Waitlists

[JD]

Yeah, I know it's a bit early to worry about this, but do most Ontario schools send out more offers than spots on May 31? Or instead, they send out the same number and then call people off waitlists as acceptees turn down their offers? I know U of T initially sends out a few more (240 offers for 198 spots before going into the waitlist, or something like that), but is that what's generally done?

[UWOMED2005]

Not sure exactly of the answer for Western, but we have a significant number of people who got in after being waitlisted. In fact, to fill the 118 spots at Western this year they sent out 189 acceptances. That can vary greatly year to year, but it just goes to show you that a significant number of people get in after being waitlisted.

When you get in off the waitlist can be highly variable as well. I know of at least two students who were accepted to Western within the week before our Orientation Week started. I've met students at Queen's for whom the same phenomenon occurred. The wait, however, can be excruciating. While many people are often chosen from the waitlist, many are not - and with only that waitlist letter to rely on, you have no idea of the eventual outcome. Being waitlisted can often be a source of agony - but it can also be a source of joy if you do make it in.

[asdf]

Also, Western puts everybody on their waitlist with no indication of where you are on the list. So last year, they sent out 118 acceptances, put everybody else on the list, and then began pulling people off as spots became available. It's very frustrating to be put on the list when it doesn't really mean anything!

[elu99]

What about other schools' waiting lists?

Do they generally give you at least a vague idea of where you stand on the list?

[asdf]

I believe:

Mac tells you your exact ranking on the list

Ottawa tells you whether you're on the "good" waitlist or the "bad" waitlist (basically a rejection)

Toronto tells you whether you're on the waitlist or not

Queens tells you whether you're on the waitlist or not.

Western puts everybody on the list

Therefore, Mac gives you the best indication of your chances, while Western doesn't give you any indication!

[Liana]

Does anyone know roughly how many people will be put on the Queen's waiting list? I understand the rationale for not informing waiters of their ranks, but I suspect I personally will be more likely to make the waiting list than getting an outright acceptance, and I'd like to have an idea of how realistic my chances of actually making it off that waitlist might be.

My assumption is that there are somewhere around 60-100 people on this list. Anyone have a more realistic number?