NationStates Jolt Archive

Has anyone ever applied to a college and got a letter in return saying that they have been put on the waiting list, and are neither accepted nor declined?

Well, one of the colleges I applied to put me on this list...and I just wanted to know...do people eventually get in after waiting another month? Or how does it work? If you have any expierence...either yours or your friends...please let me know.

I have been accepted to another college, but I'd rather go to the one I was put on the waiting list for...so I'm just wondering...any help would be great, thanks.

If anyone is wondering the school is University of Miami...I just wanted to clear that up so people would know that it is an American school and wouldnt get confused and start talking about any foreign systems of waiting lists..

One of my friends applied to LSE for two pretty similar courses. The rejected him on one and hes on the shortlist for the other :confused: I think they have to let you know by early April

One of my friends applied to LSE for two pretty similar courses. The rejected him on one and hes on the shortlist for the other :confused: I think they have to let you know by early April

Hmm....Its very University of Miami...I'm calling the school right now.

a friend of mine got put on the waiting list to do one subject (dentistry i think) but they pissed away all the places and he ended up having to do neuroscience instead.
another one got put on the clearance list for King's College and got dropped after a few months :S

i don't know the procedures or how long it takes (especailly as its gonna be different here from in the states) but i hope things work out for you :)


me, i was dead lucky with my uni. i needed 300 ucas points to get in, i got 280 (minus AS levels... what a waste of time they were... do 4 A-levels people!!) and still managed to get in no probs :P
think it was commendation from my economics tutor that did it :)

Has anyone ever applied to a college and got a letter in return saying that they have been put on the waiting list, and are neither accepted nor declined?

Well, one of the colleges I applied to put me on this list...and I just wanted to know...do people eventually get in after waiting another month? Or how does it work? If you have any expierence...either yours or your friends...please let me know.

I have been accepted to another college, but I'd rather go to the one I was put on the waiting list for...so I'm just wondering...any help would be great, thanks.

Sure, wait-listing is common as heck. I got wait-listed at Columbia myself, if I remember right. Depending on how popular your top-choice school is this year, you may well still have a good chance of getting into it. In fact, I'm pretty sure almost all the people I knew in high school who were wait-listed by their top picks eventually got in. So don't give up hope yet! :)

a friend of mine got put on the waiting list to do one subject (dentistry i think) but they pissed away all the places and he ended up having to do neuroscience instead.
another one got put on the clearance list for King's College and got dropped after a few months :S

i don't know the procedures or how long it takes (especailly as its gonna be different here from in the states) but i hope things work out for you :)


me, i was dead lucky with my uni. i needed 300 ucas points to get in, i got 280 (minus AS levels... what a waste of time they were... do 4 A-levels people!!) and still managed to get in no probs :P
think it was commendation from my economics tutor that did it :)

haha...I'm glad you got in, you really lucked out.

Anyway I hope I get in and thanks for the praise and the help.

Sure, wait-listing is common as heck. I got wait-listed at Columbia myself, if I remember right. Depending on how popular your top-choice school is this year, you may well still have a good chance of getting into it. In fact, I'm pretty sure almost all the people I knew in high school who were wait-listed by their top picks eventually got in. So don't give up hope yet! :)

Thanks, this is great news...thanks for the positive feedback.

Huh, I'm actually surprised to hear that this waiting list thing is "common as heck". None of my friends were put on a waiting list, it was all just accept/deny with us. 'Course, most of them ended up at the state University anyway, but the few of us that applied at various other schools (in my case Tulane in NO, Columbia in Chicago, and Cornell College, plus a few state Universities) still hadn't gotten the waiting list scenario.

Eh, maybe that's the difference a couple of years can make. This was, of course, back in the '03 that we were all applying....

Simonist']Huh, I'm actually surprised to hear that this waiting list thing is "common as heck". None of my friends were put on a waiting list, it was all just accept/deny with us. 'Course, most of them ended up at the state University anyway, but the few of us that applied at various other schools (in my case Tulane in NO, Columbia in Chicago, and Cornell College, plus a few state Universities) still hadn't gotten the waiting list scenario.

