The Wait is (Almost) Over!

Tomorrow I find out whether I've been accepted into Teach For America!

I am fortunate, as it has only been 2-1/2 weeks since my Final Interview.  Apparently, those who apply during other rounds have a much longer wait.  

Whether good news or bad news, it will be good to at least know what all of my options are for the coming year.  


Though, I hear there's this horrible thing called the wait list.  Apparently some candidates get wait listed, and depending upon how many other candidates withdraw, openings may become available.  

I have no expectations for tomorrow.  I won't be terribly shocked to be accepted or rejected.  I know there were approximately 10,200 people interviewed during this final round.  I believe last year's corps had about 4500 members.  There are three final interview rounds throughout the year.  Assuming they accept equal number of corps members in each interview round, there are approximately 1500 spots available  for 10,200 interviewees - giving me about a 15% chance of being accepted.  Of course, this is just an estimate - they may be accepting more applicants this year or they may save more spots for the final interview round.  The point is, even though I feel like I'm a good candidate, I don't take anything for granted.

Despite having no expectations, I will be disappointed if I don't receive an offer.  I feel like Teach For America has very thoroughly interviewed me.  They know me better than nearly any other prospective employer I've interviewed with.  So, to be offered a position will be a great validation of how they feel about my past successes and future potential.  If I don't receive an offer, the disappointment will not be just about the lost opportunity, but it will also be a bit of a blow to the ego since it's coming from an organization who has examined me so closely.

To use an online dating analogy:  I don't take it personally if a guy looks at my picture, doesn't think I'm his type, and moves on without even reading my profile.  TFA is not that guy.  TFA is the guy who read my profile (my application), was intrigued enough to ask me for my number, called me (phone interview) and when our first conversation went well, asked my friends about me (references), and took me out on a date (final interview).  Now, I'm waiting for either a curt email with a generic rejection...or wedding proposal.  

To be continued...