You applied to several schools. But your first choice didn't accept you. It waitlisted you. What exactly does this mean? And why do schools do waitlist applicants?
Let's start with the last question first. Schools typically offer places to more applicants than they have places for, on the theory and experience that they will have enough acceptances to fill their empty seats. In the event that they have fewer acceptances than they expected, the waitlisted candidates are offered whatever places are available.
So, if your first choice school waitlists you, what do you do? You should accept a place at one of the schools which has accepted you. Don't give it another thought. After all, you have already determined that all the schools you applied to were great 'fits'. That's all that matters. Besides, you can content yourself with the fact that your first choice thought highly enough of you that it waitlisted you.
Isn't there anything you can do? Should you call the admissions office and bug them? While it never hurts to express your interest in the school and remaining on its waitlist, it is never a good idea to pester the admissions staff. The "Don't call us. We'll call you." policy applies.
If you send in a deposit and accept a place at one of the schools which has offered you a place, you will forfeit your deposit if the waitlisting schools finally offers you a place and you accept it.
Resources
What To Do When You Are Waitlisted
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