Well, I'd like to congratulate all and everyone that got in to Swarthmore or some other superb top choices of yours!
Unfortunately, I wasn't as fortunate, and out of 6 places I've applied in the US, I got 4 rejections and 2 waitlists.
As I'm an international in need of significant aid, going to US just or the sake of being in US (like going to a community college) is not an option (or a desire) so I have to start making other plans. I got into a college in my town with scholarship, yet I am not really inclined to attend it. I will definitely start working on entrance exams for colleges in my country (which are in July) after I decide on a desired college within the country while I am stay on Swarthmore's waitlist.
Studying in one of the top colleges in US was a dream of mine for quite a while, but unfortunately, I didn't do enough research on whole application process and as a result, I feel that I did not take the whole process as serious as I should have. I know it's too late and pointless to go over the things I could have/should have done, but I truly wish I did certain things differently. Only after completing all of my applications I began to realize more about myself, my hopes, my likes, my dislikes and my potential abilities. (Really cool how college applications require you to dig deep within yourself. Darn, too much procrastination...
) Back then I was under the impression that none of the things on my app would be good enough so I might have no tried enough. (too much time on CC reading about all those accomplished 2400 multiple national/international award winners, little funny when I look back now...)
Since then, I realized I could have written so much more about myself on the essays, and have been wishing I was smart enough to show them my abilities and thoughts at the fullest.
However, it's all been done and said so there's no point wanting to change the past.
And I ended up with a Swarthmore waitlist. I am very flattered and happy that it is not a rejection, but that they still find me somewhat qualified for the school.
So I was wondering, from what you know from the past experiences and information, what are chances on the waitlist realistically?
I know they're not good, so I was wondering if there's ANYTHING I could do to improve my chances to be taken off the waitlist. I don't have a counselor in my country and people around me are clueless about the whole process, so your help would mean so much.
I truly love Swarthmore, and out of all 6 colleges I applied, it was one of the two #1 choices on my list and I'd be elated if I could attend it.
They said:
"At this point, you may be wondering what your chances of admission are. While it is impossible for me to be specific, I can tell you that in each of the last five years we were able to admit a number of students from our alternate list. Swarthmore does not rank its alternate list, but if the Admissions Committee is able to add to our class, we will be selecting from among only those students who have requested further consideration. [...]
You may also wish to send in additional information such as notice of awards, grades, or
other relevant materials. Please know that students who are admitted from the alternate list are fully eligible for need-based financial aid and housing."
I will not put too much hopes on waitlist, but I was wondering if sending them an additional essay on how the way I think, and my point of view changed due to reexamining my inner side for presenting myself on the college applications, or explaining my situation better, would that help at all?
Of course, in addition to a letter (?) stating that Swarthmore is my first choice and if financial aid offer works, I would definitely attend.
What are your thoughts?
Any ideas and suggestions for improving my chances off the waitlist?
(Just please don't tell me to give up and focus on other things. I mean, I will focus on the other things, but I want to know what I could do)
Sorry for this long rant and thank you, if you've read this far.
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