Eh, maybe that's the difference a couple of years can make. This was, of course, back in the '03 that we were all applying....

Well I dont know if its common as heck either, because as far as I know...in real life, I'm the only one I know who has been put on it.

Although it seems alot better than a deny..so I'm definatly thankful.

I didn't get waitlisted myself, but a buddy of mine did (to the same school). He didn't make it in (to W&M), but went to VCU for the first year instead- it was a little cheaper and he managed a 4.0- that got him the transfer for his sophomore year (and his GPA was better than anybody I knew). So hold out for the U and if you don't get in now you could always work it later. Unless of course you end up loving where you end up...

Either way good luck.

I personally don't have any experience with waiting lists. One of my friends, however, worked at the admissions office while we were in college, and here's what I remember her saying:

Being put on the waiting list shows that the school is truly interested in you, but can't offer you a spot yet because of limited space and too many qualified candidates. However, the number of admitted students from the waiting lists can vary dramatically from year to year. Something about colleges having to guess how many admitted students will actually accept their offers - if fewer accept than they have space for, they will admit from the WL, but if more accept than were expected, they may not admit anyone from the WL.

You really need to distinguish yourself from other candidates from the waitlist. Admissions officers need to know that you are still interested in their school. At least at my university, they liked getting letters/emails/phone calls from WL candidates expressing an active interest in the school. If you have outstanding recent grades, you might submit those for their review. If your school guidance counselors are any good, have one of them contact the school on your behalf. Also, be sure to submit the WL postcard (or whatever you got from them) telling them that you want to remain on the waitlist, if you still want to be considered for admission.

That's all I can remember off the top of my head, if I think of anything else I'll let ya know. Hope that helps.

I personally don't have any experience with waiting lists. One of my friends, however, worked at the admissions office while we were in college, and here's what I remember her saying:

Being put on the waiting list shows that the school is truly interested in you, but can't offer you a spot yet because of limited space and too many qualified candidates. However, the number of admitted students from the waiting lists can vary dramatically from year to year. Something about colleges having to guess how many admitted students will actually accept their offers - if fewer accept than they have space for, they will admit from the WL, but if more accept than were expected, they may not admit anyone from the WL.

You really need to distinguish yourself from other candidates from the waitlist. Admissions officers need to know that you are still interested in their school. At least at my university, they liked getting letters/emails/phone calls from WL candidates expressing an active interest in the school. If you have outstanding recent grades, you might submit those for their review. If your school guidance counselors are any good, have one of them contact the school on your behalf. Also, be sure to submit the WL postcard (or whatever you got from them) telling them that you want to remain on the waitlist, if you still want to be considered for admission.

That's all I can remember off the top of my head, if I think of anything else I'll let ya know. Hope that helps.

Thanks, that helps a TON....I'm just submitting the WL postcard thing as we speak and will do all the things you just said. First thing tomarrow I'm gonna get my guadiance counselor to call up UM....Thanks alot bro.

I just wanted to clear that up so people would know that it is an American school and wouldnt get confused and start talking about any foreign systems of waiting lists..

Well, then I can add nothing.

Well, then I can add nothing.

Yeah, sorry I just wanted to clear that up...just incase. Trying to make things easier for you damn over seas peoples :p

Anyway, sorry about that.

Hey Fass, how old are you?

I was never waitlisted. I got into all four schools I applied to, Miami of Ohio, Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University and Columbia University right off. Of course, my fate was decided the day I was born, and nothing I could do would change that, I was going to OSU.

(ps: Miami was a university before Florida was a state *cackles evilly and quite like a retard*)

I myself have been waitlisted twice, from very popular schools due to my counselor not knowing that she had to send transcripts (she is no longer in charge of helping kids get into college now :p). Anyway, I got waitlisted at Carleton (Northfield, MN) and Macalester (St. Paul, MN) and the information I found for these particular schools made it clear that the waitlist was a basic rejection letter as only one person in about 8 years has made the entrance into that school from the wait list. No biggy for me, they were too expensive anyway so I went to and am still attending Hamline (again, another St. Paul school).

