For WUSTL Applicants Forum

[Emma.]

I was put on hold earlier today. 168/2.95.

Did anyone with an LSAT above median get a "waitlist" e-mail?

Me. I promptly withdrew. Should really have withdrawn ages ago but just wanted a decision. Petty, I know.

[finalaspects]

the waitlist emails also says that.

specifically:"we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year"

you took out the part "If it's any encouragement, we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year."

that definitely seems to change it up a bit, in that waitlisters seem to have less chance than of held candidates.

[Unknownsou]

the waitlist emails also says that.

specifically:"we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year"

you took out the part "If it's any encouragement, we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year."

that definitely seems to change it up a bit, in that waitlisters seem to have less chance than of held candidates.

that, and if both groups had the same chances, they would just have a waitlist...

[JCougar]

I was put on hold earlier today. 168/2.95.

Did anyone with an LSAT above median get a "waitlist" e-mail?

Me. I promptly withdrew. Should really have withdrawn ages ago but just wanted a decision. Petty, I know.

That had to have been YP. Maybe they're going to start doing that this year if they feel that their medians are safe.

[finalaspects]

I was put on hold earlier today. 168/2.95.

Did anyone with an LSAT above median get a "waitlist" e-mail?

Me. I promptly withdrew. Should really have withdrawn ages ago but just wanted a decision. Petty, I know.

That had to have been YP. Maybe they're going to start doing that this year if they feel that their medians are safe.

most definitely a YP. and they did get it right apparently because emrose wasn't going to attend either ways.

[wizoz]

the waitlist emails also says that.

specifically:"we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year"

you took out the part "If it's any encouragement, we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year."

that definitely seems to change it up a bit, in that waitlisters seem to have less chance than of held candidates.

I literally had to lol when I read this. I think they will choose from the hold pile first to fill in gaps for their medians. But it's not as straightforward as I've described it. The waitlist pile is likely just sitting in the dean's office and at this point, they are comparing and debating on people from the hold piles to people in the waitlist piles to choose the right candidates for the limited # of seats. I've worked in ivy league admissions so I've seen it done at 1 institution...might be different at WUSTL but highly doubt it.

[wizoz]

So how do holds usually work? Like, do they accept everyone off the hold list before they move to the waitlist folks?

Hold basically means they haven't made a decision yet. Most holds will probably end up on the waitlist.

bah! hopefully it means that we're on top of the waitlist if that happens?

and i mean our hold emails did say "I do anticipate admitting additional candidates." unlike the waitlist emails.

Not necessarily.

[finalaspects]

So how do holds usually work? Like, do they accept everyone off the hold list before they move to the waitlist folks?

Hold basically means they haven't made a decision yet. Most holds will probably end up on the waitlist.

bah! hopefully it means that we're on top of the waitlist if that happens?

and i mean our hold emails did say "I do anticipate admitting additional candidates." unlike the waitlist emails.

Not necessarily.

why then have 2 separate lists? i don't understand the logic of having both hold and waitlists, when they could have waitlisted everyone, sorted those out and then take the best candidates?

and its not like everyone is on hold or on the waitlist, some are still waiting without either. i mean i would have understood if there were some sort of Early Decision option, where people are put on hold until regular decision, which wouldn't mean that they have more chances then people on the waitlist. but at this point in the cycle... why bother with 2?

[finalaspects]

I literally had to lol when I read this. I think they will choose from the hold pile first to fill in gaps for their medians. But it's not as straightforward as I've described it. The waitlist pile is likely just sitting in the dean's office and at this point, they are comparing and debating on people from the hold piles to people in the waitlist piles to choose the right candidates for the limited # of seats. I've worked in ivy league admissions so I've seen it done at 1 institution...might be different at WUSTL but highly doubt it.

this ivy league had both hold and waitlist? and if so was the hold only applied in the early decision/application part or was it used even at the end of the cycle? i highly doubt that it was used in the end of the cycle when they could have used waitlist for everyone.

if held from the early decision, it is understandable to compare with the waitlisters, since they didn't have an idea of the pool but now they do.

[JCougar]

Hold basically means they haven't made a decision yet. Most holds will probably end up on the waitlist.

bah! hopefully it means that we're on top of the waitlist if that happens?

and i mean our hold emails did say "I do anticipate admitting additional candidates." unlike the waitlist emails.

Not necessarily.

why then have 2 separate lists? i don't understand the logic of having both hold and waitlists, when they could have waitlisted everyone, sorted those out and then take the best candidates?

and its not like everyone is on hold or on the waitlist, some are still waiting without either. i mean i would have understood if there were some sort of Early Decision option, where people are put on hold, which wouldn't mean that they have more chances then people on the waitlist. but at this point in the cycle... why bother with 2?

That's true, I really don't understand why some people simply have heard nothing right now. I can understand the WL/hold thing, as a lot of people take the word "waitlist" to mean a soft rejection, whereas a "hold list" sounds a lot better, and is less likely to make some people flee. Doesn't matter much to me, though. I got the "hold list" e-mail and just assumed it meant "waitlist." I still wrote a LOCI, because WUSTL is pretty much my top choice barring a big difference in scholarships from UIUC and Minnesota. Also, I get in-state at Wisconsin, so that's one thing to consider (of course I just got YPed/waitlisted by them today).

