Waitlist/Rejection
These are the less than desirable results of the application process. There isn't much to explain about the rejection... you just didn't make the cut. But sometimes you can call the program and get feedback on your application and interviews and what you can do to strengthen your application in case you have to apply the next year. Every program will make a waitlist. This is a list of the next best qualified applicants after those that were accepted. Because not all accepted applicants will end up attending the program they need to have a fall back plan to fill their classes. The downside of being on the waitlist is that you never know when and if you will be pulled off the waitlist and offered acceptance. It could take up to the day class starts for them to finish filling their class.
If you get waitlisted, try to find out where you stand on the list (most schools rank the waitlist too, so they start from the top if spots open up.) If you are in the top 5 I would say you have a decent chance of getting in. Below 5 it is unlikely but could happen. Also, it depends on which school it is. If you are waitlisted at a top program everyone wants to go to, chances are they will hardly, if at all, use their waitlist. And vice versa for a lower program.
If you get waitlisted, try to find out where you stand on the list (most schools rank the waitlist too, so they start from the top if spots open up.) If you are in the top 5 I would say you have a decent chance of getting in. Below 5 it is unlikely but could happen. Also, it depends on which school it is. If you are waitlisted at a top program everyone wants to go to, chances are they will hardly, if at all, use their waitlist. And vice versa for a lower program.