<p>I got wait listed at Johns Hopkins and I understand that it is pretty much a death sentence. I really, really want to salvage the situation as I've gotten rejected everywhere I applied to except for a couple of wait lists (which are basically rejections). I suspect that my large financial need (US$40,000) as an international applicant was the primary factor behind my rejections, if not the only factor. Either that or I'm just horribly deluded.</p>
<p>I've learnt that sending in new materials, such as recommendation letters, personal statements, etc. might help my case -- I will do those as soon as possible.</p>
<p>I'm considering another option: withdrawing my financial aid completely. I've contemplated calling up the school and say "I've got other sources of funding now, would you withdraw my application for financial aid?" in hopes that it would dramatically boost my chances of admission. Do you think it will help?</p>
<p>What else can I do?</p>
<p>By the way, congratulations to those who got into their dream schools. It's been a tough year and I'm sure that your acceptances have truly been earned. Be proud of them; I can only shake my head mournfully as I received rejection after rejection.</p>