<p>The chances of getting off the waitlist can be good if you are motivated to work at getting in. If you take the attitude of “waitlisted is almost like rejection” than the chances are substantially lower ;)</p>
<p>Caltech has an unranked waitlist, meaning that you have a chance after you’ve been waitlisted to distinguish yourselves among the others on the waitlist. Establish a personal relationship… the admissions office is small enough that they can get to know you easily. They certainly knew me after I was waitlisted…lol</p>