<p>I'm actually surprised that I was waitlisted, because many people from my school whose class rank was higher than mine (and whose credentials were just as impressive, if not more so) were rejected outright. My test scores were high, but my GPA was just mediocre and my EC list quite common. I did pour my heart out into the essays, because I knew they were important. I suppose my teacher recommendations were pretty good. They've known me personally for some years now (one has known me for 7 years). </p>
<p>My question is: How do I know that my waitlist status isn't just a "soft rejection" (in which case, I would have no realistic chance of getting in)? I did express strong interest in the school, so maybe the committee was just afraid to reject me outright? I don't know if I'm ready to go through another agonizing journey.. the uncertainty just becomes too much after a while.</p>
<p>I <em>think</em> I'm happy with my other choices, but getting off the waitlist at Chicago sure does sound nice still. Right now, I just feel like accepting an offer from another school and being done with the process, but I'm probably not thinking rationally.. I'm emotionally and mentally exhausted.</p>