Waitlisted at UChicago

Hello,

I was recently waitlisted at the University of Chicago for the class of 2023, and I heard that a ton of people are waitlisted each year, so does that mean that I have no chance of getting in? I know that it varies by class, but does anyone know approximately how many students are waitlisted each year? Does a waitlist mean that I am still among the top of the applicants who applied just the second choice?

I am very confused at the moment, and also scared because I don’t know if I will get into any of my other schools, and I genuinely want to go to the University of Chicago.

There’s a rumor that they waitlisted a small number this year. Check it out: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/22076011/#Comment_22076011

OP: I shall be blunt here and please remember that a rejection from any college is absolutely no reflection on your personality and ability.

UChicago has never released wait list statistics and so no one outside of AO can tell you with confidence what the real numbers are. What follows is the best guess based on anecdotes and admission numbers released by the Admission Office.

Chicago over admitted for Class of 2021 and 2022. According to Dean Boyer this year the College may trim down the class size to fulfill the 7,000 undergrad population goal. My suspicion is that for RD this year the AO will admit far few applicants than the last 2 years and put more kids on wait list. By May 1st when they know the total number of matriculations (after hearing from EA and RD admitted applicants) , then they may (emphasize MAY) start to pull kids off wait list or offer z-list to candidates for 2024 admission.

Of course, it all depends on the yield of the EA and RD. Suffice to say the yield came in much higher than expected for Class of 2021 and 2022 and therefore both class ended up bigger than expected. Yield for Class of 2021 is 72%. For 2022 it is 79%. Barring an unexpected scandal, I expect the yield of 2023 should be at least 75% or even higher.

Putting all these altogether means that the chance of being pulled off wait list is likely to be very slim this year. I am not saying it will be zero. You can express your continued interest by letting the AO know. But psychologically you should move on.

I know that is not what you want to hear. Yet part of the grown up process is to deal with rejection and go on with your life. As it is frequently mentioned at CC, love the school that loves you back.

I mean I figured that it would be a slim chance. If it’s true that they waitlisted 200 people then I feel a bit better about my odds, but then again that is just a rumor.

I will continue to show demonstrated interest I guess.

Don’t give up. Show your demonstrated interest and continue to communicate with the Admissions Office. My daughter, who is in her junior year, has friends who were waitlisted and eventually accepted. They basically showed their demonstrated interest. Your guidance counselor can also advocate for you if you want to try that route. Good luck.

Thank you so much, I am going to continue to show interest. Fingers crossed!

yes, dont give up!

However after you show continued interest to UChicago, make sure to spend the right amount of time with your other options. Try to get to know the schools that accepted you and who among them is your “best alternative” to UChicago. Also, if you have other schools that waitlisted you, show them some love too, especially if they are better than your best alternative to UChicago.

This way, whatever happens, you end up with a school that you want and wants you back!

Good Luck

Yes I will make sure to look at my other options as well. Fingers crossed for the upcoming two weeks as that’s when the rest of my decisions come out.

Thank you all!