What to Do if you Get Waitlisted from Graduate School
Receiving news of being waitlisted from a Master of Social Work (MSW) program can bring up a range of emotions including disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty about the future. However, it can be helpful to approach this situation with a compassionate mindset and understand that being waitlisted is not necessarily the end of the road or a representation of your candidacy. In this blog post, we will explore practical steps to navigate the waitlist process effectively and increase your chances of eventual acceptance.
How Does the Waitlist Work for Graduate School?
When a program receives more qualified applicants than available spots (which is quite common with MSW programs given their competitive nature), admissions committees use waitlists to manage enrollment numbers and ensure a diverse student body. Individuals who are waitlisted are considered strong candidates, but due to limitations in capacity, they are not immediately offered admission.
Since not all students who initially received an offer of acceptance to graduate school will move forward with their offer, schools will turn to their waitlist. Therefore, getting accepted from the waitlist depends on how many applicants accept (or deny) their offer of admission.
Normalize Feelings of Frustration
Receiving news of being waitlisted can bring up a wave of emotions. It is important to acknowledge and normalize these feelings as part of the process.
When you have invested time and effort imagining a certain outcome, it is understandable to feel frustrated when things don't align as expected. You may have also put a lot of time and passion into your application package. The competitiveness of MSW programs underscores the strength of your application, even if it didn't result in immediate acceptance. Understand that it is okay to feel disappointed.
Once you have given yourself time to move through these emotions, shift your focus towards constructive steps you can take to increase your chances of eventual acceptance. Use this time to reassess your application, seek feedback, and explore additional opportunities for growth and improvement.
Related: I was rejected from grad school the first time I applied
Why Getting Waitlisted Is Actually a Good Sign
Contrary to popular belief, being waitlisted can actually be a positive indicator of your abilities and candidacy. It shows that the admissions committee recognizes your potential and considers you a competitive applicant. This recognition speaks volumes about the quality of your application and the impression you have made on the committee. While it may not be the immediate acceptance you had hoped for, being waitlisted means you are still in the running for a spot in the program. Getting waitlisted implies that the admissions committee sees your potential for success in their program long-term.
If you have applied to multiple schools and are receiving several offers, this can give you time to reflect on your preferences and values, allowing you to carefully consider which program aligns best with your academic and personal goals. Therefore, instead of viewing being waitlisted as a setback, consider it as a stepping stone towards achieving your academic goals.
What Are the Chances of Getting Accepted from the Waitlist?
The likelihood of being accepted from the waitlist depends on various factors, including the number of spots available, the strength of the applicant pool, and the number of students who accept their offer. Individuals often move off the waitlist as admitted students decline offers or withdraw from the program. While some schools may disclose your position on the waitlist, predicting the likelihood of being accepted off the waitlist can be challenging. This uncertainty results from the unpredictable nature of the factors mentioned above, which can change for each school from year to year.
It is important to recognize that MSW programs typically have a smaller number of spots compared to other programs, given their specialized nature. Considering these factors, it becomes evident why waitlist outcomes are common in MSW programs. Depending on the school, you may have the opportunity to contact the program to ask what number you are on the waitlist. You can also ask, on average, how many students a year typically are admitted from the waitlist. Although the program may not have answers to your questions, it doesn’t hurt to ask and may lessen some of the uncertainty.
MSW Helper’s Facebook group is a great way to connect with fellow applicants and gain an understanding of waitlists at various schools.
Should You Write a Statement of Continued Interest?
A statement of continued interest allows waitlisted students to reinforce their commitment to the program. It lets the program know you are still interested in attending and is an opportunity to update the admissions committee on any achievements you have accomplished since submitting your application.
If your MSW program has a specific process for submitting a statement of continued interest, consider whether it is beneficial to do so. However, it is important to approach this with caution and follow any guidelines provided by the school. If the program has a process for this, it is likely that statements of continued interest can influence admission decisions.
If the program does not have a process for this, it likely won't harm your application, but it may not significantly enhance it either. The best you can do in this circumstance is await further communication regarding waitlist status. However, if the school recommends it, I suggest taking the time to complete this statement as it can help strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to the program.
Can You Apply to Grad School Again If You Don't Get Moved off the Waitlist?
Absolutely! In fact, you now have an advantage this next time around as you are familiar with the process and can build off of your strengths and fill in gaps from your initial application. Some schools may offer feedback on your application, which can be very helpful. Alternatively, reaching out to the program directly to solicit feedback is another proactive step. For instance, if the school suggested gaining more experience in the social service field, you can use this time to pursue additional relevant opportunities, increasing your chances for future admission. Consider reapplying in the future, using the experience to reflect on areas for improvement and strengthen your application.
Again, being waitlisted is a sign that you were strongly considered for the program, so you have another strong chance of admission the next time around. Reapplying demonstrates persistence and determination, and with additional experience or achievements, you will likely be re-applying with a stronger application.
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