lb2015 wrote:
Just got the waitlist email. I guess I am bummed, but I am still deciding whether or not to stay on the list.
My first inclination was that I must have done something wrong in my application since my GPA and GMAT are decent (and I am a female, not that it makes it a guarantee at all but my understanding is that sometimes standards are a bit different). I really spent a lot of time and effort on my essays, visited the school twice, not sure what to think. I also thought maybe it was something my recommenders said...but then I got into Darden using the same recommenders so they couldn't have said anything too horrendous.
I will say that while I showed enthusiasm in my essays and interview and gave specific reasons for wanting to go to Fuqua (specific clubs/classes, etc I would contribute to), I never once said Fuqua was my top choice. To be honest, it isn't and I didn't want to be dishonest. I also listed all the schools I applied to in their application, again wanting to be honest. Maybe that was a bad call. Would they really put me on the waitlist because they weren't sure I'd attend?
I guess the yield management theory makes sense, but I also think it's important to take a critical look at what I might have messed up, too. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself.
Any ideas on this? And also--I don't want to potentially take a spot away from another applicant--but it would also be nice to have a choice to compare Darden to in the event that I do not get into my other schools. Does it make sense to stay on the waitlist if I am not absolutely sure I would attend?
You are in a good position right now, with an offer from UVa. It is very noble of your to think about other applicants. However, you shouldn’t worry about other applicants. You would only take away a spot if Fuqua gave you an offer, and you turn it down.
The question you should consider is, “if I get an offer from UVa and Fuqua, would I consider taking Fuqua’s offer?” If the answer is “yes”, then stay on the waitlist.