Hi, i would like to thank the comments on my application profile that ive uploaded several months ago. They were absolutely helpful.
i was told that 2025 had one of the most competitive pools of all time, and although i did believe that i was solid enough to be admitted to at least one school, i got rejected from 2 (peddie & deerfield) and waitlisted from 6 (andover, choate, blair, loomis, mx, nmh) without any acceptances.
staying at my current school is not an option (for personal reasons),
nor is reapplying for 11th
i would also like to avoid applying for other schools with opened applications
my question is–––what is the best that i can do to get off from at least one of the waiting lists of these schools? i know they are all competitive and i have low chances, but really, i cannot think of an alternative plan. also, i would like to know why i might have received these results
btw my ssat was 93% (99 quantitative 89 reading 90 something verbal) and i did not apply for financial aid
I am so sorry as you applied to a fair number of schools. I am sure this is disappointing, and while I promise you learned a lot in the process, I understand that does not help. I suggest you read the waitlist threads. Consider seeking out schools with rolling admissions. I am not sure what grade you are in, but you could apply again next year as you were waitlisted at a bunch. Consider re-classing, apply to a different tier of schools, more safeties. Try to take stock in what could help push you over the finish line next time.
Today is hard, tomorrow will be better.
None of us know what sort of movement there will be on the waiting lists, but I suspect there will be less movement on the waiting lists for those entering 10th than for those entering 9th grade.
Your SSAT score was not why you were wait listed or rejected.
Your grades are fine (not that you can change them).
Maybe your essays weren’t compelling enough. Maybe they already have enough kids with ECs like yours and are looking for something different to complete their class. Or maybe they think you would be a better fit elsewhere (yield protection).
Take a deep breath. Exhale. Dust yourself off and reassess your situation.
Confirm with the schools that you were waitlisted at that you are still interested.
Do NOT contact admissions this week with all your new fantastic potentially application enhancing accomplishments. The AOs need a break.
There will be no significant movement on the wait list until after April 10th.
Since staying at your current school is not an option, look up schools that are accepting applicants on a rolling admissions basis.
Want to reiterate re: giving admissions a break before contacting them. Their current focus is on securing commitments from admissions.
They are prepping for re-visit days. Remember most schools are currently on spring break which means these re-visit days (which disrupt the whole campus and learning for current students) are happening right when the kids are returning to campus (it is why so many of the school revisit days are squeezed together). They are fielding questions from prospective families. So not really a break for them.
Many will send a request to stay on their WL and indicator of interest. Some will indicate that they have closed their WL, others never will. This list is for the schools not for the students.
As they get towards 4/10 they will have a better idea of their need. OF course it helps to put yourself on their radar as the squeaky wheel gets the grease. But be thoughtful in your timing and what you put out there as others will be as well.