What to do when you're waitlisted? 2010

Colleges and Universities A-Z Grinnell College
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I'm an international student from Vietnam. I got waitlisted at Grinnell this year and desperately hope to get in this great school (my favorite btw). I have somewhat ok stats for an international student.</p>

<p>SAT: did not use but it was ok: 2070
ACT: 33 (E:34, M:36)
TOEFL: 101
GPA: 8.8/10 from a very rigorous school (in my class the highest was 9/10)
Good Essay (At least that's what my reviewers said so.)
Solid LoRs
I was the class monitor. (maybe called class president in the US)
ECs: not too many but really got involved </p>

<p>When applying to Grinnell, I submitted my application late with a horrible supplemental essay (I chose to call the new mascot 'The Beast'). I think that must give them bad impression on me. However, being waitlisted means I still have a chance, and I'm trying to use that chance effectively. So what should I do now?</p>

<p>Should I put some professors' names on my letter of interest? Will doing this make them feel like I'm discriminating their faculty?</p>

<p>I also plan to increase my financial contribution up to >$10K. Any international student got into Grinnell with less than that amount?</p>

<p>It would be great if you guys, especially Grinnellians or someone who successfully dealt with the waitlist from any top LAC, could give me some advices. I will be truly grateful.</p>

2

<p>71 students were admitted from the waitlist last year:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/files/downloads/GC_CDS_0910.pdf[/url]”>http://www.grinnell.edu/files/downloads/GC_CDS_0910.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>that is 18.7% of the entering class</p>

<p>but only 5 students were admitted from the waitlist the previous year:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/files/downloads/GC_CDS_0809.pdf[/url]”>http://www.grinnell.edu/files/downloads/GC_CDS_0809.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>I am the parent of a current student and don’t have waitlist experience, but I’ve read a lot about it here on CC. You certainly do want to tell them that it’s your top choice and what makes it such a good fit for you. If there are particular professors you’ve had contact with or especially want to work with, that could be a good addition. Don’t give yourself a hard time about your essay. I think “The Beast” is amusing. They just had too many qualified applicant and couldn’t accept them all. You still have a chance, but no one can tell you whether or not it’s a good chance. Best wishes!</p>

4

<p>@johnadam: Thanks! I already knew about those Common data sheets but it’s nice to put it here for other waitlisted mates to take a look ;).</p>

<p>@bethievt: Thank you for your advice :D</p>