If you got wait-listed...
I'll be frank: the odds aren't great. [what is a 'wait list'?!]
In fact, you'll have better luck getting into Harvard than off the wait list for some schools.
(Harvard has an 8% acceptance rate; how about your school's waiting list?)
But thing is, if you really do want to go there, then don't despair!
Take all the necessary steps to be put onto the wait list but go the extra mile! Don't just check the "yes" button and say, "Yea, sure; I'm cool with the wait list."
Cause then that's all you are.
Cool. [if anyone still says 'cool' anymore]
Well, bud, so are a couple hundred (up to 1,000) other students who are also "cool" with it.
Or even worse, there students who know exactly how to get off the waiting list and into the freshman class, and you have to compete with them.
In the end, a few (if that) get admitted into the freshman class.
That's why you need to boost your chances of being those darn-lucky people because you're not put on a ranked list.
Here's how waiting lists work: If Joe got into X College but rejects, there's no 'next guy' on the list that fills automatically Joe's spot. There's a whole pool of people the admissions counselors can choose from.
To make sure you're one of those people who get OFF that list and into Joe's slot, here's some advice:
[obv] Check "yes" on the wait-list form.
Call admissions to see IF you can send in some stuff...
...like if your updated transcript reflects better grades than your old one, then send them in! Same goes for stellar testing scores, awards, etc.
...An additional letter of rec from ONE teacher on why you're a great fit for the school/amazing addition to the college campus
Prostitution. You need to basically sell yourself to the college ["prostitute" has a nice ring to it, don't you think?]
We all know the school is amazing; why else would you apply to it?
But why do THEY want YOU?
It's hard to answer since we're all such humble people and it's like being asked, "So, tell me a little about yourself."
JUST ASK ME WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW!
See? Case and point for why you also don't want to be vague.
Here are two ideas to ponder while creating your prostitution campaign & for your teacher to mull over:
Name specific programs/clubs you want to join or teachers you look up to at the school that you can't find ANYWHERE ELSE. Admissions officers want to know that if you are admitted, you WILL attend. And if so, SAY IT! Tell X University that they should vote for you b/c you're a sure bet.
Is your political party/race/major under-represented at the school? If so, then emphasize it!
Use too much creativity... like a YouTube video b/c it's annoying. And doesn't work.
Use too little creativity... like bribing b/c it's ultimately also annoying. And ineffective.
Send in irrelevant info like a collage/artwork/poetry if you're not applying to an art program. You're not a number in the system, but at the end of the day, admissions doesn't really want to know you like the back of their hands
For more info, visit this US News & Rankings Article and here's a piece from TIME that features some people you would kill just so you can be in their shoes.
