WL strategy

[Anonymous]

^College admissions is such a game. OK Tufts, we can play that game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But they shouldn't state it for more than one school, which is dishonest.

Here's my view. Say a kid is admitted to and currently planning to attend College A. Kid is waitlisted at Colleges B, C, and D.

If the kid says in their letter to College B that it's their top choice and that they'd attend if admitted, that's referring to a choice only among the colleges where the kid has actually been admitted, but not to colleges C and D, which are not actually an option because the kid is not currently admitted to Colleges C and D. So, it is truthful to say that College B is their top choice, if it's true that the kid would likely attend College B if admitted off the waitlist.

I don't believe it is untruthful to likewise say to College C that College C is their top choice and that they'd attend if admitted, if, again, it's true that they'd choose College C over College A and any other schools where they were admitted.

Same for College D, it may be true that College D is their top choice and they'd attend if admitted, if they'd choose College D over College A and any other schools where they were already admitted.

Agree and the reality is they read right over it and pay it no mind. They are picking who they want whether you said it or not.

Interestingly, in Tufts extensive waitlist instructions via email, they state:

"If Tufts is truly your top choice, and you are confident you would enroll if offered admission, please communicate that in your letter." (emphasis supplied)

So, Tufts apparently finds the inclusion of this statement meaningful, even if other colleges don't. But then, Tufts cares a lot about demonstrated interest.

Never heard of a school doing that, but like the directness!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree. I don't think you need help for this. Just follow directions, write from the heart, and know that odds are slim but not 0.

Thats it!! AOs don't want anything else. Their exhausted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree. I don't think you need help for this. Just follow directions, write from the heart, and know that odds are slim but not 0.

Thats it!! AOs don't want anything else. Their exhausted.

They're

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But they shouldn't state it for more than one school, which is dishonest.

Here's my view. Say a kid is admitted to and currently planning to attend College A. Kid is waitlisted at Colleges B, C, and D.

If the kid says in their letter to College B that it's their top choice and that they'd attend if admitted, that's referring to a choice only among the colleges where the kid has actually been admitted, but not to colleges C and D, which are not actually an option because the kid is not currently admitted to Colleges C and D. So, it is truthful to say that College B is their top choice, if it's true that the kid would likely attend College B if admitted off the waitlist.

I don't believe it is untruthful to likewise say to College C that College C is their top choice and that they'd attend if admitted, if, again, it's true that they'd choose College C over College A and any other schools where they were admitted.

Same for College D, it may be true that College D is their top choice and they'd attend if admitted, if they'd choose College D over College A and any other schools where they were already admitted.

Agree and the reality is they read right over it and pay it no mind. They are picking who they want whether you said it or not.

This. The whole "you are my top choice and I will pack my bags and attend if admitted" line means next to nothing to top schools. My kid said it this year to a deferred school as did a few friends to other schools. None got in and had classmates admitted instead who had a tiny bit higher stats (kids who have or will end up rejecting the college anyway). The colleges take who they take and don't listen to student pleas. .

Call me salty but really this whole bit did not move the needle AT ALL for many kids I know.

[Anonymous]

The only thing I have to add is that based on when they came out 1-2 weeks into May, seems there was a game plan in place before the 5/1 deadline.

[Anonymous]

Which top schools pick based on gender, major and region? Or do they all at the top?

[Anonymous]

AOs know that you're telling all of them that they are your top choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But they shouldn't state it for more than one school, which is dishonest.

Here's my view. Say a kid is admitted to and currently planning to attend College A. Kid is waitlisted at Colleges B, C, and D.

If the kid says in their letter to College B that it's their top choice and that they'd attend if admitted, that's referring to a choice only among the colleges where the kid has actually been admitted, but not to colleges C and D, which are not actually an option because the kid is not currently admitted to Colleges C and D. So, it is truthful to say that College B is their top choice, if it's true that the kid would likely attend College B if admitted off the waitlist.

I don't believe it is untruthful to likewise say to College C that College C is their top choice and that they'd attend if admitted, if, again, it's true that they'd choose College C over College A and any other schools where they were admitted.

Same for College D, it may be true that College D is their top choice and they'd attend if admitted, if they'd choose College D over College A and any other schools where they were already admitted.

Agree and the reality is they read right over it and pay it no mind. They are picking who they want whether you said it or not.

Interestingly, in Tufts extensive waitlist instructions via email, they state:

"If Tufts is truly your top choice, and you are confident you would enroll if offered admission, please communicate that in your letter." (emphasis supplied)

So, Tufts apparently finds the inclusion of this statement meaningful, even if other colleges don't. But then, Tufts cares a lot about demonstrated interest.

I wonder why Tufts says this, if most students say this to all their waitlist colleges.

[Anonymous]

For those that had success with selective school WL last cycle, a simple short letter (without a story or hook) worked best? Focused simply on fit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those that had success with selective school WL last cycle, a simple short letter (without a story or hook) worked best? Focused simply on fit?

Short and sweet. Thank them for reviewing application. Reiterate strong grades and any updates. And then a quick fit reminder, what you’ll be adding to the community and what you’re excited to take advantage of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am helping an extended family member (outside DMV) with a WL strategy (WL to 9 top T15 schools).....

Valedictorian/class president/national debate awards/state sports awards/locally recognized indep project
35/1550
5.0w/4.0 uw
STEM major
ORM male
full pay

I think the family wants to do custom WL letters for all 9 schools. Is it best to recommend a professional college counselor here to help?
Any recommendations on who to hire here?

Thank you.

Have you all looked at the CDS to see the odds of getting of the WL at these schools? My kid was also STEM (but CS) but similar stats. Given the popularity of the major, being ORM male, and overall odds he just treated all WL as rejections. I remember Cornell wanted a huge essay and then later I found out they only let a few kids out of thousands off the WL. Not a good use of time. Move on.

[Anonymous]

YCBK episode today:

Expect less not more WL activity this year because the most selective schools admitted more in their early decision/REA process and may have even over admitted in regular decision. They don’t want the uncertainty going into the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:YCBK episode today:

Expect less not more WL activity this year because the most selective schools admitted more in their early decision/REA process and may have even over admitted in regular decision. They don’t want the uncertainty going into the summer.

That's just great. Sigh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:YCBK episode today:

Expect less not more WL activity this year because the most selective schools admitted more in their early decision/REA process and may have even over admitted in regular decision. They don’t want the uncertainty going into the summer.

That's just great. Sigh.

This is unfortunately the case at the school my kid is interested in. If you look between 2024 and 2025 they admitted 15 more kids this year and last year went to the waitlist for 20 kids. So the number may be very, very tiny this year.