Could you please elaborate about adcom walking the waitlisted applicants through the rest the of the process ? Does that mean rejection or admission ? The accepted folks are not assigned adcom I supppse , then why for the waitlisted students ? Please share your thoughts.[/quote]
I'm bias, because I've always had a great experience with Duke. However, I think the underlying point is that the accepted people just have a decision to make (yes or no). Those who remain on the waitlist have to weigh the opportunity of a Duke W/L with the offers they've received. I don't think they're told how to play their hand but someone will aid them in determining how to proceed with the process throughout the summer. In truth, I can't exactly say
how they'd assist you, but you won't be all alone waiting for an email or phone call all summer.
Rejections and acceptances are permanent. If you're in--fantastic, if not, you'll have to wait until the next cycle if you'd like to reapply. I think Duke attempts to assist with the confusion of waitlist land by at least giving you a touchstone. It'll help you plan the end game of the cycle at the very least.
My experience is that the school is very student conscious. They may not give the decision you want but they're certainly around to guide you through a difficult process if you find yourself in the great "in-between".
Note: I am not a Duke adcom member, this is just my "general" Duke experience.
Good Luck