Dropping in on a school where you're waitlisted...

[pete.]

in a couple weeks i'll be within a short drive of a school where i'm waitlisted and i'm thinking about stopping by to introduce myself. i just have no idea what i would say... anyone have any thoughts?

[You Enjoy Myself]

It worked for me at a school where I was WL'ed.  I'd let them know when you're coming ahead of time and set up a tour and an "informational interview" where you can ask some questions.  Good luck.

[TimMitchell]

I did the same thing. Call up in advance to have a tour. I got an interview with the dean of admissions

[pete.]

i will do this. appreciate the advice.

just curious, what type of questions would you ask in an informational interview when you already know you want to go to the school?

[vjm]

Absolutely. Just got off the WL during a visit. Definitely make an appointment to speak with the head cheese.

[TimMitchell]

I didn't really ask any questions, just told him how much more dedicated to attend the school after the tour. He asked me a bunch of questions about what I liked/didn't like about the admissions process.

[limegreen]

I recently did this.  Hasn't changed anything yet but I'm hoping!  I think it at least shows you are serious about the school and that you're genuinely interested.  If you say that they're you're first choice it probably comes off a little more sincere if you've visited as well.

[libdem]

I did this during the school year. I e-mailed ahead to attend a class and ended up doing the tour, too. I also dropped in to drop off a LOCI later. Lo and behold, they took me (after a second LOCI, which I PDFed and e-mailed)!

You might definitely make it a chance to drop off your "I will attend if you take me" LOCI, especially if you can think of anything else to add.

[doog83]

Let me get this right. So I call up the admission's office and ask for an "informational interview" and a tour of the campus. Should I request the dean for my interview or is it more of a default kind of thing? Any more suggestions to this process would be great. Thanks

[justice4all]

i say just take the tour and talk to someone, im actually considering doing same thing