<p>I have a child who is waitlisted at a major university's school of music - does anyone have any experience with this or ideas?
This school is very important to the child. Still, all other possible offers/responses are not yet in, so the full context is not yet known. There is one other offer at this time with the recommendation to actually apply early at THAT school for best dorm for musicians.
I prefer to remain vague on instrument and schools in question, but appreciate any thoughts on past experiences or if anyone has any suggestions. The child did express interest in the school since this news came out. But is there a strategy - how often to stay in touch and with whom?
I am concerned that if our child gets off the waitlist, it may be very late (could it actually be as late as mid-May?? - or June??) when all dorms are booked, etc., and our child does not want an animal house last choice frosh dorm. Someone suggested applying to a dorm anyway and paying a deposit(?) even if it could be lost.
I also have an older child currently attending a well-known music conservatory and therefore have been through the music admissions process before, but did not experience waitlisting or really hear much about it.
Many thanks.</p>
<p>I’ve had several friends in similar situations with students in non-music programs and they all paid the deposit knowing it could be lost as insurance. I’d say half of them ended up losing the deposit. My feeling is that it just an expense related to the admissions process, just like airplane expenses, hotel rooms, meals, etc. for an audition or school visit. I know that’s not great but I think it is good to cover all your bases.</p>
<p>My son was also waitlisted at a major university SOM last year. While he was waiting to hear about other acceptances, (for a bout a minute) I did formulate a brief plan if he did consider accepting his place on the waitlist. He would have accepted his place on the waitlist, knowing that it could have been quite awhile until he learned about his final status. Then we would have paid the deposit to secure a place at another school, knowing we might have to forfeit that fee if the waitlist spot came through. To the best of my knowledge, the waitlist school will not let you make any kind of housing deposits. Unfortunately, depending on how the major university assigns housing, he may be in a “low man” situation; however, not all students want music-themed housing, which might play in his favor. The bottom line would be that he would be attending his first choice school, and probably the housing scene would turn out ok.</p>
<p>As far as expressing interest to the waitlisted school, it’s a great idea for your son to write to his admissions rep and express his sincere interest in attending the university. In addition, since there are a number of music competitions in the spring, if he wins any particular competition, or has any other relevant accolades, he should make sure to communicate that to the school as well. Good luck!</p>
<p>The most current waitlist thread and links to others.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/872205-wait-listed.html?highlight=wait[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/872205-wait-listed.html?highlight=wait</a></p>
<p>Housing can be at a premium at some places. Many schools have policies that allocate spots on a date of (housing) deposit received in allocation. If you do wish to secure a spot, for housing, I would consider sending a housing deposit. May 1st is the “official” must respond by date that most schools adhere to. The policies are discussed here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/873197-do-we-send-deposit-before-we-hear-financial-aid.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/873197-do-we-send-deposit-before-we-hear-financial-aid.html</a> Be sure to open the other links within.</p>
<p>sorry didn’t realize there was another thread on this already - thanks for your advice-</p>
<p>No need to apologize. The link I gave you also has some prior threads, and is offered as collective wisdom.</p>
<p>Adding one more related thread link <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/498434-how-close-would-you-cut.html?highlight=insurance[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/498434-how-close-would-you-cut.html?highlight=insurance</a></p>
<p>I’m sure the question will come up post April 1.</p>
<p>I’m the OP - my student got a very nice offer yesterday. Still my student wishes to keep waitlisted school in full consideration! Not sure what will happen. Still waiting on some other key apps, too.</p>
<p>Hi lateparty–</p>
<p>Was there anything in the verbiage of the waistlist notification that could give you any clues? Any numbers mentioned? I mean, if you’re number 2 on a waitlist of 4, that’s different than number 12 at a school with an 80%+ yield. If it’s not clear–or implied–in the letter, it doesn’t hurt to write and ask, especially if there’s someone at this school you’ve already been in touch with through the process. Explain your situation–use it as a chance to let them know how eager you are to go to their school–and ask if they can help shed some light for you. There’s a way to phrase it that doesn’t make it sound like you’re asking for something definitive and unconditional; just a guesstimate. </p>
<p>Schools are run like airlines or restaurants, and it’s hard to get it down to an exact science…</p>
<p>Good point. My student has communicated with the studio prof, a highly regarded teacher with whom my student feels a great match, and is apparently high on the list. If an offer happens, it will be up to our student to decide about it - we are ok on that. Main problem with this situation is time will be of the essence to arrange housing and we may in fact be looking at going off campus in freshman yr.
I appreciate the posts about what to do if/when May 1 deadline looms.</p>