Getting off the dreaded wait list

Earlier this week The New York Times published two articles covering college wait lists.

Perhaps you are thinking neither article would interest you because you are already in school, eliminating the fear of being put on a dreaded wait list.

You may not be so exempt, however. Attending graduate school is quickly turning into the most promising option for many recent university graduates. Some students attend graduate school immediately after their four years while others have made a run in the work force but still ended up in grad school.

Even if it seems like a stretch, it won't hurt you to know a little bit about graduate schools just in case you should reconsider the option.

First, please be aware that the number of applications is rapidly increasing, so your résumé, GPA and test scores will need to be as close to perfect as you can get them.

You should focus on getting good grades while still taking classes at UCF. It might seem like silly advice, but when internships and social activities pile up, suddenly getting a B on a paper instead of an A doesn't seem like such a big deal. After all, your employer probably isn't going to ask for your transcripts.

Graduate school will though, so try to keep your GPA high to avoid the wait list. This will also help when trying to apply for scholarships to pay for graduate school since almost all of them have GPA requirements.

Scores aren't the only things that matter, though. Who you are outside of the classroom plays a role on how fast you get off the wait list, too. The New York Times article explained that when accepting students, schools take into consideration the major, where they are coming from and their hobbies.

Schools are trying to create a diverse population of students. They don't want an entire class with students from New York or people who only play the piano. Make sure to include the details that make you an interesting candidate when putting your application packet together.

Worse case scenario you make the wait list. In The New York Times article Christoph Guttentag, the dean of undergraduate admissions at Duke said he encourages wait-listed applicants to send in a short letter or video of 60 seconds or less.

Whichever medium you choose, include recent events in your life since you submitted your application. While why you wish to attend the school is important, information that makes you a more competitive applicant is crucial.

If you are one of the lucky students who receives acceptance to several universities, try to make your decision sooner rather than later. There is a long list of students anxious to determine their future, too.