I was never waitlisted. I got into all four schools I applied to, Miami of Ohio, Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University and Columbia University right off. Of course, my fate was decided the day I was born, and nothing I could do would change that, I was going to OSU.

(ps: Miami was a university before Florida was a state *cackles evilly and quite like a retard*)

I dont get it?

Yeah, sorry I just wanted to clear that up...just incase. Trying to make things easier for you damn over seas peoples :p

Anyway, sorry about that.

No biggie. I've little experience in any sort of "selection" process - I had a 100% GPA, so all doors were open to me. It's just that there were others who did, too, and they all wanted into med-school, which meant that the seats had to be divided through "lottery." I won, after having lost once, but I didn't want to start that semester anyway. Went abroad instead. But waiting list? No.

Hey Fass, how old are you?

I turn 23 in May.

I dont get it?

Maybe it has something to do with Florida State.

/Is getting way too Americanised because of NS. Would stab at its heart, if it had any.

No biggie. I've little experience in any sort of "selection" process - I had a 100% GPA, so all doors were open to me. It's just that there were others who did, too, and they all wanted into med-school, which mean that the seats had to be divided through "lottery." I won, after having lost once, but I didn't want to start that semester anyway. Went abroad instead. But waiting list? No.



I turn 23 in May.

Hmm...interesting...so are you a doctor? What exactly is your job?

Wow, I always pictured you as a kid...maybe 17, 18.

Funny how that turns out.

Maybe it has something to do with Florida State.

/Is getting way too Americanised because of NS. Would stab at its heart, if it had any.

LOL...yeah you are....When I lived in California, I had never even heard of Florida State...Jesus, you live in Sweden. America-1 : Fass-0...haha:p

Simonist']Huh, I'm actually surprised to hear that this waiting list thing is "common as heck". None of my friends were put on a waiting list, it was all just accept/deny with us. 'Course, most of them ended up at the state University anyway, but the few of us that applied at various other schools (in my case Tulane in NO, Columbia in Chicago, and Cornell College, plus a few state Universities) still hadn't gotten the waiting list scenario.

Eh, maybe that's the difference a couple of years can make. This was, of course, back in the '03 that we were all applying....

Well, it seemed common as heck a few years before you were doing your applications, anyway. :) It may well be largely that most of the kids at my high school tended to apply to a lot of schools, and a lot of tough schools at that. I applied to six or seven schools myself, and got wait-listed at one or two.

I love the poll so far

0,0,15

Hmm...interesting...so are you a doctor? What exactly is your job?

The US equivalent would be "resident," but it's a poor equivalent. We have a completely different system.

Wow, I always pictured you as a kid...maybe 17, 18.

Funny how that turns out.

My inner child is abused and twisted. I can understand you confusing him with me.

If anyone is wondering the school is University of Miami...I just wanted to clear that up so people would know that it is an American school and wouldnt get confused and start talking about any foreign systems of waiting lists..

Haha, your country is probably not as relevant as you indicate... As far as I have seen, every university has a different system. I could easily see a university in Florida having a system more like one in Ontario than in Arkansas. In any case, I recommend against hedging your bets on a place that has you on its waiting list. If you get a spot, super, but have a backup ready just in case.

I love the poll so far

0,0,15

Yeah...I'm glad I can relate to people....*sarcasm*

I dont get it?
It's a joke. I've got friends who go to the University of Miami, which is in Oxford, Ohio. When they say what the university they're attending is, they always get asked "You go to college in Florida? That must be nice."

So, a joke has developed. Miami university was founded in 1809, while Florida became a state in 1845. I find it amusing.

LOL...yeah you are....When I lived in California, I had never even heard of Florida State...Jesus, you live in Sweden.

Don't blame our lord and saviour for that, blasphemer.

America-1 : Fass-0...haha:p

Your propaganda is wily in its omnipresence, I'll grant you that.

