PhD program waiting list?

Question

I have been wait listed at one of my top choice universities. Is there any way to know what my odds are of actually getting accepted?

Answer 1

No, unfortunately, there is no way for you to figure out your odds.

Here's why.

PhD programs are funded for X number of spots (teaching assistantships, research assistantships), and each program can nominate candidates for university fellowships.

When the admissions committee makes its selections, ranks its top candidates, and then notifies the top X students of their admission and awards, the committee then has to wait to see who will accept and who will decline. When students decline, the committee can then move to the next-ranked student.

There's no way of knowing how many will decline, and, in your case, there's no way of knowing your rank on that list. Therefore, your only option is to wait. I know that is difficult, and there's nothing I can say to make it easier.

I wish you every success.