2 waitlists at once

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD is also on two WLs. Is it safe to say there will be no movement on the WL until after the deadline for deposits passes for the first wave of enrollment offers? In other words, have any schools ever started pulling from WL as soon as spots free up or do they wait for all commitments to be made before going to the WL?

I don't know any facts for this year, but I would guess it's rare. Say a school take 15 people for 12 slots. They'd need at least 4 declines before the end date before they know they'll have space, and while 1 or 2 declines might happen it's probable not all the declines will come immediately. I have a hard time imagining schools, especially the most selective ones in DC, take more than 1 or 2 people off the waitlist for a given class, except the oddest scenarios.

[Anonymous]

I agree. I am rather unfamiliar with all the protocols, but both Admission offices were encouraging and thought there would be movement. I didn't press as to why but my hypothesis is that there is a likelihood that most of the students accepted applied to other schools. I don't know. I am not optimistic but I remain hopeful. I am going to assume no WL movement occurs before April 1 when most families will have had to make a financial commitment somewhere. I welcome further insights!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD is also on two WLs. Is it safe to say there will be no movement on the WL until after the deadline for deposits passes for the first wave of enrollment offers? In other words, have any schools ever started pulling from WL as soon as spots free up or do they wait for all commitments to be made before going to the WL?

A friend got in before the response date, but it was a year with very few spots available so fewer applicants, no overenrollment, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree. I am rather unfamiliar with all the protocols, but both Admission offices were encouraging and thought there would be movement. I didn't press as to why but my hypothesis is that there is a likelihood that most of the students accepted applied to other schools. !

Of course . . . if one school sees something to like in a candidate, they figure others will see the same thing and may accept them, especially among the schools they consider their peers (e.g., Sidwell, Maret, GDS - and not meaning to start that argument). For them it's a guessing game - did the student they accepted also get accepted at a comparable place in which they might enroll instead. The only way to stop the guessing is to receive a check.

[Anonymous]

We were in a similar boat. WL at 2 schools; I had a preference for School A and DH had a preference for School B.

DC got a spot off the WL at School B. We paid the deposit, signed contract, and then the next day learned that a spot was opening on WL at School A.

I was briefly tempted to lose our money and go for School A, but DH reminded me that we could not pay $70,000 for a year of elementary school.

Ultimately, we are so glad that DC is at School B. It's a much better fit.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I know one girl already got an offer off of the waitlisted at Holton for 7th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were in a similar boat. WL at 2 schools; I had a preference for School A and DH had a preference for School B.

DC got a spot off the WL at School B. We paid the deposit, signed contract, and then the next day learned that a spot was opening on WL at School A.

I was briefly tempted to lose our money and go for School A, but DH reminded me that we could not pay $70,000 for a year of elementary school.

Ultimately, we are so glad that DC is at School B. It's a much better fit.

Good luck!

I've read this so many times on DCUM and wonder how you know it is a better fit when DC did not attend the other school. At best it is a 'great' fit but how do you know if it is better unless DC attends the other school and you compare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know one girl already got an offer off of the waitlisted at Holton for 7th.

This early? How would they know so soon?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fast -- as in -- during the phone call!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ah, we went through that. They will expect a decision fast. You might have to put initial deposits down at both schools, but don't sign a contract, of course. (You're a lawyer you know that).

Fast 24 hours or fast 2 hours?

That's ridiculous. It's completely reasonable to explain that it is a family decision and you need to confer with your spouse and child before officially committing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know one girl already got an offer off of the waitlisted at Holton for 7th.

This early? How would they know so soon?

1) They got enough declines to know there would be space, or some girls informed school they planned to leave after 6th.
2) The parents pressed really super hard and the girl was close anyway so Holton took a chance.

Both are speculation - I am not hte poster who provided this information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know one girl already got an offer off of the waitlisted at Holton for 7th.

This early? How would they know so soon?

1) They got enough declines to know there would be space, or some girls informed school they planned to leave after 6th.
2) The parents pressed really super hard and the girl was close anyway so Holton took a chance.

Both are speculation - I am not hte poster who provided this information.

I am the poster and I assume the same. The WL admittee is very smart, at a very well regarded K-8, and really wanted Holton even though she got in to a big 3.

[Anonymous]

My DC got off a Big 3 WL last year right before Spring Break, being right after deposits were due.

Good Luck!

[BlueJ]

Anonymous wrote:My DC got off a Big 3 WL last year right before Spring Break, being right after deposits were due.

Good Luck!

Did you have to submit a deposit elsewhere before getting off WL?

[Anonymous]

Do you think it means anything if you get a personal email from an admissions dir saying that the wait list is real, that they really like your kid and think he'd be great at their school, and they will stay in touch?

We got the form email saying DC was waitlisted and asking if we wanted to stay on the WL, but then also got a very nice personal email in response to our note saying we did want to stay on the WL. Do you think that is a genuine signal, or just a nice let-them-down-gently thing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you think it means anything if you get a personal email from an admissions dir saying that the wait list is real, that they really like your kid and think he'd be great at their school, and they will stay in touch?

We got the form email saying DC was waitlisted and asking if we wanted to stay on the WL, but then also got a very nice personal email in response to our note saying we did want to stay on the WL. Do you think that is a genuine signal, or just a nice let-them-down-gently thing?

ITs not a signal of anything. Its a waitlist. They offered, you accepted (the WL) and they reassured you it was real. End of story. The rest is a waiting game only.