Agree. When we first moved to the area my kids were wait-listed at two top schools and spaces opened up for them at both in August. By then we had picked a different school so we didn't take the wait list places, but it just goes to show you....

At our current school the admissions director has repeatedly said that enthusiasm matters. (I volunteer in the admissions office). Not fake enthusiasm-- but parents (and/or child, depending on child's age) who show genuine, informed interest and enthusiasm and can really explain why the school is a uniquely good fit. Schools want to take kids who will thrive and want families who will be happy-- so showing that you have truly taken the time to get to know the school and that it is your top choice for a good reason can make a difference in whether the school tries to make it work or not.

That said, there is a fine line between being enthusiastic and being stalkerish.... calling or emailing weekly just annoys people. If you really really think a particular school is right for your child write a nice, thoughtful email explaining why and making it clear that you would be happy to provide more info if useful & that you want to stay on the wait list and are interested even if spaces open up at the last minute. Then leave it alone for at least a month. Checking in again in May and again in July is totally appropriate but I would not do it more often.

In past years, at least, Field's wait list definitely had some movement so don't give up. Just keep letting them know you're interested - slots can open up anytime up until the first day of the school year. We know kids who have gotten into the "top" schools from the wait list in August.

Anonymous wrote:^^Actually, it is not about thinking there is still a chance, it is about whether or not we are being lied to. It drives me crazy that schools will not say we had XX applications for XX spots. We accepted XX and put XX on the waitlist. I have been explicitly told that no one came off the WL and here on DCUM I hear differently. So don't tell me it is time to move on. I am starting to wonder if there is fraud.

You really need to calm down before you start throwing out accusations like fraud. You sound really over wrought.

Were you told by the school that no one came off the wait list, or did you hear it from someone else? If the school said it, was it the whole school or just the grade? And when did they tell you no one came off the wait list.

1. Don't believe some random post on DCUM (that isn;t even the parent of the kid who supposedly got off the wait list, and may have been referring to another year ) over the school.
2. if you didn't hear it from the school its a rumor.
3. if you heard it from the school they might have meant the grade you applied to, not the whole school.
4. If you heard it from the school it may have been true at the time but is no longer.

There is no fraud going on. You are not entitled to get off the waitlist. Almost no one gets off the waitlist. It may be a crappy system, but thats the way it is in DC -- they put lots of kids on a waitlist knowing that almost none of them will get in.

I disagree with poster 15:23. There could be openings right now, if parents missed the March 21 deposit deadline. In addition, withdrawal letters must be received by June 1, 2014--so there could be openings at that time.

^^Actually, it is not about thinking there is still a chance, it is about whether or not we are being lied to. It drives me crazy that schools will not say we had XX applications for XX spots. We accepted XX and put XX on the waitlist. I have been explicitly told that no one came off the WL and here on DCUM I hear differently. So don't tell me it is time to move on. I am starting to wonder if there is fraud.

Folks. It's over. Time to move on. They won't be taking any more kids this year. Try again next year.

Anonymous wrote:I personally know of one child they took from the wait list

what grade/gender?

I would have preferred to get flat out rejected and moved on about a month or so ago....so torturous!

I personally know of one child they took from the wait list

Anonymous wrote:Anyone out there accepted from the WL?

Does anyone know this? Whether Field took anyone from WLs?

No she only applied to Field; dumb on our part. Will stay at Christian school and apply again for 9th grade

Got the small email about being full for 6th DD! Bummed beyond belief! I would have preferred an outright rejection! My DD is miserable as this was her only choice!

why her only choice? she only liked Field? or was rejected at all the others?

What is your back up plan?

Ditto for DS 6th

Got the small email about being full for 6th DD! Bummed beyond belief! I would have preferred an outright rejection! My DD is miserable as this was her only choice!

I don't have a kid at Field but it fills an important niche