Haha, your country is probably not as relevant as you indicate... As far as I have seen, every university has a different system. I could easily see a university in Florida having a system more like one in Ontario than in Arkansas. In any case, I recommend against hedging your bets on a place that has you on its waiting list. If you get a spot, super, but have a backup ready just in case.

Actually...they are all similar in the way you apply and get in.

I have already been accepted to one college in Florida...been wait listed for Miami...and am still waiting to hear back from the other three I applied to.

The US equivalent would be "resident," but it's a poor equivalent. We have a completely different system.



My inner child is abused and twisted. I can understand you confusing him with me.

Hmm...*looks up resident on Wiki*

Don't blame our lord and saviour for that, blasphemer.



Your propaganda is wily in its omnipresence, I'll grant you that.

Haha...hes actually neither my, nor your lord and savior, as I am Jewish and you are an atheist.

Yes, my propaganda is top notch, learnt it from my good buddy George. ;)

My inner child is abused and twisted. I can understand you confusing him with me.
you really should let him out of the cage every so often.

Or at least loosen the shackles and stop cattleprodding him.



Anyway, I was defered from early admissions, and got in regular. The waiting list means that either they have filled most of their spots and need someone to decline before they can offer you one, or they are on the fence and are waiting to see just how many more spots they have to fill.

It seems that most people have gotten in after being wait listed.
It has also become more of a trend to waitlist more and more people so they can get better students rather than just giving spots to the first to apply, then ignoring the later applicants.

The colleges I applied to accepted me, and I went to my favorite one. I wouldn't have been the happiest person if they put me on a waiting list though...

Hmm...*looks up resident on Wiki*
resident basically means that you are a bitch/gopher for a hospital. You work long hours, get paid shit, but get experience. lasts 2-4 years, depending on the field.

Haha...hes actually neither my, nor your lord and savior, as I am Jewish and you are an atheist.

Jesus loves us all, even money-grubby Jews and atheist pansies.

Yes, my propaganda is top notch, learnt it from my good buddy George. ;)

I wouldn't say "top-notch," I'd say "repetitive and, like an advertisement spot, difficult not to pick up, despite the failure to sell the product."

you really should let him out of the cage every so often.

Or at least loosen the shackles and stop cattleprodding him.

That's just not how momma raised me.

The top students apply and are accepted to several colleges. Since they are only going to one they will eventually tell the others that they won't attend. This opens a spot on several waiting liists. Several on each waiting list will have decided to go somewhere else, and since they also applied for several colleges, they also open several seats, etc. etc. etc. So it depends on how high one is on the list.

The best bet is to apply to several you want and one real "safe" school. The worst that can happen is you go to the safe for a year then reapply to the choice school. There will be sophomore openings since a large percent will have washed out as freshmen.

I applied to University of Rochester and was put on the waiting list. They accepted me the day before I had to make my final decision.

That's just not how momma raised me.
poor little guy:(

haha...I'm glad you got in, you really lucked out.

heh, well it was partly luck, and also party helpful to get 99.5% aggregate in the economics a-level along with commendations and being put forward for further awards before uni (don't even know what they were :confused: ) when applying to study economics :p

i sucked at my other subjects at a-level though :P

edit: apologies... i tend not to boast much/have all that much to boast about

I applied to University of Rochester and was put on the waiting list. They accepted me the day before I had to make my final decision.

But atleast you got in!

Congrats on that.

Hmmm...wait list. I remember that.

I applied to seven schools - Ohio University, U. of Michigan, U. of Illinois, U. of Wisconsin, Michigan State, Marquette, and my first choice - North Carolina.

Naturally, I didn't get into Carolina. I didn't get into Michigan either, and that was my second choice. I didn't get into Illinois.

I got wait-listed to Wisconsin. After a few weeks or so, they denied me. Game over. Pfft.

Ohio admitted me no sweat. It helps to be from Ohio.

Michigan State wait-listed me to death. Long story. At the same time, I get stuff from Marquette, of all places, telling me that I can apply for free when other schools are charging $50 or so, AND they will let me know in a week. Needless to say, I go for it, they accept me, and they throw all kinds of money in my general direction to the point where attending at Marquette and attending at OU would cost similar amounts. But I decided to go to OU...and at that point, Michigan State calls to say I got in. It's down to the only two schools I actually visited. And I liked Michigan State. But they wouldn't offer me good money, so I turned them down and went to OU, where I met my future wife. Everything happens for a reason.

