So far I’ve been admitted to my safeties- University of South Carolina, JMU, and MaryWash.
Waitlisted at Bryn Mawr and Colgate.
I’ve seen the stats for applicants accepted from the waitlist at BMC and they’re pretty terrifying (0 accepted from WL). Bummed because this was my dream school.
Colgate stats aren’t much better… recently 49 out of almost 2,000. Also, even if somehow I DO get accepted, chances of getting merit-based aid are slim to none. We don’t qualify for much need-based aid, and there’s no way my parents can shell out almost $70,000 a year for Colgate.
I guess I’m asking for advice. Should I try and make do with either JMU or USC? Neither of them fit the mold of my dream school- a small, liberal, LAC in a rural setting. But I got quite a bit of money from USC and their Environmental Studies program and major-specific housing for ES are kind of appealing.
Or should I try and claw my way off the waitlist of Colgate or BMC? And if so, how would I go about doing that? I was thinking about a handwritten letter, updating them on my second-semester accomplishments, grades, etc.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guys, it’s been a rough time. Then again, I know it’ll work itself out.
University of South Carolina with scholarship award & special interest housing sounds incredible !
As an aside: If your dream school is Bryn Mawr, I find it interesting that your second choice is Colgate because, to the best of my knowledge, one leans liberal & the other conservative & Greek. Curious as to why they are your top two choices. Also, I do not mean to suggest anything other than I find the contrast interesting.
I noticed your post refers to a preference for a “liberal LAC”. Not sure that Colgate University fits that description.
Yes, send updates and let them know that you remain interested. Since BMC is your first choice, it is perfectly OK to include a statement that if the aid is adequate, you definitely would attend. The letter needen’t be handwritten, just well written. Your guidnce counselor should be able to help you put this together.
Meanwhile, take a good long look at the offers that you do have, so that you can have alace where you are happy as. Student if you don’t get off the waitlists.
And the short explanation is that those were the best colleges I was “admitted” to (I was straight out rejected from my top picks of Smith, Wellesley, and Davidson). I toured Colgate, it impressed me, and I decided to apply. It seems like all their students do incredibly well after graduation.
You have to commit to one of the schools that accepted you, so figure out your best match from those choices first. Revisit if you’re not sure where you would be happiest.
After that, you can demonstrate interest and try to get in to a school that waitlisted you. Have a money talk with your parents and go over the costs and net price calculator together. It doesn’t do any good to work your way off the waitlist if you don’t have the money to go.
I too am confused. Why would you not accept the University of South Carolina, a very fine school, AND you have a monetary award and special housing? Thats more than a peacock in a bush. USC, the state flagship, is located in a beautiful state with close proximity really nice cities and towns and other keen places. Enjoy being a Gamecock!
I’m sorry about your waitlists! If it makes you feel any better, Bryn Mawr, PA is definitely not rural. There are over 6,000 people per square mile living in the area. (For contrast, Columbia, SC has about 1,000 people per square mile.) I love Bryn Mawr, but it’s in the middle of the suburban sprawl of Philly.
Also, just saw your update–Congrats! Looks like you have another good choice!