2 waitlists at once

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

But! depending on the school and age of child consider having your child write the head of school a personal note of precisely why they want to attend X school. Our DD did that and was off the WL and in within the week. But it has to be heartfelt, from the kid and right for the situation which only you can gauge.

[Anonymous]

So, OP, what did you end up doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For better or worse, we've gotten some positive vibes about a couple of waitlists. (Yes, I get that this means only that there's a possibility, blah blah). One of these is child's first choice, other would be better than the most preferred acceptance.

Any suggestions on how to handle? Of course, if child gets off WL at first choice it's easy. Worry is second choice WL might call first.

How to handle? Can one buy some time reasonably or do these offers evaporate quickly?

Last time I went through this was looking for clerkships in law school - I suspect some of you remember that, with "exploding offers" that were withdrawn if you hung up phone.

Our concern as well. Positive feedback regarding a place off WL of second choice school coming next week but 1st choice can't commit until the week after that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

After 5 years at school B, I now know a number of kids and parents at both schools. From what I hear and observe from the parents and kids, School A is more of a pressure cooker/sink or swim kind of environment. It turns out to be a good thing that my kid is in the more nurturing environment. I have nothing against School A, but I'm very relieved that my kid is where he is.