Waitlisted at Carnegie Mellon, what then?

Hey folks, so I'm curious what I should do if I get waitlisted at Carnegie Mellon. Anything I can do to boost my chances of getting off the waitlist at that point? Also, does anyone know what the acceptance rate from the waitlist is?

It's always smart to think through possible scenarios. If you do get waitlisted, there are a few steps you could take to increase your chances of acceptance.

First, communicate your continuing interest to the admissions committee. Let them know in a concise, polite email that you are still passionate about attending Carnegie Mellon and would enroll if offered an admission. Don't forget to provide any significant updates since you submitted your application. Did you receive a big award, notably improve your grades, or start a new extracurricular engagement? Be sure to let them know.

However, there can be exquisite competition on the waitlist, and your final decision might not arrive until the end of May or possibly even June after other applicants have made their decisions. So, while you're waiting, it's crucial to enroll in a different institution where you were accepted to ensure you have a place in the fall.

As to the acceptance rate from the waitlist, unfortunately, Carnegie Mellon does not publicly release these statistics, so it's tough to provide an accurate figure. The number of students admitted from the waitlist can vary drastically from year to year, depending on factors such as the yield rate of admitted students. So it's important to keep your expectations realistic.

In conclusion, let Carnegie Mellon know of your continued interest and any significant achievements, but also ensure you have a backup plan secured. Best of luck as you navigate this process!