[wizoz]

If WUSTL works like I've seen an admissions office work, then holds are to cover medians. Once medians are covered, then I've see softs at times taking the lead. For example, 1 guy got into this school I worked at because he was a cowboy. His scores were terrible but just because he was a cowboy and could add to the diversity then he was taken off the waitlist even though there were holds and files yet to be reviewed.

And, some waitlists are definite rejects but are waitlisted as a courtesy. It's the admissions office's way of saying, "hey, you put forth a good effort" and so will get rejected eventually even if seats are open. Pointless, I know...but it is done.

Also, I can't comment on the other ppl who haven't been notified because there could be too many reasons for that. Their files may have not yet been reviewed by all the members of the committee. Committee members will take files home and sometimes your files will be with the "readers". "Readers" are people...mainly stay-at-home moms who are smart, possibly past admissions ppl, who give an initial read and recommendation on an app. They are time savers for small admissions offices. Hope this helps.

Anyway, I have to start cooking dinner for my husband...I'll check back to see if you have any questions. But all in all, you're in a better position than a waitlist...but I wouldn't take too much comfort in that.

[finalaspects]

If WUSTL works like I've seen an admissions office work, then holds are to cover medians. Once medians are covered, then I've see softs at times taking the lead. For example, 1 guy got into this school I worked at because he was a cowboy. His scores were terrible but just because he was a cowboy and could add to the diversity then he was taken off the waitlist even though there were holds and files yet to be reviewed.

And, some waitlists are definite rejects but are waitlisted as a courtesy. It's the admissions office's way of saying, "hey, you put forth a good effort" and so will get rejected eventually even if seats are open. Pointless, I know...but it is done.

But all in all, you're in a better position than a waitlist...but I wouldn't take too much comfort in that.

that makes sense. after medians are covered they can look at other factors... but until medians are covered holds have priority and then its all up in the air. also was this ivy league admissions thing for a law school? law school's 25% numbers also affect the rankings so they'll go further than undergrads.

i think waitlisting someone just because of a good effort is even more cruel because it might give the applicant an idea of false hope. they should not do this. should only be waitlisted if they have a chance of getting accepted even if its very low, such as for some reason no one turned in their deposit.

sadly its the only thing left to give us comfort...

[romothesavior]

Holds mean you have not had a decision. You could still be accepted, waitlisted, or even dinged at this point. They just need more time to review your materials and determine whether they have room for you. I'd expect you will get a decision (A, R, W/L) in the next few days or weeks.

On the other hand, W/L is a form of decision, meaning they placed you on the list and will draw from it as needed.

Held is better than waitlist. It means you're still in the game for an outright acceptance. In all likelihood, however, you'll be W/L'd (as happened to me after being held by Georgetown).

[Zannie1986]

got my waitlist in my gmail today so i'll be withdrawing tomorrow- celebrate, hopefuls!

[barrydukakis]

.

[wizoz]

I literally had to lol when I read this. I think they will choose from the hold pile first to fill in gaps for their medians. But it's not as straightforward as I've described it. The waitlist pile is likely just sitting in the dean's office and at this point, they are comparing and debating on people from the hold piles to people in the waitlist piles to choose the right candidates for the limited # of seats. I've worked in ivy league admissions so I've seen it done at 1 institution...might be different at WUSTL but highly doubt it.

this ivy league had both hold and waitlist? and if so was the hold only applied in the early decision/application part or was it used even at the end of the cycle? i highly doubt that it was used in the end of the cycle when they could have used waitlist for everyone.

if held from the early decision, it is understandable to compare with the waitlisters, since they didn't have an idea of the pool but now they do.

They actually had holds for both parts. They just wouldn't disclose that you are "held" like WUSTL does...they'd just make you wait and not say anything. "Holding" in ED and RD is not a new practice in admissions...it's just a newly disclosed practice to applicants. Sometimes, they would hold, with permission of the applicant, to a whole other term. Now, that's a hold! lol

[tcordier]

We appreciate your interest in attending Washington University School of Law. This year, we received applications from a record number of outstanding candidates and we are currently over-committed with our offers of admission. For that reason, a final decision regarding the status of your application has not yet been made, and the Admissions Committee has placed you on our wait list. However, the Committee was highly impressed with your credentials and is hoping to be able to extend you an offer of admission in the near future.
I understand that you need to start making plans for this fall. Unfortunately, at this time, it is difficult to determine exactly when and how many candidates will be admitted from our wait list. Admitted candidates have until April 1st to submit a deposit to hold their seats in the entering class. As soon as we know that we have seats available, we will immediately notify those additional applicants to whom we are able to offer admission.
If it?s any encouragement, we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year. For your part, if you wish to remain on our wait list, please complete the "Wait List" form at http://law.wustl.edu/admissions/forms/waitlist.asp
We appreciate your patience and hope that you will continue to consider Washington University School of Law as your school of choice for your legal education.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Clifford
Assistant Dean for Admissions




What is this? Should i feel optimistic? Or is this just the nicest, most encouraging wait list letter I have received?

