<p>This is a question for anyone who knows with reasonable certainty how the process of waitlisting works.</p>
<p>Is it correct to assume that an applicant who is ultimately waitlisted was once in the admit pile, but for some reason or another (FA, talent needs, etc) did not make the “final cut?”</p>
<p>How many times does the application go through the sieve? Auto admit pile, Provisional admit pile, FA admit pile, etc. These schools simply don’t have room for everyone they want. How fine is this sieve? I hate to think of the scrutiny that must take place, or what seemingly minor part of the application may determine which pile it goes into.</p>