<p>The decisions are finally rolling in--thus far, I've been accepted at one school, rejected at one, and waitlisted at two. Honestly, the waitlists have been even more devastating than the rejection--it feels like I'm so close, and yet so, so far! I'm definitely not giving up hope on these, though, and am wondering if there's much I can do to improve my chances of getting in off the waitlist. If I send thank-you notes or e-mails to show that I'm still interested, to whom should I send them? Is it rude to ask what 'number' I am on the list? </p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>(Super duper congratulations to everyone who's been accepted or waitlisted, too, by the way, or even rejected--I know that everyone has worked incredibly hard, and I know we'll all end up where we're meant to be!)</p>
<p>I think that these days, an e-mail has a better chance of being read immediately whereas a snail-mail letter sometimes takes days to get to the right person. I would send e-mails directly to the department head saying thank you and indicating your continued interest. You can also use the opportunity to refresh their memory about your attributes and to tell them in short why you would be a boost to their program. There is also nothing wrong with a phone call asking where you are on the wait list, and also indicating continued interest. Who to call depends on the program- sometimes department heads are hard to get in touch with but you can call their office and talk to an assistant. You want them to remember you are out there so nothing wrong with being the “squeaky wheel”! Good luck!</p>
<p>Oh, and by the way, CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance and wait-lists. You must be very talented!</p>
<p>Would it be a good idea or sort of awkward to visit a school at accepted student day activities if the student was academically accepted but on the waitlist for MT?</p>
<p>If the MT department hosts any specific activities that day, I think it is perfectly fine to call the department and ask if it would be possible to attend as a wait-listed student so that you are well prepared if you are accepted. I think it shows a true interest on your part and who knows- it could be the one thing that convinces them you are interested. If the school is holding a general accepted students day, then no one would know your status and it shouldn’t be a problem in any event. Sometimes the sign-up is on-line and it only lets accepted student register for the accepted student activities, so you might have to check with admissions to get permission.</p>
<p>“ask if it would be possible to attend as a wait-listed student so that you are well prepared if you are accepted” - perfect, because it is so true! Thanks!</p>