This month’s FastWeb eNewsletter has some great advice about what to do if the news you’ve been waiting for isn’t what you hoped it would be. Registration is required to read the articles, but FastWeb has tools and resources that make it worth the time it takes to register.
Along with FastWeb’s tips, here are some things you can do if your acceptance letter is an invitation to be put on the wait list:
1. Pray. Yes, this is the standard Sunday School answer but it is one of the most important things you can do. How can God turn your disappointment into something powerful? You might find that your second or third choice school is where God wants you to be, or that there are opportunities closer to home. Read Genesis 37-50 to understand how God can use a wait-list for good.
2. Improve Your Odds. Approximately one out of three students who are wait-listed eventually get into the school of their choice, according to a 2007 study. Keep in touch with the school’s admissions office, particularly if you have further academic or personal accomplishments. Expressing your interest (without whining or begging) could improve your odds.
3. Brush Up Your Interview Skills. According to Andrew Flagel, Dean of Admissions and Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Development,George Mason University “Some schools offer waitlist interview opportunities - you should TAKE THEM. No one is opposed to a little in-person begging and groveling, given the opportunity.” Try using these job interview tips to ace your waitlist interview.
4. Keep a Sense of Perspective. College applications are rising, partly because students are sending out applications to more schools than ever. This might improve your odds of getting into the school of your choice as others drop off. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that a change, or delay, in your plans isn’t the end of the world. It might even open up some opportunities.
5. Talk to Your Pastor. When is the last time you had a heart-to-heart talk with your pastor? The truth is that your pastor knows a lot about the education process and may have some great ideas about how you can turn your time of waiting into an exciting time of preparation. It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.
Photo credit: The Lizard Queen