Thanks, that helps a TON....I'm just submitting the WL postcard thing as we speak and will do all the things you just said. First thing tomarrow I'm gonna get my guadiance counselor to call up UM....Thanks alot bro.

No prob. I'm a girl though. ;)

I was IMing my friend, and she had a few things to add. When you ask your guidance counselor to call for you, see if he/she can find out how long the waiting list is, where you are on it if it's ranked, and how many people from the waitlist are likely to be admitted. If you call them, try to speak to the admissions rep handling your file, reaffirm that you would like to remain on the waitlist, and tell them that you would definitely attend if admitted (provided that's true, of course). Follow up the phone call with a letter telling them why you think you're a good match for the school (the whole bit on why you want to go there, why they should accept you, how you'll make their school a better place, yada yada yada). Anything that would enhance your application, put in that letter - new grades that might help, awards you've won since you submitted your app, etc. - especially if you didn't get a chance to talk about or list them in your original application. If you have any extra recommendations, enclose them with the letter. Try to visit and/or schedule an interview so they can put a face to your name, and you get a chance to talk to them about what you've been doing and basically just show them your enthusiasm for the school.

It all boils down to impressing the admissions officer(s) enough to take a second look at your application. Everyone on the waitlist probably has about the same qualifications as you do (at least on paper), so you have to tell the admissions people why you would be a better pick than that guy that lives two blocks away from you, has the same grades and the same extracurriculars. *shrugs* My friend also said that the whole process can take a while, so if it gets close to deadlines, you might want to accept admission from another school. Supposedly schools are pretty understanding about you withdrawing your enrollment so that you can go to a school where you were waitlisted - you just lose your enrollment deposit.

Whew. Hope you were able to wade through all that. :p Bear in mind none of this stuff is a guarantee that you'll get in, but it will increase your chances if a spot opens up. Good luck with the whole thing, I hope you get in!

No prob. I'm a girl though. ;)

I was IMing my friend, and she had a few things to add. When you ask your guidance counselor to call for you, see if he/she can find out how long the waiting list is, where you are on it if it's ranked, and how many people from the waitlist are likely to be admitted. If you call them, try to speak to the admissions rep handling your file, reaffirm that you would like to remain on the waitlist, and tell them that you would definitely attend if admitted (provided that's true, of course). Follow up the phone call with a letter telling them why you think you're a good match for the school (the whole bit on why you want to go there, why they should accept you, how you'll make their school a better place, yada yada yada). Anything that would enhance your application, put in that letter - new grades that might help, awards you've won since you submitted your app, etc. - especially if you didn't get a chance to talk about or list them in your original application. If you have any extra recommendations, enclose them with the letter. Try to visit and/or schedule an interview so they can put a face to your name, and you get a chance to talk to them about what you've been doing and basically just show them your enthusiasm for the school.

It all boils down to impressing the admissions officer(s) enough to take a second look at your application. Everyone on the waitlist probably has about the same qualifications as you do (at least on paper), so you have to tell the admissions people why you would be a better pick than that guy that lives two blocks away from you, has the same grades and the same extracurriculars. *shrugs* My friend also said that the whole process can take a while, so if it gets close to deadlines, you might want to accept admission from another school. Supposedly schools are pretty understanding about you withdrawing your enrollment so that you can go to a school where you were waitlisted - you just lose your enrollment deposit.

Whew. Hope you were able to wade through all that. :p Bear in mind none of this stuff is a guarantee that you'll get in, but it will increase your chances if a spot opens up. Good luck with the whole thing, I hope you get in!

Haha, your like a goddess...thanks a lot.

I'll be going over to talk with my counselor tomorrow...see what she can do..have her work her magic. Ill be sure to use all those tips...and I just want to say thanks for all the help and tips.

Thanks alot..and I hope I get in too.