Anonymous wrote:My kids Ivy gave a week and it was so appreciated. Some are only 24-48 hours and it’s a lot of mental gymnastics on kids that rightfully set their head in another direction to regroup and rethink it all.

+1

My kid had one week at Ivy last year. Deadline May 21st to respond. He got off the list early.

Keep it very short!! Per our well versed private HS counselor.

My kids Ivy gave a week and it was so appreciated. Some are only 24-48 hours and it’s a lot of mental gymnastics on kids that rightfully set their head in another direction to regroup and rethink it all.

The bummer is that these offers go out in the middle of AP exams. With the short turnaround time, that makes it tough if the student hasn't visited yet.

^Forgot to add, the bulk of waitlist activity usually goes through June. Again, depends on the school and the year. Sometimes into July. Or sometimes it ends in May; it's just highly variable.

Anonymous wrote:NP. Do waitlists typically have most of their movement right after the May 1 deposit deadline?

Depends on the school, and the year, but generally mid-May may see the most movement.

Once in a while, a school may start to make offers in April. Sometimes the first week of May, they are still counting up their deposits and figuring out where to make offers, so I wouldn't anticipate much until the second week of May. This year, maybe May 12-23. Some like to release on Fridays. Many release in batches with varying timeframes on how short or long the student has to respond to the waitlist offer.

Make sure your student's phone takes voicemail messages. Many schools call to see if the student is still interested before they send out an actual waitlist offer.

Agree with prior posts. WL generally means the schools liked the applicant but thought those admitted better met the needs for this class. It is important to pitch what unique skills or experiences this kid can contribute to the classroom or community that might not have been obvious in their app. But also focus on getting excited about school where he was accepted.

Anonymous wrote:NP. Do waitlists typically have most of their movement right after the May 1 deposit deadline?

Really depends mostly on selectivity. Some will start moving before 5/1 (rare), selectives will move 2nd week May roundabout and will be done fast, others will have multiple rounds and can go all summer long.

NP. Do waitlists typically have most of their movement right after the May 1 deposit deadline?

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.

My kid also got an Ivy last year. Kept it very brief which is that they want. Reiterated straight A’s, updated on some research, and a reconfirmed fit both ways (what will bring to community and what will take advantage of). Brief! You do not need to pay someone for this.

^I meant, I don't think this warrants professional help.

Also, I agree with the PP to follow closely whatever directions the school has given for the LOCI.

I would do a standard LOCI for each. I don't think this warrants additional help.

State any personal updates with activities, etc., in a short paragraph or even bullets, if they are numerous. Then a paragraph that is essentially more Why Us, connecting how the student would contribute at the school. End with a sentence that the school is the student's top choice and they would attend if admitted, since apparently this is true - for all of them.

Not a thing.

Follow schools directions. Some explicitly say do NOT send anything. You are looked down on if you ignore that advice.

We were told the LOCI should be a mere paragraph or so. State you will attend if accepted. Period.

My kid got off an Ivy WL and a T10 WL in early May.

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.