waitlist etiquette?

[Anonymous]

So now that we're on waitlists for the schools where we truly want to go, how do we hold our place on waitlists and keep up-to-date on our place on the lists? Should we call tomorrow to express our interest, or should we wait a week--or even longer?

I know that school admin staff have tons to do and don't want to be talking with uptight parents all the time. But I seem to recall being told that we should call on a regular basis. Can anyone guide us?

[Anonymous]

There is a date by which the families of students that won slots in the lottery have to indicate their intention to register and a date by which they must register (and provide proof of in-boundary status if relevant). I would not call until after such dates pass. Also, I think they are obligated to go in order of the waitlist. They will however give you something like 48 hours to respond if you get a slot, so it is important to make sure they have contact info that will reach you wherever you are over the course of the spring/summer.

[Anonymous]

don't call until May 1, on May 1, they'll only tell you to call back.