any WEIGHT to the WAIT list??

Qtflt · 03-21-2009, 06:20 PM

I am an ED who was deferred to RD and now waitlisted... the agony continues!!

Anyone know how Bucknell draws from the waitlist? Do they keep the ED applicants on the top knowing that it was our top pick? How do they determine who gets in as space opens? Anyone else in this same unlucky boat?

jjsdad · 03-21-2009, 06:26 PM

The following is the last year's numbers for ED deferred.

"The admissions committee deferred 57 students
for later consideration; 10 of these students were
subsequently offered admission."

Qtflt · 03-21-2009, 06:50 PM

But it doesn't specify whether they were offered admission at the time of RD or put on hold again to the waiting list and eventually offered admission.

I feel like I must be in a small number of applicants who cant seem to get accepted, but hasn't been rejected either. Still, it remains #1 choice.

jjsdad · 03-21-2009, 07:20 PM

Qtflt,

I would think that your case is rather rare in admissions process in general. I heard that a lot of schools don't waitlist deferred students because of the reason that you cited (prolonging the agony). Since they waitlisted you rather than rejected you, I think that you have a chance. I recommend that you communicate your interest to the admissions once more by writing a letter to or emailing them. I think that you have shown your interest enough by applying ED, but one more correspondence may tip the balance. I wish you the best.

bucknellkid · 03-21-2009, 07:49 PM

come visit (if you can)! i know its a tough position - i applied to somewhere other than bucknell for ED and was deferred then rejected. i think the fact that you did get waitlisted means that they still have interest in you and you just need to show bucknell that its your number one choice, regardless of the fact that they have put you in such a crappy position. good luck with whatever happens!

jjsdad · 03-21-2009, 08:11 PM

Visiting is even better if you can as bucknellkid suggested. I think it will be worth the visit. If you can't visit at this time, at least write to them as I suggested earlier.

swissmiss3 · 03-21-2009, 10:06 PM

When I saw that I'd been waitlisted last night, right when the decisions came up, I immediately followed the link in the decision to confirm my name on their list. It probably won't matter that I did it right away, but I can hope!

Congratulations to all of you who DID get accepted!

Qtflt · 03-21-2009, 10:20 PM

I had visited on an open house event -which was what made me feel like it was my first choice. I also spoke with admissions personally after my initial deferral to see if I could come visit again (since I was "in the area" on a school break, but they said no,) to make sure they knew it was still #1. Also sent in my updates, 2nd qtr. grades and another rec.

Just wondered if anyone else is in this place? Clearly I am what they look for in a student, just not enough enough space for all of us, I guess

I was really hoping to go to the admitted student day - but I guess I can't, since I am NOT.
trying to stay positive.... :->

Ulver · 03-22-2009, 07:28 PM

How was your essay? How were your scores and ECs?

Qtflt · 03-22-2009, 10:07 PM

Really strong ECs, (including leadership, class Prez, Boys state program, NHS, music awards/Allstate on 2 instruments, captain and varsity sports, volunteering, part-time job etc. Two great alumni recs, good original essay, (at least what writing teacher's thought) 3.7 GPA, lots of APs, good SATs...and the interest came though loud and clear.

Maybe this next week will bring better news to make me move on with all my other RD schools may make a definate decision...and I know I could be happy at any of them.

morrismm · 03-22-2009, 11:30 PM

Qtfit--I am not in admissions, but you seem to be a perfect fit. You are obviously very interested and have strong credentials.

What do you mean by "good SATs" ?

Qtflt · 03-23-2009, 03:19 PM

I think one more call or letter to admissions inquiring about priority on the waitlist will happen after the rest of the RDs come in over the next week. If there is an acceptance or 2 from one of my other schools, I think I will have to let go of the Bucknell dream and accept my fate... But I will contact them one more time to emphasize interest. I am curious how often or how many other EDs wind up being WL.

my SATs are pretty average since I am not a great standardized test-taker. A few teachers/couselors have said that was my weak link. Couldnt do the course since we are in a semi-rural area, just studied on my own. Obviously my whole profile and transcript were strong enough to still be considered in the running from ED, but maybe test scores are more important than everything else, especially with a strong application pool.

(heavy sigh)

flamom124 · 03-24-2009, 06:04 AM

D was waitlisted but really feels school is good fit and has confirmed spot on list. I see on this thread that visiting school would help. She has visited school once and attended local admission events. As we live in fl do you think the extra effort ($$) of heading to PA one more time will help? She is a 3 sport athlete (wants to continue one in college) and really hasn't had time to show committment to school she probably should have. thanks for input

Qtflt · 03-24-2009, 03:03 PM

Thanks all for good suggestions and support...I will go visit if it would could help. What I would really like is to go to admitted students day - (it falls on our spring break, and parents have not seen campus. I toured with proud uncle who was an alum)

Is it possible they admit WL kids prior to that event in April, or maybe host another later? Would they even let WL people visit?

cindysphinx · 03-25-2009, 07:06 PM

Qtflt,

D applied regular decision. She was told it was a match. Should be no trouble at all. Kids from our school get into Bucknell all the time.

Got waitlisted the other day. Bucknell was actually pretty high on her list, and we visited last summer.

D's reaction to being waitlisted is basically "Well, screw 'em, then." She isn't giving them another thought. She already has one acceptance from a school she would attend if it came to that. I think she is hoping Bucknell accepts her so she can rip the acceptance letter into teensy pieces and then set it on fire.

I think she is viewing this decision from Bucknell as a sign that she will be rejected at all of her other schools. Too bad . . .