If someone is on the waitlist, it means the applicant is basically qualified for the program. He or she should have a chance to get off the waitlist or a good chance of being admitted if she or she re-applies in the coming year.
The most typical situation the school will consider candidates on waitlist when some of their admitted students replied that they could not attend. It is easy to understand if one applicant got admission both from HBS and Wharton, he or she has to make a tough decision to decline one.
But it may not means when one slot is vacant, all the applicants on the waitlist are equally competitive or considered. If the admitted applicant who withdraw was with IT background, the admission committee may first consider candidates with similar backgrounds. Apart from diversity, a school will also take into consideration an applicant’s enthusiasm and commitment towards the program. ffice
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