot on other Ivie's wait lists will harm my chances of getting in off Harvard's wait list (as it's heavily rumored they compare notes on applicants.)</p>

2

<p>Yes, you should mention your other acceptances in an update letter, as that makes you a more attractive candidate, as in: “Although I have been accepted to Stanford, Yale and Princeton, Harvard is by far my number one choice and I would instantly attend if a spot opens up on the waitlist, as I would really like to study with David Malan and Harry Lewis in Harvard’s CS Department.” </p>