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waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 5:06 pm
by BillsFan9907
So soon after writing an apparently dynamite LOCI I got a call from a high ranking admissions official asking me where I was in the decision process. My loci showed a lot of interest but I obviously didn't say I would attend for sure if admitted.
I told him that I was very interested but needed some time to think. I felt/feel kind of awkward. If I was in his shoes I would be thinking "Wtf? Then why did he write that LOCI and submit it just hours ago."
What is considered proper here?
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 5:12 pm
by HRomanus
Did he extend an offer of admission?
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 5:35 pm
by BillsFan9907
HRomanus wrote:Did he extend an offer of admission?
De facto offer. Not explicitly. But no one who gets the call and says they would attend is not accepted
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 6:21 pm
by HRomanus
Seoulless wrote:HRomanus wrote:Did he extend an offer of admission?
De facto offer. Not explicitly. But no one who gets the call and says they would attend is not accepted
Stop the madness! Why did you not say you would attend? There's literally no downside to saying that.
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 6:25 pm
by BillsFan9907
HRomanus wrote:Seoulless wrote:HRomanus wrote:Did he extend an offer of admission?
De facto offer. Not explicitly. But no one who gets the call and says they would attend is not accepted
Stop the madness! Why did you not say you would attend? There's literally no downside to saying that.
Can't make that commitment at this point... It would def make me look bad to say that and back out. BTW I am heavily considering retaking so its very possible I will be applying again.
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 6:44 pm
by HRomanus
Seoulless wrote:Can't make that commitment at this point... It would def make me look bad to say that and back out. BTW I am heavily considering retaking so its very possible I will be applying again.
If you do attend this year, I don't think backing out of a verbal commitment would injure your career prospects.
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 6:52 pm
by BillsFan9907
HRomanus wrote:Seoulless wrote:Can't make that commitment at this point... It would def make me look bad to say that and back out. BTW I am heavily considering retaking so its very possible I will be applying again.
If you do attend this year, I don't think backing out of a verbal commitment would injure your career prospects.
But it would injure the chances of a positive admission for next cycle, no? Fuck me over once...
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 6:56 pm
by HRomanus
Seoulless wrote:But it would injure the chances of a positive admission for next cycle, no? Fuck me over once...
Yea probably, so I understand why you were hesistant with the decision. Still, you probably could have worded it in such a way as to get the offer without making an explicit commitment. From what I understand of WLs, it's pretty unlikely you'll be admitted this cycle.
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 7:30 pm
by Trout et al
.
Re: waitlist etiquette
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 7:42 pm
by BillsFan9907
Trout et al wrote:What is the school?
Dean: "Where are you in the decision process?"
You: "Hi Dean of Y! I am currently planning to attend X, with the possibility of sitting out a year to strengthen my application, but I would love the opportunity to attend Y! Y has been my top choice since the beginning of the admissions process."
I'm assuming that the situation is that you would like to attend, but not at any cost. I was in a similar situation in my cycle. You don't need to say unequivocally that you will attend if admitted, but you want to still come of as enthusiastic as possible so that they don't think they are wasting an admit.
How did the conversation end?
PMed the name of the school to you. The conversation ended pretty well in the sense I did not sense any non-linguistic cues that there was some frustration with me (changes in voice tone, shortness etc..) or other change in his/the school's feelings about me.
I think what you said would be great advice. How did it work out for you?