Waitlisted what should I do ?

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>I just received my letter today from a 2-3 tier school with about 400 students and 20-30% acceptance rate. I expect a flat out rejection or warm acceptance letter but, I received neither of the options I expected, I received a waitlisted letter. I was upset because I understood it was difficult to get off the waitlist especially with my status( International student[born in south america, but I live in the US] with need of FA). However, after reading some "Prep school material" I have reached the conclusion that I can get off. </p>

<p>My application had very solid academic credentials like straight As from on of top 100 public high schools in the US and clear academic achievement in my area of interest--Biological science . It also included diverse and focused areas of extracurricular interest( Football, debate both of which I particularly excelled in). I had a wonderful interview and delightful recommendations from my teachers and coaches. I also had very clear points on why the school was a right match for me and had a clear academic focus and passion.</p>

<p>Despite all of this I think my application was not strong enough to gain acceptance because of the fact that my family needed almost FFA and that we were not American citizens ( Only lived in the US for 5 years) but, I think I can perhaps persuade the school into placing me in the top of the WL, if am not on it yet. I need you opinion though.</p>

<p>Should I write a letter explaining my situation and my deep interest in attending their school ? Should I arrange a meeting with the Head Admin. Off. so I can express myself and update him on my academic and athletic achievements ? Should I not bother them at all and just let it be, hope for the best ? </p>

<p>What would you do ? Are you in similar circumstances? Please share. Thank you.</p>

2

<p>Opinion - you are thinking about this the wrong way. Schools that have 3600 applications for only 300 spots have to say know to 3300 qualified, motivated students. All are wondering why their applications aren’t strong enough. But perhaps it was a strong application but there was no space left “at the Inn.”</p>

<p>It isn’t always clear why something tipped the scales for one student and not another - I will say that Adcoms do fight pretty hard for students they like, sometimes they win, sometimes they lose, but in the end no one feels totally satisfied by the outcome because favorites have to be left behind.</p>

<p>So feel good about your accomplishments, dust off, and try again - or move forward, be the top in your current school so that colleges will compete for you (if that’s what you want). Boarding school is only one path on the journey. And being on a board like this with EVERYONE trying to get the same goal often leads people to feel like they did something wrong.</p>

<p>You didn’t. You did everything right - there just wasn’t enough space for good kids who deserve a spot.</p>