[wizoz]

Holds mean you have not had a decision. You could still be accepted, waitlisted, or even dinged at this point. They just need more time to review your materials and determine whether they have room for you. I'd expect you will get a decision (A, R, W/L) in the next few days or weeks.

On the other hand, W/L is a form of decision, meaning they placed you on the list and will draw from it as needed.

Held is better than waitlist. It means you're still in the game for an outright acceptance. In all likelihood, however, you'll be W/L'd (as happened to me after being held by Georgetown).

I agree with this to a degree in that a decision has not yet been made. The way the person pulling 'holds' out of remaining applicants did their "holding" was just to look purely at numbers and not necessarily due to a read on your file. Numbers - gpa and standardized testing was written on the file folder itself so the person didn't need to know your story...just your numbers. Again, it could be diff at WUSTL but that's my experience.

[romothesavior]

We appreciate your interest in attending Washington University School of Law. This year, we received applications from a record number of outstanding candidates and we are currently over-committed with our offers of admission. For that reason, a final decision regarding the status of your application has not yet been made, and the Admissions Committee has placed you on our wait list. However, the Committee was highly impressed with your credentials and is hoping to be able to extend you an offer of admission in the near future.
I understand that you need to start making plans for this fall. Unfortunately, at this time, it is difficult to determine exactly when and how many candidates will be admitted from our wait list. Admitted candidates have until April 1st to submit a deposit to hold their seats in the entering class. As soon as we know that we have seats available, we will immediately notify those additional applicants to whom we are able to offer admission.
If it?s any encouragement, we do anticipate taking candidates from the wait list this year. For your part, if you wish to remain on our wait list, please complete the "Wait List" form at http://law.wustl.edu/admissions/forms/waitlist.asp
We appreciate your patience and hope that you will continue to consider Washington University School of Law as your school of choice for your legal education.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Clifford
Assistant Dean for Admissions




What is this? Should i feel optimistic? Or is this just the nicest, most encouraging wait list letter I have received?

Its a waitlist. See the words "wait list?"

I'd say you should be mildly optimistic if you are willing to ride it out thru the summer. I, for one, would not want to wait until July or August to know where I'm going, but some people are okay with that. Just send a LOCI and keep up your interest in the school. That's all you really can do, because it is likely to be a numbers game from here.

[sibley]

What is this? Should i feel optimistic? Or is this just the nicest, most encouraging wait list letter I have received?

it is very friendly though, isn't it?

[savetheturtles]

Holds mean you have not had a decision. You could still be accepted, waitlisted, or even dinged at this point. They just need more time to review your materials and determine whether they have room for you. I'd expect you will get a decision (A, R, W/L) in the next few days or weeks.

On the other hand, W/L is a form of decision, meaning they placed you on the list and will draw from it as needed.

Held is better than waitlist. It means you're still in the game for an outright acceptance. In all likelihood, however, you'll be W/L'd (as happened to me after being held by Georgetown).

From what I can tell last year, the hold list is basically the "preferred waitlist," to use a GULC term. It's not really a hold list in the way that other schools use the term, where you eventually get a decision of accept, reject, or waitlist after a certain date. Once you're on the hold list, you basically just stay there until you get off or school starts.

[tcordier]

What is this? Should i feel optimistic? Or is this just the nicest, most encouraging wait list letter I have received?

it is very friendly though, isn't it?

Hell I almost bought a WashU T-shirt and sweater!

[darklighter13]

Held today. Cautiously optimistic.

[romothesavior]

What is this? Should i feel optimistic? Or is this just the nicest, most encouraging wait list letter I have received?

it is very friendly though, isn't it?

Hell I almost bought a WashU T-shirt and sweater!

I just ordered two tee shirts from their bookstore. I suppose that pretty much etches my decision in stone doesn't it?

I also think buying a Michigan Law tee shirt during my visit was what resulted in my waitlist. I have angered the law school admissions gods!

[finalaspects]

Holds mean you have not had a decision. You could still be accepted, waitlisted, or even dinged at this point. They just need more time to review your materials and determine whether they have room for you. I'd expect you will get a decision (A, R, W/L) in the next few days or weeks.

On the other hand, W/L is a form of decision, meaning they placed you on the list and will draw from it as needed.

Held is better than waitlist. It means you're still in the game for an outright acceptance. In all likelihood, however, you'll be W/L'd (as happened to me after being held by Georgetown).

From what I can tell last year, the hold list is basically the "preferred waitlist," to use a GULC term. It's not really a hold list in the way that other schools use the term, where you eventually get a decision of accept, reject, or waitlist after a certain date. Once you're on the hold list, you basically just stay there until you get off or school starts.

are you sure this is true? pretty much then held list would always be there for any openings, and when they're done they'll look at waitlists?